
A member
of Osun House of Assembly, Mr Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has commended the Senate
for passing the Whistle-blower Protection bill, saying it would strengthen
government’s efforts against corruption. Whistle-blowers Oyintiloye in an
interview with the journalist on Thursday in Osogbo said the bill would serve
as a morale boosters for whistleblowers, since they are assured of adequate
protection. The lawmaker said the bill would also go a long way in assisting
Federal Government in its fight against corruption and also protect faithful
Nigerians who will be risking their lives in exposing corrupt practices.
Oyintiloye (APC-Obokun State Constituency) applauded members of the Senate for
given the bill accelerated passage. He said the way and manner the bill was
passed by the lawmakers was another indication that the National Assembly was
fully in support of fight against corruption in the country. The lawmaker also
commended the Senate for approving five per cent of loot recovered for
whistle-blowers, saying it would serve as a source of encouragement.
Oyintiloye, who is the House Committee Chairman in Information and Strategy,
however, sound a note of caution to whistleblowers.
According to him, since
there is a punishment of a five -year jail term or N10 million against fake
whistle blowing, whistle-blower should exercise caution by ensuring that the
information they are providing to the government are genuine. ” I must commend
the Senate for passing this bill. No doubt, it will help government’s campaigns
against corruption. ” And most importantly, this Bill will protect the lives of
those who risk themselves to expose corrupt practices in Nigeria.” “Nigeria is
a great country and we must move forward but for us to move faster, we must
kill corruption and with the passage of this bill, corruption would no longer
strive as before. ”
The Senate on Wednesday passed the the Whistle-Blowers
Protection Bill. Under the newly passed Bill, a person who makes a disclosure
shall not be subject to victimisation by his or her employers or by fellow
employees. Also, a person who makes a disclosure has the right to take legal
action if he or she is victimised, dismissed, suspended, declared redundant,
transferred against his or her will, harassed or intimidated in any manner. The
bill, however, recommends a five-year jail term or N10m fine against persons
who raise false alarm on hidden loot.
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Oyebols
Thursday, 20 July 2017