A member of Osun House of Assembly, Mr Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has commended the Senate for passing the Whistle-blower Protection Bill, saying it would strengthen government’s fight against corruption.
Oyintiloye, (APC-Obokun State Constituency), gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Osogbo.
He also said the bill would serve a morale booster to whistle-blowers with the assurance of adequate protection from the risks involved in exposing corrupt practices.
Oyintiloye also applauded members of the Senate for giving the bill accelerated passage.
The lawmaker said the way and manner the bill was passed was another indication that the National Assembly was fully in support of the fight against corruption in the country.
“I must commend the Senate for passing this bill. No doubt it will help government’s campaign against corruption.
“Most importantly, this Bill will protect the lives of those who risk exposing corrupt practices in Nigeria.”
“Nigeria is a great country and we must move forward; but for us to move faster, we must kill corruption.
‘’With the passage of this bill, corruption will no longer strive as it used to,” he said.
The lawmaker also commended the Senate for approving five per cent remuneration of loots recovered by any whistle-blower, adding that it would encourage more people to expose corrupt elements in the country.
Oyintiloye, who is the House Committee Chairman on Information and Strategy, however, cautioned whistle-blowers to shun fake whistle-blowing, reminding them of a five-year jail term or N10 million damage awaiting fake whistle-blowers
The Senate on Wednesday passed the bill which provides that a person who makes a disclosure shall not be subject to victimisation by his or her employer or fellow employees.
It also provides that a person who makes a disclosure has the right to take legal action, if he or she is victimised, dismissed, suspended or declared redundant by his or her employer.
It also protects anybody who makes a disclosure from being transferred against his or her will, harassed or intimidated in any manner among others. (NAN)
VE/EMO/DUA