ADC designates corruption as banditry

The African Democratic Congress has designated corruption as banditry, describing it as a menace that needs to be tackled head-on.

The designation is contained in the ADC Governance Principles and Code of Ethics, named the Orange Book, which is binding on all party members and elected or appointed government officials under the party.

According to the party, any stealing or misuse of public money amounts to banditry.

Explaining the rationale behind the designation, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, said banditry was not limited to violent acts but included any acts of corruption by government officials.

He stated that the ADC decided to designate corruption as banditry to alert Nigerians to how ruinous the menace is and encourage them to join hands with any party that sincerely commits to stamping corruption out of the country.

Abdullahi, who spoke with Sunday PUNCH on Saturday, said, “Designating corruption as banditry is to awaken the consciousness of Nigerians on the seriousness of the economic crime which has eaten deep into the fabric of the nation. It is to alert citizens to how ruinous the menace is to our country and individuals.

“The word banditry in Nigeria today comes with rapt attention because of the damage it has done to human lives, the environment and the economy.

“But in the ADC term, while banditry is a violent act, corruption is the economic form of banditry and we must let the public know that. Corruption has brought the country to its knees, and has enjoyed great freedom under the Tinubu administration.”

The ADC spokesman alleged that “the composition of the Tinubu’s campaign team is enough evidence that this administration is corruption-friendly, as it has been protecting and appointing individuals battling with various corruption cases.”

Abdullahi added that the ADC was committed to fighting corruption and would not let Nigerians down if elected into government.

“We must not let down our guard and that is why we designate corruption as banditry. Nigerians should know how serious the menace is and join hands with the ADC to kick out this Tinubu’s administration, which has been paying lip service to fighting corruption.

“The fight against corruption cannot be left to government officials alone because the consequences of corruption are borne by ordinary Nigerians through poor public services, unemployment, insecurity and the deterioration of infrastructure.

“This is why Nigerians must support a political platform that is committed to making accountability and responsible use of public resources central to governance,” he added.