Non-governmental organisations operating under the umbrella of the Nigerian Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (NCCSO) have commended President Bola Tinubu for his decisive action against corruption in the public sector. The group specifically praised Tinubu for approving the immediate suspension and investigation of Halima Shehu, the National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), over allegations of financial impropriety.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the spokesperson for the coalition, Abimbola Ademola, expressed satisfaction with Tinubu’s swift response to allegations of corruption. Ademola emphasized that the president’s action sends a strong message to other public officials that there will be zero tolerance for unethical behavior during his tenure.
According to Ademola, the move signifies a departure from business as usual and underscores Tinubu’s commitment to tackling corruption. The coalition urged other ministers and appointees to take note of the president’s stance on corruption and emphasized the need for accountability in public service.
Halima Shehu, who was confirmed as the National Coordinator of NSIPA by the Senate on October 18, 2023, was relieved of her appointment by President Tinubu on January 2, 2024. The president also authorized relevant agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the activities of the agency under her leadership.