Winifred Bosa.

THE United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria in collaboration with BudgIT , a civic organization and Religious Leaders Anti-Corruption Committee (RLAC) have  launched an online initiative called , “Report Yourself” , to facilitate greater people engagement in the social movement against corruption in Nigeria.

Through this web based platform , funded by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement in partnership with the Nigerian Law enforcement agencies , people will get an opportunity to proactively and directly report incidents and experiences of corrupt practices especially in key areas of thematic interest of civic engagement – police , marriage registry , driver’s license and tenancy law.

‘Report Yourself ‘not only offer Nigerians an opportunity to report instances of everyday bribery and graft on www.reportyourself.org but as well celebrate champions of change who shun corruption and conduct business honestly.

This will help BudgIT refer  and advocate with respective institutions such as the Nigeria Law Enforcement agencies to take actions against the corrupt and thereby reduce corruption in service delivery in sectors of the economy…

Speaking during the launch in Lagos, the Charge d’Affairs of the United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria, David Young, was optimistic that the new platform will initiate a “new movement” in the war against corruption as it puts the power to report corruption and bribery in the hands of the people.

Speaking he said, “I hope that ‘Report Yourself’ starts a new movement in citizen engagement and I hope every Nigerian who is affected by corruption will feel empowered to share their experiences.

“The tide will turn against the culture of corruption when Nigerians recognise that they must fight as one to stamp out this scourge that has hampered development and stifled prosperity.”

Explaining the impact of corruption on an ordinary Nigerian, Charge Young observed that corruption kills the dreams of Nigeria adding that corruption in Nigeria is not only about what goes on top but also about the daily pains it costs the petty trader on the street.

Thereby he urged Nigerians to demonstrate their commitment to the fight against corruption by making use of the innovative online platform, as they are working  for  the inclusion of more enforcement agencies and the judiciary in the platform.

In his speech, the Assistant Commissioner of Police and head of Nigerian Police Force Public Complaints Rapid Response Unit,  NPF-PCRRU, Mr. Abayomi Shogunle, who spoke on behalf of Commissioner of Police, told Nigerians to make proper use of PCRRU, a Nigerian Community based multiplatform mechanism whereby Nigerian can report police misconducts  to assist the police in its fight to realising zero tolerance of corruption.

He said that the PCRRU which is linked to Report Yourself website runs for 24 hours and also has WhatsApp, BBM, Twitter, mobile and email contacts which members of the public can avail of in filing official complaints to the agency.

He maintained that the Nigerian Police Force, NPF, is fully committed to the initiative adding that, “We will increase our dedication to promoting transparency and enhanced the fight against corrupt practices in both the government and co-operate institutions.”

Shogunle , however, urged the media to let people know about PCRRU as he urged the public to provide full details of occurrence stating when, where , whom , who , date and other details necessary for investigations.

Also speaking at the event, members of RLAC Steering Committee, Bishop Emmanuel Isong and Imam Shefiu, described corruption as the “Nigerian satan” and as the religious they observed that just praying over it is the weakest option but rather reporting and writing about it is the best form of faith .

RLAS therefore in a renewed commitment pledged to spread the gospel of the new innovation to their congregations and also include in every religion sermons on corruption.

Others who spoke at the occasion are Stanley Achonu, Manager operations, BudgIT , Felix Morka , director of the Socio- Economic Rights and Accountability Project SERAP.