ICPC calls for preventive measures against corruption

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_{The Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu SAN, has called on all Nigerians from different sectors to adopt preventive measures in order to win the fight against corruption.}

A news release signed by the commission spokesperson, Mrs Azuka Ogugua, made available to Tribune Online in Abuja on Wednesday, informed that Aliyu made the call when the American Business Council (ABC) paid a courtesy visit to him at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

Represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Mr Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu, Aliyu stressed the importance of adopting preventive methods in fighting corruption while highlighting the prevention aspect of the ICPC’s mandate.

According to Ogugua, the ICPC boss went further to state that the Commission through its Public Enlightenment and Education Department, had set up Schools Anti-Corruption Clubs (SACs) to not only enlighten the younger generation on the dangers of corruption but also enlist their support against corruption.

While noting that greed, poverty, abuse of office and other vices have stalled the fight against corruption in Nigeria, the ICPC boss said that it was important that Nigerians took the fight against corruption personal to boost economic development.

“The fight against corruption cannot be done by the anti-graft agencies alone,” the ICPC boss asserted.

Earlier in her remarks, the CEO/Executive Secretary of ABC, Mrs Margaret Olele, who led the delegation, said the visit was aimed at proposing potential partnership in a project called the Private Sector Development for Democracy Forum (PSDDF).

Speaking further on the objectives of the forum, the Country Director Development Activities International (DAI) and member PSDDF steering committee member, Dr Joe Abah, said the forum had its focus on questions revolving around the level of corruption, lack of accountability and decline of trust in governance.

He went further to say that as Nigeria celebrates 25 years of un-broken democracy, the forum’s objectives also include addressing issues of corruption, strengthening democracy, reinforcing democratic institutions, promoting capacity building and civic education, and tenure reforms and data-driven dialogue.

Abah stressed the need for institutions to collaborate to rid Nigeria of corruption as the government cannot win the fight alone.

The Country Director, Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), Mrs Lola Adekanye, on her part, expressed the belief that ICPC’s partnership would help change the structure and the norms that enable corruption.

In his response, ICPC Secretary said the anti-corruption commission was ready and willing to partner with ABC to reduce corruption to the barest minimum and boost economic development.

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