Community AntiGraft Initiative Condemn Extortion and illegal levies of Investors by communities in Rivers state

The community AntiGraft initiative, a non governmental organization resident in Rivers state condemn the corrupt practice of extorting corporate institutions, and individuals doing business in communities, especially the illegal levies imposed on the business people, in the guise of social responsibility to the host community. Community AntiGraft initiative urged the Rivers state ministry of chieftaincy and community affairs, to direct the traditional rulers in the state, to take the cases of extortion of corporate institutions in their domain, as a matter of public importance. C.A-G.I calls on the CDCs and community youth Associations to follow up,those members of their communities involved in the act, and ensure they are exposed, shamed and prosecuted. The president of the NGO,comrade Uche Odungweru said if this act of extortion is not controlled, Rivers state will be the highest in the ranks of States, where extortion is prevalent. And that will scare potential investors. Apart from extortion of investors and contractors handling development projects in the communities, we have observed with dismay, the wrong behaviors and corrupt practices of the community people that disrupt development, and create the wrong impact of social responsibility on the people. 1) Diversion of community funds 2) sales of employment and skills chances of the community to non indigenes 3) depravity of women in community opportunities 4) corrupt system of selecting community representatives etc. As an NGO, we are worried that, instead of the community people supporting companies and institutions in their domain to create the right impact of development, they are indulged with activities counter productive. We encourage the media, civil society groups, CDCs and multinational companies to join the campaign against Extortion and illegal levies. While, we condemn the level of extortion and illegal levies imposed on the business people, The COMMUNITY ANTIGRAFT INITIATIVE commend the efforts of the Rivers state Government in fighting crime and maintaining peace in communities. For further details or interview on this release contact C.A-G.I @ com.an.graft.ini@gmail.com. Signed Comrade Uche Odungweru President Community AntiGraft initiative.