Group wants independent body for whistle blowing

The new Chairman Board of Directors of the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) Dr. Momodu Kassim-Momodu has called for the establishment of an independent body to handle whistleblowing and related matters.

Speaking yesterday in Abuja at the inauguration of the Board, KassimMomodu said the call was to ensure sustenance and to fully develop a positive and effective whistleblowing practice and culture to strengthen the anti-corruption war.

The new chairman took over from Professor Abubakar Momoh, who recently completed his five-year tenure.

“The Whistleblower Policy from what we read and hear in the press has been very well received by the populace. The body should be truly independent and free from the control of any other government ministry, department, agency, or authority. It should have authority to prosecute, even as it works with existing law enforcement agencies like the Nigeria Police, EFCC and the Federal Ministry of Justice. The anti-corruption discourse ought to be connected to the interests and expectations of ordinary people,” he said.

Other members of the board are Mrs Ekaete Judith Umoh Vice Chairperson, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi Executive Director and Board Secretary, Professor Abdulmumini Bala Ahmed, Legal Adviser; Ms. Feyisetan Adunbi Diaspora Representative, Mr. Oladayo Olaide Director, Ms. Idayat Hassan Director, and Alhaji Alhassan Isah, Treasurer.