Whistleblower Policy An Effective Tool In Fight Against Corruption

Human Rights lawyer and activist, Festus Keyamo, has lauded the whistleblowing policy of the Federal Government as an
effective tool in tackling corruption.

Keyamo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos, that the various revelations about money stashed and abandoned in some places were the positive effect of the whistleblowing.

“People are now ready to blow whistle, the populace now has confidence in assisting the government in fighting corruption
through whistleblowing.

“The war against corruption which seemed to be lost is now turning back to a win situation and revival for the country. The only warning is that we are not yet there
but we have taken a huge step forward.

“Whistleblowing is very good and
everybody is now a watchdog. I commend the policy, a situation whereby everybody can raise alarm and also alert the Economic
Financial and Crime Commission (EFCC).

“We are gradually winning but we are not there yet as there are many things to be done in this regard,’’ he said.

Keyamo said that though whistleblowing had recorded some success stories, there
must be deligent investigation before trial in court to forestall loss of corruption cases.

“The second part of the anti-corruption fight is that we must strengthen the arm of prosecution if we don’t want corruption
cases as an exercise in futility.

“The investigative part of the alleged crime must be diligent so that by the time people
are taken to court, the case is solid enough and it will be easy for the prosecution to do
the job.

“In most cases, by the time the case gets to the prosecutor, the case is haphazardly done. But on the other way round, the
investigation should have been properly carried out and a prosecutor will do his
part.

“Investigation must be thorough before it gets to the prosecutors, it is important that investigations are well sorted out so that
the prosecution becomes easy,’’ he said.