For the anti-graft war to be successful there is need for paradigm shifts, especially in the way and method of prosecution of culprits, Prof. Chris Onalo, Registrar/Chief Executive, the Institute of Credit Administration has said.
In a statement issued at the weekend, Prof. Onalo said the Federal Government should adopt a more practical approach if it must succeed with the anti-corruption war.
According to him, a new perspective to weakening corruption, is allowing a soft landing programme for the indicted politicians/public office holders with the aim of reaching a deal with the looters to invest the looted funds in sectors that government will advise for the purpose of employment generation and expanded national wealth creation.
Government, he said, should: “Use the principle of debt forgiveness or debt rehabilitation in credit management to forge pleas bargain in legal prosecution against the indicted looters.
He also advised the government to shield the identity of the looters, and completely refrain from doing or saying anything that may be seen as damaging to the looters.
The government, he further stressed, can work closely with the shielded looters to work out a new national policy on the elimination of corruption in Nigeria.
The outcome of these measures, Onalo maintained will ensure that enough money is available to revive the economy through increased activities.
Besides, it will afford the government opportunity to institute new culture of governance, thus driving the “change mantra” project to a successful direction. Inflation will drop sharply. “The approach will be regarded globally as Nigeria’s inclusive model to destroying corruption.”