….Corruption, Hindering National Development – ICPC Boss
BY JOSEPH UNDU
ABUJA
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), on Monday, at Abuja organized a one day Conference with over 30 State Attorneys-General in a bid to strengthen the Commission’s capacity for corruption prevention in Nigeria.
In his opening remarks the Chairman of the ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN said, “corruption is not merely a legal issue but a common enemy hindering national development.”
He also said, it is a “cancer that erodes public trust, stifles economic growth, and perpetuates inequality.”
The Conference which had the theme, “Building A Unified Front Against Corruption In Nigeria” brought together many legal experts, and other strategic stakeholders in the fight against corruption.
According to the Chairman, fighting corruption to save Nigeria from the complex and longstanding threats to our peace, good governance and socio-economic development is a collective responsibility.
He said, “The Commission put in place several initiatives like the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTU) in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), System Study and Review (SSR) on MDAs, Corruption Risk Assessment (CRA) on MDAs, Ethics and Compliance Scorecard (ECS) for MDAs, Corruption Monitoring and Evaluation (CME), the National Anti-Corruption Coalition (NACC) with Non-Governmental Organizations, National Anti-Corruption Clubs in schools, developed the National Values Curriculum for schools in collaboration with the education sector, amongst many others.
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“In December of 2016, the Federal Government designed a National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) to be implemented from 2017-2022, which was later renewed as National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2022-2026.
“The objectives were to enhance public participation in the fight against corruption, boost public confidence in the criminal justice system, align the interest of public and private institutions in adopting transparency and accountability, reorient citizens on the need to embrace integrity and patriotism as against the desire for personal gain and to prioritise the recovery and management of proceeds of crime.
“As part of our implementation strategy, we have invited you here today to examine our current justice system and develop effective strategies to enhance the ICPC’s capacity for preventive measures. I hope to also enhance synergy between State Attorneys General and State anti-corruption agencies now established nationwide with the ICPC to provide a suitable platform for an effective fight against corruption and a viable solution to Nigeria’s current socio-political problems.”
“I am confident that together, we can forge a unified front against this pervasive ill and create a brighter, more equitable future for all Nigerians.”
Also speaking, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Senator Emmanuel Udende, ably represented by Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan SAN (Designate), the ICPC, as a critical institution in our anti-corruption framework, has made commendable strides in curbing corruption through both enforcement and preventive measures
However, he explained that, “We must acknowledge that the ICPC’s success in executing its mandate is intrisically linked to the level of cooperation and support it receives from other arms of government, particularly at the state level.
“One of the key objectives of today’s engagement is to identify and address corruption-inducing social norms within the criminal justice system that hinder the ICPC’s efforts.Corruption often thrives where there is a normalization of unethical behavior, where societal norms tacitly accept or even encourage acts of corruption.
“This normalization can manifest in various forms within the criminal justice system-whether through the manipulation of legal processes, delays in the administration of justice, or the undue influence exerted by powerful individuals.”
Other dignitaries who graced the occasion include, the Chairman, House Committee on Anti-Corruption, Prince Kayode Moshood Akiolu, the Chairman of the Body of State Attorneys General, Dr. Ben Udoh, Honourable Attorney General of Ebonyi State, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Maxi Afam Osigwe SAN, the Keynote Speaker, Chief Kanu G. Agabi, SAN and former Attorney General of the Federation, the former Chairman of ICPC, Mr. Ekpo Nta and Secretary to the Commission Mr. Clifford Oparaaodu among others.
