By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe
Behavioural change has been identified as the solution towards solving societal problems, including corruption in public service. And to achieve this objective, elected officials should strive to imbibe morality which one achieves through conscious efforts at letting the percepts of God to guide his conducts.
The call was made during a one-day Interfaith Meeting with elected representatives in Owerri, Imo State, on the 27th of April, and organized by University of Nigeria Nsukka Muslim Community (UNNMC) in conjunction with MacArthur Foundation. The occasion also called for stronger advocacy for accountability from public positions to positive attitudinal change among individuals, households and groups.
Addressing the participants, the Evaluation Officer, Engr. Salawu Sikiru, disclosed that the burden of corruption in the country makes it imperative for all concerned to embark on continuous advocacy towards getting the society out from its crippling effects. He enjoined those in attendance to leverage the gathering to transform their localities and working environments by encouraging people around them to shun corrupt practices.
While Shaykh Salih Animashaum; the Southeastern Zonal Co-ordinator of Interfaith Mediation Centre, Owerri, during his lecture on the theme: “Promoting Accountability and Anti-Corruption through Behavioural Change Approaches” described corruption as a conscious indulgence in negativity against what is right and acceptable in the society. He traced the menace to the time of Adam in holy books who disobeyed God by listening to the evil one to eat the forbidden fruit, and thus admitted the imperfection of humanity.
Salih, who predicated his lecture on Islamic teachings, reasoned that what transpired between Adam and the evil one explained the existence of God; the Supreme Being and forces that instigate mankind against doing the will of God. In the face of this challenge, the lecturer revealed the power and efficacy of knowledge which he said God gifted man to discern what is good and evil. And applying this knowledge positively, he maintained would help one to overcome immoral behaviours.
He wondered why public officials often betray the trust of their mandates by engaging in corrupt practices and accumulating ill-gotten and unnecessary wealth, but advised them to always show moderation and self contentment as taught by great prophets of God. He called for a change of attitudes by Nigerians at public and private settings towards making the country better, as he charged all to always act as God’s ambassadors on earth.
While Professor Protus Nathan Uzoma of the University of Uyo, who decried corruption and its devastating effects, however, put the blame on religious leaders whom he accused of failing in their duties to lead people alright. He said that their attitudes of praising corrupt officials instead of rebuking them would always encourage negative behaviours, and regretted that few that speak the truth are criticized and persecuted. He also wondered the contradiction of seemingly religious society without practicing the tenets.
Prof Uzoma, therefore, called on religious leaders and all the citizens to embrace new behaviours that are rooted in religious teachings, adding that God through various channels of religion, has set standards that mankind should imbibe for the good of all. He further urged Nigerians to always put their consciences into productive use, and to act according to laws and social norms that encourage accountability.
The event which witnessed interactions among the participants, also had in attendance Lawal Rasheed Segu, Program Officer; Alh Abdullahi Chucks Anyachonkeya, Account Officer and Alh Ibrahim Onyeagocha among others.
