FCT, Abuja Former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman Attahiru Jega disclosed on Wednesday, November 13, that National Assembly members exert pressure on public servants to tamper with national budgets for personal benefit.
Speaking at the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Anti-corruption Training for Norm and Behaviour Change in Abuja on Wednesday, Jega recalled how certain lawmakers tried to sway budgetary decisions and land contracts, undermining the integrity efforts of public servants.
The former head of INEC criticised the pressures top officials face, especially from the legislative branch, in an interview that went viral. He also pointed out that public sector corruption is a “significant impediment” to Nigeria’s progress.
Mr. Jega went on to call his tenure as INEC chairman a “trial of endurance,” citing the ongoing push from lawmakers to influence the agency’s contracts and budget. According to Jega,
“even with the correct mindset, there are people—there may be legislators here—but I want to say it quite categorically—they put people in very difficult positions to do their job.” “A thick skin was necessary to withstand these pressures.”
“Avoiding vulnerabilities that could be exploited for compliance is important.”
