Prosecute oil thieves now – TUC

THE Trade Union Congress has called on the Federal Government to begin the prosecution of those indicted in the fuel subsidy probe reports without further delay.
The TUC said it was necessary for the government to take legal action against alleged subsidy thieves in the country and others who had stolen the nation’s wealth.
Speaking in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the Rivers State Chairman of the union, Mr. Chika Onuegbu, said such measure would serve as deterrent to corrupt Nigerians.
Onuegbu expressed dismay that government had yet to demonstrate enough commitment towards the prosecution of those indicted in the fuel subsidy scam.
He urged Nigerians to participate in the fight against corruption by reporting cases of corrupt practices to the appropriate authorities.
He said, “The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Rivers State, joins other well meaning organisations in commemorating the International Anti-Corruption Day.
“We are calling on the Federal Government to sincerely prosecute all those who have been implicated in the various probes at the National Assembly, especially the fuel subsidy probe.
“The fact is that the Federal Government has not demonstrated that it is sincerely committed to prosecuting all those involved in the fuel subsidy scam. This obviously paints the Federal Government in bad light.”
He noted that apart from undermining democratic institutions by distorting electoral processes, corruption was denying the citizens the benefits of economic growth.
The state TUC chairman pointed out that corruption was perverting the rule of law, creating bureaucratic quagmires and encouraging the giving and taking of bribes.
He said, “Economic development is stunted because foreign direct investment is discouraged and small businesses within the country often find it impossible to overcome the start-up costs required because of corruption.”
Culled: Punchng