Abuja: The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has issued a clear warning to government officials to steer clear of corrupt practices. The Chairman of the ICPC, Dr. Musa Aliyu, SAN, emphasized this message during an interactive session in Abuja with Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of public agencies, focusing on corruption prevention within the public service.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event was organized by the ICPC’s research and training school, the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), with support from the MacArthur Foundation. This session forms part of the commission’s ongoing efforts to prevent corruption. Dr. Aliyu highlighted that the ICPC would not hesitate to investigate and prosecute any MDA heads involved in corrupt activities. He noted the risk of investigation and prosecution for those indulging in shady practices and expressed concern over the tendency of good individuals to fall into corruption traps.
Dr. Aliyu stressed the importa
nce of understanding the ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ to avoid becoming victims or unintentionally aiding corruption within agencies. The session aimed to help CEOs develop individual and collective strategies for corruption prevention. He pointed out that corruption significantly hampers national development and emphasized the importance of leadership in reducing corruption in the public sector.
The objectives of the session included assisting CEOs in identifying corruption risks within their agencies and devising appropriate prevention measures. Dr. Aliyu also highlighted the need for CEOs to gain the necessary knowledge and strategies to maintain integrity throughout their service. The session was designed to address the reasons why competent individuals might fall into corruption when appointed as CEOs.
Dr. Aliyu urged the CEOs to use the opportunity to share ideas, experiences, and strategies on handling issues, particularly those related to institutionalized internal practices that could lead to future corrupt
practices. He reiterated that the ICPC remains committed to its enforcement mandate and will not hesitate to prosecute any CEO found guilty of corrupt practices. However, he called on CEOs to collaborate with the commission to curb corruption effectively.