Abuja: Mr. Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, a former Federal Commissioner of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), has called on journalists to engage in thorough fact-finding, particularly in relation to the alleged missing N34 trillion from the federation revenue.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Agbonayinma emphasized the importance of transparency and truth in reporting, stating that Nigerians have the right to know the truth about the alleged missing funds. He made these remarks in Abuja during his investiture as Patron of the Association of Edo Journalists in Abuja (AEJA).
Reports associated with the World Bank have suggested that while the total federation revenue is projected to reach N84 trillion over the three-year period from 2023 to 2025, a significant portion, amounting to 41 percent (N34.53 trillion), was deducted before reaching the Federation Account. However, the Federal Ministry of Finance has refuted claims that these funds are ‘missing’ or ‘stolen,’ asserting that the deductions were legitimate ‘first-line charges,’ statutory transfers, and security expenditures.
Reacting to these developments, Agbonayinma highlighted the vital role of journalism in driving national progress. He urged journalists to delve deeper than surface-level reporting and engage in investigative journalism, which he described as a service to humanity.
Agbonayinma, who previously served as the lawmaker representing Oredo Federal Constituency, expressed concerns over Nigeria’s current state, lamenting the nation’s unfulfilled potential 66 years after gaining independence. He criticized corruption as a pervasive issue within the country, attributing Nigeria’s challenges not to external forces but to systemic corruption.
He called for unity across political divides, emphasizing that true redemption requires patriotic action from within the country rather than reliance on foreign intervention. Agbonayinma questioned why Nigerians excel abroad but face difficulties at home, urging citizens to take constitutional measures to rebuild the nation.
Agbonayinma also commended the leadership and members of the AEJA for honoring him and pledged to collaborate with the association for improved reportage and national development.