ICPC Boss Urges New Permanent Secretaries to Put Public Interest First
By Chizoba Njaka
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has urged newly appointed Permanent Secretaries to place public interest above personal and sectional interests in the discharge of their duties.
Dr. Aliyu gave the charge on June 30 during an induction training programme for four newly appointed Permanent Secretaries held at the Chief Olusegun Obasanjo Conference Hall, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Abuja.
According to a press release signed by the ICPC Head of Media and Public Communications, Mr. Okor Odey, he said transparency, accountability and integrity remain indispensable to effective public service and good governance.
Presenting a paper titled, "Avoiding Corruption Pitfalls: Adherence to Anti-Corruption Principles," the ICPC Chairman described corruption as a global challenge driven by greed, weakened integrity, inadequate accountability mechanisms and poor institutional oversight, stressing that the problem is not peculiar to Nigeria.
He explained the complementary roles of Nigeria's three frontline anti-corruption agencies, noting that the Code of Conduct Bureau promotes public morality and enforces asset declaration, the ICPC prevents, investigates and prosecutes public-sector corruption while promoting public enlightenment, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) focuses on economic and financial crimes.
Citing the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, Dr. Aliyu said signatory states have a binding legal obligation to eliminate corruption and abuse of power. He noted that the use of the word "shall" in the convention imposes a mandatory duty rather than a discretionary responsibility.
Describing the Federal Civil Service as the engine room of government, Dr. Aliyu said Permanent Secretaries play a strategic role in translating government policies into tangible benefits for citizens.
He further urged the new Permanent Secretaries to strengthen internal control systems, protect whistleblowers from victimisation and ensure strict compliance with due process. He emphasised that strong leadership anchored on integrity is essential for building credible and accountable public institutions.
The HOS of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, represented by Dr. Danjuma Usman Kalba, Permanent Secretary, Common Services Office, commended the ICPC for its proactive anti-corruption initiatives.
The induction programme featured four newly appointed Permanent Secretaries: Mrs. Bekearedo Augustina Waren (OSGF), Dr. Kamil Ayinde Shoretire (Ministry of Labour and Employment), Mrs. Nkiruka Bella Jones-Nebo (OHCSF) and Mr. Sani Yargaya Aminu (SSO-OSGF).