Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Magu, as well as Governors of Nasarawa, Umaru Tanko Almakura; Plateau, Simon Lalong; Kwara, Abdufatah Ahmed; Benue, Samuel Ortom; Kogi, Yahaya Bello and Niger, Abubkar Sani Bello, were on Sunday conspicuously absent from the anti-corruption rally for the North Central zone.

The ‘National Anti-Corruption, Peace and Unity’ mega rally was organised by Nigeria Entertainers, Civil Society Organisations (CSO), National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS), Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), and National Council for Women Society (NCWS) and powered by Ambassadors of Voice for Change Initiative Nigeria.

Our correspondent observed that all the five governors that make up the North Central were absent, while the host Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger state was represented by his deputy, Ahmad Muhammad Ketso.

Magu, who was billed to present a paper titled, ‘The Effect of Corruption in Socio-economic Development of Nigeria, was also not present and was not represented.

Our correspondent also observed that the general turnout at the Trade Fair Complex Minna venue of the event was low.

In his welcome address, a Nollywood actor, who is also the President of the Ambassador of Voice for Change Initiative Nigeria, Mr. Clem Ohameze, called for support for President Muhammadu Buhari’s fight against corruption.

“Corruption has contributed largely to the shunted growth of our dear country; it has invaded every sphere of our dear nation,” he said.

The Niger state deputy governor said the state government would partner with the home video actors in the country for a sensitisation campaign on anti-corruption.

“Nigerians should re strategise to see to possibility of taking the anti-corruption campaign to the doorsteps of Nigerians through sensitisation as corruption has became a cancer worm and difficult to eradicate amongst Nigerians,” he said. (Daily Trust)

•Adapted from a Daily Trust report.