IGP Egbetokun Identifies Corruption As Bane Of Good Governance, As Nigeria Ranks 150 Among 180 Corrupt Nations
•By Oyeniyi Awojoodu, Ibadan
IBADAN – The Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has identified corruption as bane of good governance in the country, stressing that security is responsibility of all and sundry.
Dr Egbetokun speaking on Wednesday at the University of Ibadan, Ibadan as the guest lecturer at 2024 Convocation Lecture held at the Trenchard Hall noted that citizens’ responsibilities are the backbone of democracy and good governance.
Speaking on the theme of the lecture, “Unlocking Progress: The Indispensable Trio Of Security, Governance, and Citizens’ Responsibilities maintained that governance is referred to the processes and structures that guide how power is exercised, decision are made and public resources are managed for the benefit of all.
Egbetokun linked poor governance to corruption, saying in 2022, Nigeria is ranked 150th out of 180 countries on the corruption Perception index, stressing that citizens have both constitutional and moral responsibilities that are essential in strengthening and maintaining the balance between governance and security.
He stated that responsible citizens will led to responsible government, saying there is need for Nigerians to start looking at their responsibilities as a good citizens of the country before criticizing the government.
According to him, Nigerians continue blaming the government but failed to pay attention to what they can do as a responsible citizens of the nation for her development and stability.
The said national progress is achieved only when governance structures are transparent, security is ensured through collaboration between law enforcement and citizens, and citizens actively participate in upholding both legal and moral standards.
He noted that the synergy between security, governance and citizens responsibilities is essential for sustainable development.
He said, “Security enable governance by creating a stable environment, governance promotes security through effective policies and citizens ensured both participating in Democratic process.”
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Egbetokun maintained that the ongoing reforms embarked by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu federal government led administration in security and governance such as community policing and anti-corruption measures are steps towards progress of Nigeria.
“By recognising interconnectedness of the above mentioned elements, nations like Nigeria can unlock her full potential and achieve sustainable development.”
He however said future of security and governance lies in collective effort, where the government, law enforcement and citizens work together towards a common goal of national peace and stability.
Earlier in his remark, the Vice Chancellor (VC), University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale said the significant of the lecture was to look into issues affecting the nations advancement, describing the lecture as collective effort towards unlocking full potential of the society.
He however said this year’s convocation lecture will explore critical security, governance and citizens responsibilities as foundation for national development.