ICPC To Attorneys-General: Team Up With Us To Boost Accountability, Transparency
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, has called on the Attorneys-General of Nigeria’s North-West zone to join forces with the ICPC to enhance systems of accountability and transparency that benefit the public.
Dr. Aliyu made this appeal on Monday during a conference with State Attorneys-General in the North-West zone, focused on strengthening the ICPC’s capacity for preventing corruption.
The conference took place in Kano, Nigeria.
He reminded attendees of the Supreme Court’s judgment in AG Ondo State v. AG Federation & 35 Ors (2002), which emphasized the shared responsibility of both state and federal governments in combating corruption.
He stated, “This presents an opportunity to enhance our collaboration, ensuring that the systems we create are accountable and transparent.”
The ICPC, he stated, is empowered to investigate and prosecute corruption across all sectors of public service, adding that the support and local knowledge provided by the Attorneys-General are crucial for making the fight against corruption more effective.
He described the gathering as vital as it unites key stakeholders at the subnational level to discuss the necessity of a united front against corruption. The ICPC boss emphasized that addressing corruption is vital for the nation’s prosperity, asserting that no country can thrive where corruption is prevalent.
Dr. Aliyu referenced the 2023 report “Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends” by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which indicates a significant prevalence of bribery in the North-West region.
This trend, he added, is consistent with findings across Nigeria, particularly within public utilities, law enforcement, and administrative services.
He urged stakeholders in the sector to continue encouraging the people of the North-West to resist demands for bribes, noting a positive development: 70% of Nigerians approached for a bribe in 2023 refused to comply at least once.
Justice Dije Aboki, Chief Judge of Kano State, stated that the fight against corruption is not only a legal obligation but also a moral one, as corruption undermines governance, weakens institutions, and erodes public trust.
She commended the initiative to establish a community of Attorneys-General, which promotes collaboration, shared learning, and the harmonization of strategies across states. She stressed that no single institution can combat corruption in isolation.
Justice Aboki assured that the Judiciary in Kano State remains a steadfast partner in this effort and is committed to upholding the rule of law, ensuring that justice serves as both a shield for the innocent and a weapon against the corrupt. She also urged lawmakers to expedite the passage of the Whistle Blower Bill, which she believes will further support the fight against corruption.
Dr. Uche Immanuel, the representative of RoLAC, stated that following discussions with the Chairman of the Commission, it was decided to focus on the North-West region as a starting point. He noted that the region is currently leading the charge in combating corruption and institutionalizing systems for transparency and accountability.
Dr. Immanuel emphasized that RoLAC advocates for an inclusive approach to the fight against corruption, asserting that this is the only way to make a meaningful difference.
The Conference with the theme: Establishing a Community of Practice for Attorneys General” was attended by attorneys general from Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina states as well as chairmen of state anti-corruption commissions of Kano, Jigawa, Katsina and Kaduna states.
ICPC Boss Eulogises Armed Squad for Exceptional Performance
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu SAN has commended the commission’s armed squad for their outstanding performance during the evaluation of performance of shooting range training exercise holding at the 177 Battalion Guard Brigade of the Nigerian Army base at Keffi, Nasarawa State.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Aliyu lauded the armed squad for their discipline, precision, and professionalism demonstrated during the rigorous training sessions.
He emphasized that such high-level performance underscores the squad’s readiness to tackle corruption-related enforcement challenges and safeguard the lives of ICPC officials in the course of carrying out their official responsibilities.
“The armed squad has shown remarkable improvement and a commitment to excellence in handling arms and ammunition. This is a testament to their dedication to duty and their preparedness to confront any security challenges in the line of duty,” he said.
The shooting range training, which focused on marksmanship, tactical drills, sriping and mantling of different fire arms and operational readiness, is part of the ICPC’s continuous effort to enhance the capabilities of its personnel.
The chairman stressed the importance of the exercise in boosting the squad’s confidence and effectiveness in carrying out high-risk operations.
Dr. Aliyu highlighted the synergy between the ICPC and the Nigerian Army, expressing gratitude for the military’s support in training the commission’s armed personnel.
He noted that such partnerships are vital for strengthening Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework.
“By collaborating with the Nigerian Army, we are ensuring that our armed squad receives world-class training to meet the challenges of combating corruption. This collaboration is crucial to building a secure and corruption-free society,” he added.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Aliyu reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to supporting the armed squad with adequate resources and continuous training.
He urged them to remain steadfast in upholding their duties with integrity and diligence.
In his remarks, Lieutenant Colonel Abi Enuwa, Commanding Officer of the 177 Guards Battalion Brigade, represented by Major M.A. Sani, commended the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for its commitment to combating corruption in Nigeria.
He specifically praised the Commission for organizing the training program for the armed squad, which aims to strengthen their operational capacity and instill discipline in the fight against corruption.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration, he acknowledged that the ICPC’s initiatives are crucial for ensuring accountability and integrity in governance, which align with the national security objectives of the military.
Major Sani further emphasized the significance of such training in equipping personnel with the skills necessary to confront corruption effectively.
He urged the trainees to apply the knowledge and strategies gained during the program to contribute meaningfully to the ICPC’s mission and the broader goal of a corruption-free society.
The event concluded with a live demonstration of tactical drills shooting accuracy by the armed squad, the ICPC Boss and other senior officers of the ICPC who were present at the event.
Source: icpc.gov.ng
