ICPC Boss Vows to Prosecute Public Officers Caught in Vandalization
By Chizoba Njaka
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, has reaffirmed the Commission's unwavering commitment to holding public officers accountable for their involvement in the destruction of power infrastructure, ensuring they face the full consequences of the law.
Dr. Aliyu who made this declaration during a courtesy visit by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company's management team in Abuja, assured the delegation of the Commission's support in preventing corruption within government agencies, stressing that eliminating corruption is crucial for ensuring the effective allocation of resources and the fulfillment of duties.
According to him, the NDPHC plays a vital role in the power sector, which is instrumental in driving the country's economic growth. He emphasized that a sustainable power supply is a prerequisite for national development, stating that "a reliable power supply is essential for a thriving economy".
The ICPC Boss further underscored the imperative of protecting power infrastructure from malicious damage perpetrated by individuals motivated by personal gain. "It is our collective responsibility to ensure the preservation of these critical assets, and we must take concerted efforts to prevent criminal elements from vandalizing them," he reinforced.
Dr. Aliyu underscored the vital importance of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy in garnering public support and promoting ethical behaviour among public officials. He also emphasized the need for the National Assembly to pass the pending Whistleblower Bill, highlighting the critical role that effective whistleblower policies play in encouraging individuals to provide crucial information that facilitates the prosecution of corruption cases.
He commended the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) team for its commitment to transparency and accountability, and subsequently proposed the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two agencies. By institutionalizing the fight against corruption, Dr. Aliyu stressed the importance of ensuring continuity and sustainability of anti-corruption efforts across successive administrations, thereby promoting a culture of good governance and accountability.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of NDPHC, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, accentuated that the primary objective of the visit was to cultivate a collaborative relationship that promotes transparency within the power sector. She reiterated the importance of bolstering anti-corruption practices to ensure the integrity and accountability of the sector.
Engr Adighije reestablished its dedication to collaborating with the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) within the NDPHC, highlighting the necessity of promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria's public service. This commitment is crucial for fostering a corruption-free environment, which is essential for the country's socio-economic development, she added.
The visit reached its culmination with the formal presentation of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials by the ICPC Chairman to the delegation, which was subsequently commemorated with a group photograph.