Ondo anti-corruption commission seeks stakeholders’ synergy

The Chairman of the Ondo State Public Complaints, Financial Crime, and Anti-Corruption Commission, Justice Williams Akintoroye, has called for synergy among stakeholders and government agencies in the fight against corruption in the state.

Akintoroye, who made this call during the inaugural press conference of the Commission in Akure, the Ondo State capital, stressed the need for proper synergy among security agencies to stem the tide of corruption and other financial crimes in the state.

According to him, the creation of an anti-corruption agency in the state would go a long way in effectively fighting corruption.

He said the Ondo Anti-Corruption Agency is considering withdrawing some financial crime cases against citizens of the state from the Federal anti-Corruption agencies for prosecution since the crimes were committed in the state.

Akintoroye said, “It must be noted that wrestling down corruption is neither child’s play nor a one-man affair. The Government alone cannot do it. All hands must be on deck if we want to have a fraud-free society of our dream. We ask for cooperation from the Law Enforcement Agencies, namely:

“The Nigeria Police Force; the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency; the Amotekun, and other relevant agencies. We equally ask everyone in the street to support this Commission by giving information promptly. If you see something, say something, and we shall nip corruption in the bud in Ondo State.”

He noted that “corruption is not limited to Government offices. It is prevalent even in open markets and places of worship. Ditto with financial crime, which is no longer limited to the political class and public servants.

“This is why it is imperative to create an environment that enables strong and independent institutions like ours that provide oversight of government activities and the general public.

“Such strong bodies have a salutary effect on political will as they exert the necessary pressure on people in the corridors of power and also act as watchdogs for the public.”

He disclosed that the mission of the agency is to rid the state of corruption and criminal activities relating to finance and said, “As a pioneer anti-corruption body in Ondo State, our primary mandate is to curb the devastating effects of corruption. This we hope to pursue professionally in line with best practices.

“We will maintain our integrity by acting impartially, with commitment and in the interest of the Public. As a Commission, we will be bold and pragmatic in our actions and decisions.

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“Fighting corruption demands continuous review of tools, strategies, and approaches. Sequel to this, we believe our mandate includes prevention of crime through system study and review; public education through creation of awareness, enlisting of youths and students as members of anti-corruption clubs or vanguard, which we plan to establish in institutions of learning in Ondo State.

“Our aim for desiring this approach is to prevent, or reduce to the barest minimum, the rate at which crime or corrupt practices are committed in this State.”

He said the agency needs to be meticulous in its approach because of the peculiar nature of the assignment to fight against corruption and hunt down agents of financial malpractices.

“Our approach to issues will be multidimensional but devoid of bias or animosity. We promise to be fair to all in the exercise of our power under the enabling Law, yet we will not compromise in any way.

“Apart from receiving and investigating petitions or complaints on corruption or financial crime from members of the public, it will form part of our duty to take pragmatic steps that will reduce financial crime or fraud to the lowest level in Government offices.

“We will examine the practices, systems, and procedures of MDAs in the State. Scorecards will be issued with a view to enforcing compliance and fidelity.

“With time, we will open liaison offices of the Commission in the three Senatorial Divisions of Ondo State.

“The justification for this is to enable us to take public enlightenment to the grassroots. The fight will not be limited to the State Capital; it must reach the nooks and crannies of the state.”