The president general of Ohanaeze Youth Council(OYC), Okechukwu Isiguzoro on Wednesday called on Nigerians to join hands with the present government led by President Muhammadu Buhari in eliminating corruption in the nation.
Mazi Isiguzoro further backed the federal government over the recent suspension of Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice, Walter Onnogben.
The youth leader who made this known in Abakaliki described corruption as a cankerworm which has eaten deeply into every sector of the nation.
Mr Isiguzoro further condemned the stand of some international communities, groups, individuals including the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, over the matter.
He insisted that public office holders in Nigeria as it were in developed and developing countries should abide by the Constitution of Nigeria which they swore to protect and not the opposite.
He gave instance of America, United Kingdom and other developed countries where public office holders on mere accusation would tender their resignation letter immediately before facing trial.
“But in Nigeria, the same countries we are learning good governance from will be the first to kick, they will like us to do the opposite, why?
“Fighting corruption as demonstrated by the present federal government should be welcome by all Nigerians irrespective of the political inclination, tribe, interest, religion or region.
“Noone should be made a scapegoat not minding his place in government. I know that fighting corruption is not what the federal government will achieve in a day but we must start somewhere.
“So those that are kicking against it have forgotten in a hurry that the same Justice Onnogben had in his career in the jury convicted suspects with similar matter. Nigeria is bigger than one individual, profession or belief.
“Think about it; how would you feel if you or your brother nor relations happened to be among those suspects Justice Walter Onnoghen have convicted and sentenced on criminal offences in his career in the court and today under similar crime he is set free”.
“I’m appealing to Nigerians irrespective of their individual interest to allow Justice Walter Onnoghen face his trial, if he is found guilty good for him, if he’s not good for him too.
“The same thing to the Nigeria Bar Association, they should allow the law to take its due course”, he explained.
He called on President Buhari to be just in the trial of Justice Onnoghen, but noted that it is a Constitutional obligation for every public office holder in Nigeria to declare his asset.
Mr Isigusoro assured Ndigbo and Nigerians in general that Ohanaeze youth council would continue to remain just on national issues.
The Nation
