ISMA advocates for good governance in Nigeria

The International Society for Moral Advancement (ISMA) has called for attitudinal re-orientation, redemption of cultural values, collective effort against corruption, human empowerment and promotion of good governance and responsive public conduct in the nation. The Director of the organization in Akwa Ibom State, Prince Emmanuel Akpabio stated this while briefing newsmen in his office, Uyo. However, Prince Akpabio amplifies the importance of the organisation, saying that their aim is to work with the government at every level to fight against corruption, promoting educational advancement, poverty alleviation and good governance.

 He said that the International Society for Moral Advancement was formed in 2005 and subsequently registered with the Federal government in 2008. Prince Emmanuel Akpabio maintained that the organization was established as a result of the dire need to work particularly with the state, Federal government and other relevant agencies to bridle the scourge of corruption, rekindle cultural values among the citizens and enhancement of good governance for the well being of the people. For instance, ISMA boss hinted that the body has been working with the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)     to eradicate corruption in the system.

However, Director ISMA, Uyo stressed that things have gone wrong generally in Nigeria and Akwa Ibom State in particular. He said that “The Influx of strange culture has systematically eroding African values which is detrimental to its development, promoting self aggrandisement at public expense and also marred the nation image in the international community” Prince Akpabio lamented what he describes as absence of “Father of the nation” in the Nigerian Polity. 

He describes “Father of the nation” as that national leader who places collective interest above personal interest and practically worked for the development of the nation for common good. Accordingly, he said leaders like Ghanaan former President Jerry Roland, Abraham Lincoln, America and Late Dr. Nelson Mandela of South Africa and some others are the true identity of “Father of the Nation”, because their reign brought significant development and human freedom in their respective nations. Consequently, the director has charged Nigerians to pray for the emergence of “Father of the nation” in our system. Hence, Prince Emmanuel Akpabio has applauded the tenacity and passion of President Muhammadu Buhari in the fight against corruption in Nigeria, describing it as a right step to reposition the nation for development and good reputation. 

He said that “President Buhari is doing the right thing for the interest of the Nigerians; therefore all hands must be on desk to eradicate this scourge in our system”. Similarly, with regard to governor Udom Emmanuel’s industrialization policy in the state, Prince Akpabio hinted that the policy is good, but he maintained that the required facilities to propel the policy should be adequately provided. He totally decried a situation where the governments will constantly deceiving the people over the project that does not exist. 

The ISMA Uyo director stressed that governor Udom Emmanuel should clearly inform Akwa Ibom people of his policy thrust and sincerely implement them as he did promise. However, he added that “with governor Udom religious background and vast experience in financial and human resource management, therefore he has no doubt that the governor will keep to his promise”. 

Moreover, he maintained that, Ibaka deep seaport is a very viable economic project with multiple benefits and if that is done it will certainly provides millions jobs to the youths and also improves the state’s revenue base. Also, the ISMA boss has cautioned government against politicizing his programmes, but stressing that government should have interest of the people at heart. 

Furthermore, Prince Emmanuel Akpabio has called for abrogation of the local government administration in the nation, describing the system as a potent unit that effectively enhances corruption at the grassroot. He said that “From history, local government chairmen in Akwa Ibom State rarely initiate laudable programmes that positively transform the lives of the rural dwellers; instead they are out there to enrich themselves and their political god fathers”.

 Prince Akpabio, therefore amplifies that Akwa Ibom people have no reason to live in abject poverty, despite huge resources accrued to the government. 

Hence, he calls on governor Udom Emmanuel to initiate relevant programmes that will ameliorate the plights of the people, and also charges them to rise collectively and speak against bad governance in the system.