The National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) has labelled the civil service as the most corrupt entity in Nigeria, urging a focus on combating corruption within this sector to achieve meaningful progress.
In a letter to President Bola Tinubu, the NCEF emphasised the need for an independent Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) free from political influence.
Highlighting the persistent corruption within the civil service and the National Assembly, the Christian elders stressed that any serious anti-corruption efforts must begin at these levels.
They said, “An area of increasing concern is the corruption in the civil service and amongst public officials. If corruption is not tackled effectively at this level, no government can claim to succeed in fighting corruption.
“The most corrupt entities in Nigeria are the government officials. “Most Civil Servants conduct their duties as if they are doing the people a favour. It is fast becoming the norm that unless they are financially induced, they will not lift a finger to do any work for which they are employed and paid salaries.
“The civil servants no longer hide their greed neither are they ashamed about it. On the contrary, they have developed an entitlement mentality that indicates they truly believe they deserve to be bribed before they can do their work.
“An effective fight against corruption in Nigeria must start from the civil service and the National Assembly. Legislators that allocate to themselves humongous salary, and allowances, to represent people who daily live in penury and poverty is the height of corruption.
“The National Christian Elders Forum advocates an independent EFCC that would be free from any political restraint in the discharge of its duties.”
They criticized the political class for erasing the dividing line between state treasury and private funds, which has exacerbated the culture of corruption.
“The establishment of EFCC was a good idea until it became a tool to fight political opponents by the party in power,” stated the NCEF.
They urged that EFCC officials’ appointments should be politically independent, to ensure credible prosecution of corrupt individuals.
The NCEF also called for the adoption of the draft Constitution from the 2014 National Conference through a national referendum.
This, they argue, would create a legitimate constitution representing all Nigerians, as the conference included diverse representatives from across the country.
In the letter, signed by National Chairman Dr Samuel Danjuma Gani and other prominent members, the forum outlined four critical areas for government focus: the need for a new constitution, a credible fight against corruption, judicial independence, and the prevention of a proposed national protest planned for August 2024.
The Christian elders emphasised that the current 1999 Constitution lacks legitimacy, as it was not genuinely created by the people.
They proposed adopting the 2014 National Conference draft as a solution to Nigeria’s constitutional issues.
They said, “As Elders, we do not support any action that might lead to loss of lives and destruction of national assets and individual properties. Under the circumstances, we advocate that the government must change its approach to governance and restore hope and confidence in the people.
“The challenge facing the government has been how to develop a new constitution. While many voices agree that Nigeria requires a new constitution, there is yet to be a consensus on how it should be done. Consequently, many proposals have come forth, one of which is the perennial amendment by the National Assembly.
“Unfortunately, that process has not provided the required solution after six amendment exercises by various legislative assemblies. In addition, the efforts of the National Assembly have been condemned that the responsibility of the legislators is to make laws and not to give the country a constitution.
“The task of producing a constitution is the responsibility of the ethnic nationalities.
“The National Christian Elders Forum proposes that in view of the urgency to jump-start the economy and guarantee safety and prosperity for the citizens, the government should adopt the draft Constitution of the 2014 National Conference.
“That document could be a starting point having been agreed upon by representatives of the various ethnic nationalities and participants from various sectors of the economy and the society.”
Addressing the judiciary, the NCEF expressed concern over partisan politics infiltrating judicial processes, eroding the judiciary’s credibility and integrity.
They cited a National Bureau of Statistics report indicating a rise in bribery among judges and magistrates from 19% in 2019 to 50% in 2023.
“Government must call politicians to order to desist from infiltrating the judiciary with inordinate political ambitions. The independence of the judiciary must be guaranteed,” they stressed.
In their appeal to President Tinubu, the elders warned that Nigeria is at a critical juncture, with increasing public discontent and potential for unrest.
They urged the government to instil hope and confidence among citizens by committing to significant reforms and addressing the root causes of corruption.
