Kano State Government, ICPC to partner in the fight against corruption

The Kano State government has assured the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of maximum cooperation in fighting and preventing corruption in Nigeria, and in Kano State in particular. 

This assurance was given on Wednesday by the Governor of the State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, when the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN led the management team of the Commission to pay a courtesy call to the governor.  

Welcoming the Chairman and his team, the Kano State governor expressed his delight that Kano State was the first one visited by the Chairman since his assumption of office, and commended his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a testament of his pedigree and undiluted commitment to the Nigerian project.

The governor further commended the government for putting mechanisms such as ICPC and EFCC in place noting that these have helped curb impunity in the system. 

“It may interest the ICPC management to know that my administration’s zero tolerance on corruption and related tendencies remain sacrosanct, thus in ensuring the successful implementation of this government’s anti-corruption policies, I prioritized a preventive approach without compromising the existing curative mechanisms in the State’s Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC)”, he added.   

Earlier, the ICPC Chairman had thanked the Executive Governor for granting the Commission audience, explaining that the Commission had held a Management Retreat in the state, and it was only proper to pay a courtesy call. 

The Chairman recalled the previous partnership of ICPC with the Kano State PCACC in the areas of training and sought a continued partnership with the agency in the fight against corruption. 

The courtesy call featured goodwill messages from the Chairman of the Kano State PCACC and the Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice of the State.

Management Retreat: ICPC Chairman Reaffirms Commitment to Integrity, Accountability and Excellence

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has reiterated the commitment of the Commission under his watch to integrity, accountability, and excellence in building a Nigeria where corruption has no place, and the rule of law prevails.

The ICPC Chairman made this comment on Monday at the Commission’s management and leadership retreat taking place in Kano.

Addressing management staff as well as Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioners (RACCs) from the 21 state offices of the Commission, the Chairman noted that the retreat provided a unique opportunity to the Commission to reflect on past achievements, assess current challenges and strategize for the future.

The ICPC boss used the occasion to reveal his vision and policy thrust which will be validated during the retreat. “CARE, an acronym for Culture, Accountability, Responsibility, and Efficiency, encapsulates the core values and principles that will guide our actions and decisions moving forward”.

While thanking the guest speakers at the retreat, the Chairman expressed the hope that the outcome of the deliberations will help shape the future of the Commission and make a lasting impact on the socio-economic development of the nation.

“I urge each and every one of you to actively participate, engage in meaningful dialogue, and contribute your valuable insights and perspectives. Together, we have the opportunity to shape the future of ICPC and make a lasting impact on the socio-economic development of our nation”.

The 3-day retreat featured presentations by the Management team as well as Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioners. Also lined up for the retreat are lectures by Prof. Attahiru Jega, Justice HAO Abiru and Dr. Ibrahim Sule, as well as robust strategy and interactive sessions.

The retreat is expected to come up with resolutions that will form a part of ICPC’s 2024 – 2028 Strategic Plan and priorities.

ICPC Seeks Improved Collaboration with Lagos Judiciary

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has emphasized the need for sensitization of management and staff of the Judiciary in Lagos State to enhance better collaboration.

The ICPC Lagos Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Mr. Kabir Elelu stated the above during a courtesy visit to the Chief Judge of Lagos State, His Lordship Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba recently.

Emphasizing the importance of sensitization, he stated that “Staff need to be enlightened on anti-corruption laws, punishments, best practices in the workplace and promote integrity, accountability, and transparency in public service”.

The ICPC Commissioner commended the innovation of the Judiciary on the designation of anti-corruption courts and timely actions taken on matters filed for assignment to court and date for trial.

However, he stressed the need to enlighten staff on the issue of signing search warrants and the demand for gratification by officers in the court before carrying out their official duties.

In response, the Chief Judge of the State, Hon Justice Kazeem Alogba, stated that the sensitization of management and staff should come up as soon as practicable, noting that the issue of collection of bribes by staff is a menace and the management has been working assiduously to bring the perpetrators of such acts to book.

In the meantime, he stressed the need for information about any case that requires the use of the search warrant to accompany any application, as it will give the judge an idea of what he wants to sign.

Alongside the Chief Justice, other judges present were Hon Justice Coker, Hon.  Justice Akeem Oshodi, Hon Justice Oyindamola Ogala, Hon Justice A. M Lawal, the Chief Registrar and other management staff of the Lagos State Judiciary.

ICPC to Partner Nigerian Work Force Strategy and Enlightenment Center (NIWOSEC) in Anti-Corruption Crusade

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is set to partner with a non-governmental organization based in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigerian Work Force Strategy and Enlightenment Center (NIWOSEC), in the crusade against corruption.

Speaking during a courtesy call on the ICPC Osun State Office in Osogbo, the ICPC Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC) Osun State, Mr. Demola Bakare, fsi, stated that ICPC would partner with the NGO by providing platforms for them to carry out their sensitization activities.

Platforms such as the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs) in Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Students Anti-Corruption Clubs in Primary and Secondary Schools, Students Anti-Corruption Vanguards in Tertiary Institutions and ICPC/NYSC Anti-Corruption CDS Group were proposed as areas that the NGO could partner in fighting corruption.

The RACC however advised that sensitization programmes of the NGO should not be limited to the public sector only but also the private sector.

Earlier, the Executive Director of NIWOSEC, Mr. Ehindero Taiwo said his organization has been active in promoting positive attitude and values in the workplace.

Mr. Ehindero commended ICPC for developing the Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS) and the National Ethics and Integrity Policy (NEIP) which he believed would go a long way in enshrining ethical value in the workplace.

He explained that his NGO has an initiative aimed at creating workplace cohorts which will serve as local hubs of anti-corruption advocacy and education within various organizations.

The NGO was seeking ICPC support in the area of training and capacity building, advocacy and enlightenment campaigns, monitoring and evaluation of Workplace Cohort Formation.

At the end of the visit, there was an exchange of informational materials between ICPC and the NGO.

Source: ICPC.gov.ng