FG URGES CAN PRESIDENT SULTAN TO JOIN YOUTH CYBERCRIME FIGHT

Overview

Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), addressed the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) meeting in Abuja. The meeting, themed “The Role of Religious Leaders in Combating Corruption and Cybercrime,” was reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Rising Concern of Cybercrime

Akume expressed concern over the increasing cybercrime among youths on various technology platforms. He emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue, particularly due to the involvement of many young people who are seen as future leaders. He noted that institutions of higher learning have become breeding grounds for such activities, as highlighted by statistics from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Institutional Efforts

Efforts to combat cybercrime have involved several institutions, including the EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the police, technology-based initiatives, and the judiciary. Akume acknowledged that moderate successes have been achieved in apprehension, prosecution, and convictions, but emphasized that more work is needed. He reiterated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to eradicate this menace.

Role of Religious Leaders

Akume called on religious leaders to use their moral, religious, and traditional authority to develop strategies to assist the government in tackling cybercrime and corruption.

Perspectives from Religious Leaders

Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar

• Study on Corruption: He suggested conducting a study to understand why corruption persists in Nigeria.
• Concerns About Wealth Accumulation: Abubakar criticized the trend of officials becoming wealthy overnight and highlighted the lack of accountability.
• Call for God’s Intervention: He prayed for leaders to govern with the fear of God and stressed the impermanence of life, questioning the excessive accumulation of wealth at the expense of others.

President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh

• Deviation from Values: Okoh noted a shift from the love of God to the love of money in the country.
• Religious Challenge: He mentioned that the contradiction between widespread religiosity and rising materialism and corruption challenges religious leaders to re-examine their roles.
• Return to Holy Teachings: Okoh emphasized the need to return to the teachings of holy books to guide people on the right path.

NIREC’s Role

NIREC, a voluntary association of 50 members (25 Christians and 25 Muslims), was established to foster greater interaction and understanding among religious leaders and their followers. It aims to promote sustainable peace and religious harmony in Nigeria.

Conclusion

The NIREC meeting underscored the critical role of religious leaders in combating corruption and cybercrime. It highlighted the need for collaborative efforts between the government and religious institutions to address these pervasive issues in Nigerian society.

Source: Pulse

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