A leading Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Global Peace Development (GPD), has identified street profiling and the passage of the Whistleblower Protection Bill 2024 as critical measures to address insecurity and strengthen accountability in Delta State and Nigeria at large.
Speaking at a one-day training for media practitioners and social media influencers in Asaba, the Executive Director of GPD, Mr. Ebruke Esike, stressed that the bill was designed to promote transparency and accountability in the use of public funds while creating a safer environment for citizens to report corruption without fear of retaliation.
“The Whistleblower Protection Bill is not just about volunteers. It is about ensuring visibility for every Deltan to freely volunteer information that will add value to governance and the economy of the state,” Esike said.
He explained that the bill would also play a key role in tackling insecurity, restoring public trust, and reviving nightlife in Delta communities.
However, he cautioned against misuse, warning that individuals who deliberately provide false information to victimize others would face consequences under the law.
Mr. Esike noted that the proposed bill builds on the Public Finance Management Bill, earlier passed into law during Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s tenure as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly.
According to him, the Whistleblower Protection Bill will close existing gaps in governance by safeguarding citizens who expose fraud, bribery, embezzlement, and other forms of misconduct.
He further emphasised the crucial role of the media in driving the bill’s success, stating that journalists and influencers are “great actors in community development” who can amplify citizen voices and advocate for transparency.
Supported by the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the training highlighted the importance of whistleblowing in dismantling corrupt networks, recovering stolen funds, and strengthening accountability.
Participants were urged to use their platforms to educate the public, demystify whistleblowing, and advocate for the bill’s speedy passage into law.
