By Ankeli Emmanuel (Sokoto)
As the nation's quest for National Ethics and Integrity Policy continues to generate public interest, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar 111, has challenged the federal government to explain to Nigerians, the total amount of billions recovered so far and how they were being spent.
Sultan Abubakar 111, spoke at the zonal dialogue with stakeholders on the National Ethics and Integrity Policy in Sokoto. He added that even if Nigerians kept mute on the issue of recovered loot, the federal government should tow the path of honor and give a detailed explanation on what was recovered and how it was used.
The National Ethics and Integrity Policy dialogue was organized by the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for the North West Zone.
Sultan who was represented by the Wazirin Sokoto, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, decried the practice of keeping Nigerians under suspense by the continued delay in publicly declaring what has so far been collected from those who looted public funds. He said such unacceptable practice would not only cast a shadow of doubt but will also cast a slur on the federal government's fight against corruption.
The Sultan said: "The government owes Nigerians an explanation. We want to know how much billions of Naira were recovered from our past leaders, where the money is kept, and what is being done with them.
"This explanation is necessary considering the state of our education and other infrastructures like roads which need serious government attention,"
The traditional cum religious leader further advised leaders to obtain copies of the various books written about corruption by the founders of the Sokoto Caliphate as a guide to fighting the menace.
Speaking earlier, Mr. Ibrahim Alkali, the zonal head of ICPC in charge of Sokoto, Kebbi, and the Zamfara States, said the National Ethics and Integrity Policy was a child of necessity.
"It was conceived and delivered out of the urgent need to resuscitate and rejuvenate our lost values of honesty and integrity as a nation", the Sultan said. NNL.
