Ribadu, others seek protection for whistleblowers

The pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has called for stronger backend confidentiality and security for whistleblowers from retaliation and redress for undue harassment.

He made the call yesterday in Abuja at the public presentation of the first year report of the Corruption Anonymous (CORA) project by African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL).

He said “The whistleblower policy is new and evolving. There are issues and grey areas that need to be addressed to arrive at a more robust document. The backend of the public interface platform needs serious tightening to make it foolproof and ensure that it is not compromised. Those who volunteer information need to be sure of their security and confidentiality. Whistleblowers also need absolute protection from retaliation and redress for undue harassment.”

Deputy Director, MacArthur Foundation, Mr Dayo Olaide said the fight against corruption could only be won with cooperation between citizens and government.

He urged the National Assembly to pass numerous anti-corruption bills lying moribund in the assembly to strengthen the fight.

The Coordinator of the centre, Mr Chido Onumah, said AFRICMIL launched the CORA project to engage civil society and Nigerians in tackling corruption.

He said the project was aimed at creating awareness about whistle-blowing and making Nigerians see the need to adopt the policy as a tool for reducing corruption in the country.