Lagos: A former Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, revealed her regret over not institutionalising the Whistleblowing Policy during her time in office. The policy, introduced in December 2016 as a measure to combat corruption, was not given legal backing, leading to its eventual decline.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adeosun addressed the issue while speaking at the second edition of the Citadel School of Government (CSG) Dialogue series, held in Lagos. During her keynote speech titled ‘The Rough Road to Reforms: The Risks, the Resistance, The Reprisals and the Resilient Leader’, she emphasized that the whistleblowing policy was one of the successful initiatives of late President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. Adeosun highlighted the importance of legal backing for government policies, noting that it helps maintain their continuity despite potential opposition from future administrations.
Adeosun’s speech touched on broader themes of leadership and reform, stating that reformers must be resilient and able to overcome institutional resistance. She also addressed the issue of corruption, asserting that it is a global phenomenon, but emphasized the importance of building strong institutions in Nigeria to combat it effectively.
Pastor Tunde Bakare, the founder of the CSG and the Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC), praised Adeosun for her continued contributions to Nigeria despite past challenges. He commended her integrity, noting that no allegations of misconduct were proven against her during her term as minister.
The dialogue series, as explained by the Executive Director of the CSG, Mr. Omoaholo Omoakhalen, aims to provide a platform for former government officials to share their insights and experiences. He highlighted the relevance of Adeosun’s topic to current and future leaders in Nigeria, emphasizing the ongoing need for comprehensive reforms across various sectors.