ICPC inaugurates FHA’s anti-corruption unit, warns against witch-hunt

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, Tuesday, inaugurated the Anti –Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).

Owasanoye, while inaugurating members of the ACTU in Abuja, called on them to promote accountability and transparency.

Represented by the Head of Anti-Corruption Unit, ICPC, Barrister Ifeanyi Obiakor, the ICPC boss said ACTU will also assist the authority to investigate corruption issues from time to time.

He urged the newly inaugurated members not to witch-hunt their fellow staff but rather they should always follow due process while carrying out their duties.

According to The Blueprint, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of FHA Senator Gbenga Ashafa, in his address, said the nature of FHA services required a lot of discipline and transparency in dealing with vendors, contractors, partners, allottees.

He said:  “We are working as a management to upgrade our system and procedures in order to plug all leaking pipes with a view to stemming corrupt practices. We are equally committed to improving staff welfare so as to reduce the tendency to get involved in corruption.”

Ashafa, who was represented by the General Manager, General Duties and Procurement, Mr Thomas Anetor, said it was the time to reform the FHA.

He, however, assured that his management will not interfere with the work of ACTU’s members, and expressed his appreciation to the chairman of ICPC for his ‘interest’ in the FHA.

Responding, the Chairman of FHA ACTU, Mr Humphrey Ukeh assured the management of that his team would uphold transparency and accountability in the discharge of its duty.