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Scorched, NPAN pally FG on war against corruption

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The Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) still smarting from recent controversies that trailed it has assured the federal government that it would assist in the fight against corruption in the country.

Chairman of the association, Nduka Obaigbena, gave the assurance Thursday, when he received the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who was on a courtesy call to the Secretariat of the association in Lagos.

It would be recalled that the NPAN had been embroiled in controversy following allegations that it had received money from the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, purportedly for compensation for members’ newspapers seized by soldier, but alleged to have been part of the $2.1 billion arms procurement scam.

A number of members of the association have returned their share of the money, on the heels of the controversy the issue generated.

Obaigbena who is also the publisher of ThisDay newspaper noted, that the group had always been in the vanguard of the fight against corruption, and not ready to stop now, said “We will help you fight corruption because it is antithetical to development”.

On hand to receive the minister among others, were the Publisher of Vanguard newspapers, Mr. Sam Amuka, Mal. Ismaila Isa, both Life Patrons of the Association, former governor of Ogun State,Chief Segun Osoba, Mr. Ray Ekpu (both past Presidents of the Association) as well as Executive Council members and other members of the Association.

Obaigbena in welcoming the new vista with which the government is pursuing its anti- corruption drive, noted that more mileage would be garnered and the campaign more enduring, if government fights corruption by building strong institutions.

Read also: NPAN in disarray as the Sun, Punch express anger

To achieve greater result, he said it was imperative to first find the root cause of corruption, avoid arbitrariness and follow the rule of law.

He also advised, that there was a need to respect the doctrine of innocence under which an accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“It would be unjust and unfair to lump people together, and label everybody thieves, without separating the wheat from the chaff”, he added.

In his address, the minister sought the support and cooperation of the media owners, adding that it was not the intention of the government to intimidate anyone or group of persons.

Government’s current drive he argued, was motivated by the higher ideal of bringing happiness to the greater number of the citizenry. This he said would remain an illusion without curing the corruption cancer that had eaten deep into the nation.

 

 

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