The Federal Government has warned chairmen of its boards of parastatals to shun corrupt activities.

In line with its campaign against graft, the Federal Government has warned chairmen of its boards of parastatals to shun corrupt activities, saying corrupt boards of federal parastatals and agencies would henceforth be sacked and handed over to law enforcement authorities for prosecution.

Making the disclosure at the opening of a capacity building programme for chairmen of government boards and parastatals, yesterday in Abuja, Vice President Atiku Abubakar challenged them to conduct their “activities in line with extant rules and regulations,” just as he expressed belief in the possibility of building “a new democratic nation.”

“Government is very serious with its anti-corruption crusade and will not hesitate to dissolve and prosecute any board that is found wanting,” charging, “you must conduct your activities transparently and in line with extant rules and regulations.

“The task of building a new democratic nation is achievable and within our reach. Working together, patriotically, purposefully and transparently, we shall reach the Promised Land and bequeath to future generations of Nigerians a stable and prosperous nation,” the Vice President stated.

Atiku, who spoke at the programme organised by the Peoples Democratic Institute (PDI), said the appointment of “as many Nigerians as possible in the running of government parastatals and agencies was a deliberate attempt by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) “to ensure the full implementation of government policies and programmes.”

He acknowledged that the task before the appointees was enormous, but expressed optimism that their experience would see them through “You should ensure proper management of resources and provide for adequate staff welfare to boost morale and productivity,” he said, stressing, that “you must maintain a good working relationship with both the supervising ministry and the management of the organisations you supervise.”

Present at the occasion was the PDP Deputy National Chairman, Alhaji Shuaibu Oyedokun, who represented the party National Chairman, Chief Audu Ogbeh, Minister of Finance, Alhaji Adamu Ciroma, Nigeria’s ambassador to the United States, Professor Jubril Aminu, and Prince Tony Momoh, among others.

Chuks Akunna, This Day (Lagos), August 20, 2002