We Must Fight Corruption Decisively, Gowon Urges Nigerians

Former Nigerian military ruler Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.) has called for more decisive approach in the fight against corruption.

Gowon made this known while speaking at the Northern Nigeria Stakeholders’ Town Hall Engagement organised by CITA- NGO at Arewa House, Kaduna.

He argued that the war against corruption must be decisive if the country must regain its lost glory.

We must win the fight, says Gowon

The former Head of State, who attributed the deteriorating quality of infrastructure, healthcare delivery among others to corruption, said the menace had made governance difficult.

“Truth be told, the fight against corruption is a fight that we must overcome, we must win it and win it decisively.

“Corruption has also caused deterioration in the quality of infrastructure, healthcare delivery and education among others.”

Gowon said the current economic situation facing the country was one of the most troubling economic crisis ever.

“I believe that the troubles and problems we have gone through in the past few years have helped Nigerians to see more clearly the difference between a self-sustaining economy and one that relies totally on a wasting asset such as oil.”

Basic infrastructure gets CBN’s attention

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria Godwin Emefiele, who was the guest speaker at the event, said  the route  to growth and prosperity “is investing  in basic infrastructure like roads, airports railways and information technology as well as enhancing fiscal policy more than ever before.”

Emefile, who was represented by the zonal director of the CBN in Kaduna, Alhaji Ahmed Gusau, said the agricultural sector remained the backbone of the nation’s economy.

He said the apex bank had committed N23bn in the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme with active participation across 14 states of the federation.

“We are gratified that the CBN’s borrower’s programme, together with other initiatives like Commercial Agricultural Scheme and NIRSAL are proving to be successful in several states,” he said.