Bauchi state chapter of the National Council of Women Society (NCWS) has lamented the proliferation of corrupt practices across ministries in Nigeria, saying the menace is eaten deep into the fabrics of the nation’s socio-economic well-being.
The chairperson of the society, Barrister Shafa’u Ladan expressed the concern over the weekend during a rally organized by the group in collaboration with the office of the state first lady Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed as part of activities marking the African anti corruption day.
Barrister Shafa’u also lamented over of ghost workers on the payroll of the Bauchi State, urging Governor Bala Mohammed to fish them out in order to avoid wasting its lean resources.
She said it is deeply worrisome for some civil servants to be collecting multiple salaries when many youths in the state are jobless.
“It is really disheartening and sad to be faced with challenges associated with ghosts’ workers phenomenon. “How can someone be collecting multiple salaries at the detriment of so many citizens of the state? Even with the lean resources of government, payroll kept swelling up due to proliferation of ghosts’ workers.
Barrister Shafa’u said many qualified citizens who due for employment were denied the opportunity as a result of the ghost workers’ syndrome in the state.
“There are so many qualified citizens of Bauchi state that need to be employed by the state government, but a large chunk of the state’s funds goes into paying these unscrupulous elements in the form of ghost workers. “Until this ugly challenge is mitigated, it is not likely that government may lift embargo on employment”, she said.
Shafa’u appealed to women groups to continue to advocate for a society that is free of corruption and raise their voices against gender based violence in any form.
“Such campaigns will go a long way in drumming up support for efficiency, transparency and accountability in governance. “It is a clarion call that must be answered by all, to ensure a just society that would be the pride of future generations” she added.
