Combating Corruption is a Collective Responsibility – ICPC
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, SAN, OFR, has urged Nigerians to see the fight against corruption as a joint effort of both the public and private sectors.
The Chairman made the remark in Abuja recently, at the opening ceremony of a two-day training on Social Norms and Behaviour Change for Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs) and the Organized Private Sector (OPS), organised by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) in conjunction with MacArthur Foundation.
The training was aimed to discuss implementation strategies for the National Ethics and Integrity Policy (NEIP) for different segments of the society.
Professor Owasanoye pointed out that the reduction of corruption should be the prerogative of all Nigerians and should not be left to the Government alone. He emphasized the importance of standing collectively against corruption, saying that it will reduce its impact in the society.
The ICPC Boss further stated that the fight against corruption has evolved from simply wielding the tool of law and order, because there were variables that suggest perpetrators may be influenced by psychological issues. This, he opined, necessitates a focus on behavioural change as concerns corruption and moral norms.
While arrest and prosecution are important as they serve as a deterrent to others, there is need for ethical reorientation, he explained.
Welcoming participants to the event, the Provost of ACAN, Professor Olatunde Babawale, stated that the purpose of the training was to “help stakeholders implement the NEIP with a view to stimulating desirable behavioural change”, noting that the understanding and implementation of the Policy was key to behavioural change.
Professor Babawale further explained that the two-day training was divided into modules that will be beneficial to the trainees regardless of the level of their prior understanding of NEIP.
Presenting a goodwill message at the event, the Emir of Keffi, His Royal Highness Alhaji Shehu Yamusa III, noted that all sectors in Nigeria are faced with the challenge of corruption.
The traditional ruler, who was represented by the Wambai of Keffi, Hon Ibrahim Abduludman, stated that the success of the country depended on the unity and mutual collaboration of all citizens.
The Emir commended ACAN, MacArthur Foundation and ICPC for the various initiatives especially for including traditional institutions as stakeholders to the Policy due to their proximity to the common man. He promised that he would always be available for future discussions and input
ICPC admitted as a LEGA Partner of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has been admitted into the Law Enforcement and Government Alliance (LEGA) programme of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) as an official Law Enforcement and Government Alliance Partner since September 2022.
The admittance ceremony was held at the ICPC Headquarters recently during a courtesy visit by officials of the Africa Academy for Counter Fraud and Anti-Corruption Studies (AACAS), the training and research arm of ACFE to the Commission, and featured the presentation of a Certificate of Recognition to the Chairman of the Commission, Professor Bolaji Owasanoye.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of AACAS Advisory Council, Dr Rabiu Olowo, stated that LEGA presented an opportunity for law enforcement agencies at all levels to pool thoughts and resources in the war against corruption.
He also stated that the alliance would encourage information sharing, supporting agencies to improve their service delivery and boost productivity.
The Chairman of ICPC, Professor Bolaji Owasanoye in his remarks, appreciated AACAS for the visit while discussing the expectations of the Commission from the partnership as an anti-corruption stakeholder.
The Chairman reiterated that the Commission would not be caught in the middle of a power tussle as regards organisations who appear to offer similar capacity building services. In his words, “a law enforcement agency like ICPC should be non-aligned”.
The ICPC boss further stated the Commission would only engage with organisations that offer exceptional services at a reasonable cost. He maintained that the consumers will ultimately be the judge of the services offered by the AACAS observing that “an organisation that is adept at delivering services will be patronised irrespective of its location.”
Professor Owasanoye observed that it was imperative for AACAS and similar organisations not to duplicate functions as they scramble for validation, adding that law enforcement agencies are primed to gather skills that improve evidence gathering, which in turn helps them to function optimally.
The Chief Operating Officer of AACAS, Miss Oreoluwa Adegoke, and the Partnership/Business Development Manager, Miss Funmi Ajayi, anchored a presentation on the mission of the organisation as well as the services offered in relation to the Commission.
The meeting was attended by a board member, Honorable Olubukola Balogun, directors and other senior staff of the Commission.
ICPC Partners with CAC in the Fight against Corruption in Osun
The Head of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Osun State, Mr. Omotosho Kunle has expressed his willingness to partner with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in the anti-corruption campaign through timely response to requests from the ICPC Osun State office.
Mr. Omotosho made the assertion while receiving the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC) of ICPC Osun State office, Mr. Demola Bakare, during a courtesy visit and sensitization lecture at the organization.
Earlier in his address, Mr. Bakare stated that the purpose of the visit was to improve on the collaboration between the two organisations at the state level, and also to enhance the existing cordial relationship, while the sensitization was to enlighten and educate officials of CAC on the anti-corruption campaign so that they would not run foul of the law in the discharge of their duties.
Speaking further, the RACC observed that CAC is a member of the Illicit Financial Flow (IFF) committee just like ICPC, hence collaboration will facilitate exchange of intel during investigation of entities registered by CAC, particularly when it is required to check their background.
Furthermore, he emphasized that ICPC was not just a law enforcement agency, but a change agent that sensitizes the society through various platforms as it focuses more on Behavioral Change.
Ms Winifred Ingobro of ICPC Osun State office thereafter delivered a sensitization lecture on the duties of the Commission as well as how reports can be sent to the Commission.
This was followed by another lecture by Mr. Laaro Sulyman, also of the ICPC Osun State office who delivered a lecture on “the Role of Public Servants/CAC officials in the Fight against Corruption”.
He urged staff to support the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of their organization and promote the culture of integrity for excellent service deliver as “public officers are custodians of public trust; trust is fragile and must not be handled frivolously”.
Barrister Elijah Akaakohol of ICPC followed up on the presentation by explaining acts that constitute offences and their penalties as stated in ICPC Act 2000 from Sections 8-26.
