By Praise Chinecherem
Clergymen in Anambra State have identified religion as a strong weapon that can be employed in the fight against corruption.
The clerics disclosed this in Awka, Anambra State, at a one day community engagement organized by the Muslim Community of University of Nigeria Nsukka, in collaboration with Bayero University Kano.
The event, funded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, is themed: “Promoting Accountability and Anti Corruption Campaign through behavioural change approaches”.
One of the clerics, Rev. Emmanuel Okoroafor noted that corruption came to destroy the work of God, which was beautiful at the beginning.
He stressed the need for religious organizations to take serious action against corruption which has eaten deep into the fabrics of the society.
He said, “We have been talking about corruption but we need to start taking action. If we must promote accountability, we must not be found wanting in anyway. We must resolve personally to live above corruption.
“To tackle corruption, you must identify it, be willing to combat it. You must be corrupt-free, take a bold step against corruption and make everyone accountable in our churches and mosques and in government.”
Another clergyman, Pastor Kosisochukwu Ezenwafor explained that corruption is beyond money, saying religious organizations must complement government efforts in combatting it.
“Materialism encourages corruption and religious leaders should begin to teach the true tenets and values of their religions to the members. We must teach them to be content,” he said.
On his part, an Islamic Cleric, Alhaji Jimoh Ali, said, “we need to rightly understand our purpose on earth. We are not here to make wealth. Politics in Nigeria is nothing but corruption. Start the corruption fight from yourself and your family. We must allow the reality of the day of accountability to guide our actions.
“Corruption has killed several persons. Let’s go and start with our children. Teach your children to do the right thing. Corruption has a cancerous effects on the society and we must keep fighting it until it is reduced to the barest minimum”.
Earlier, Director, University of Nigeria Nsukka Muslim Community, represented by the Accounting Officer, Alhaji Chuks Anyachonkeya, tasked participants to scale the lessons down to their respective organizations.
“There is hope for Nigeria. All should set a goal to end well with their maker. Go and put the lessons into use”.
Sharing their experiences about corruption, some participants appreciated how tasking it is to fight corruption but encouraged all to keep the fight raging, notwithstanding the inhibitions.
“Selfishness is the basis of corruption. We must think less about ourselves and prioritize the good of the society,” one of them said.
