By Harry Awurumibe, Editor Abuja Bureau
The Chairman of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Professor Bolaji Owasanoye (SAN), has explained why corruption cases take quite long time to be concluded.
He also tasked the media to be in the forefront in the war against corruption in Nigeria, pointing out that investigative journalism is an important asset for the media in holding government to account.
Prof. Owasanoye stated this on Tuesday in his Opening Remarks at a Two-day Capacity Building for the Media on Reporting Anti-Corruption Issues as it Relates to ICPC Initiatives holding at Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), Keffi, Nasarawa State.
According to him the role of the media in holding government to account cannot be over emphasized hence the media as the watchdog of the society must play its role in the federal government’s efforts to fight corruption.
The ICPC Boss however gave reasons why corruption cases take a long time to be dispensed with, adding that due dilligence is required to conclude investigations into corruption cases.
Said he: “Corruption cases take this long time to be concluded because on many occasions, petitioners develope cold feet to come forward as star witnesses in court of law”.
Prof. Owasanoye also said that credible and accurate investigations take time and if ICPC is not sure or have not concluded thorough investigations, the Commission will not be able to release much information on the corruption case.
He therefore said it is on the basis of trying to create an understanding between the Commission and the media that necessitated the Two-day Capacity Building for the Media on Reporting Anti-Corruption Issues as it Relates to ICPC.
The Civil Rights activist cum lawyer-turned administrator believe that the workshop will equip the journalists to gain more knowledge in reporting the Anti-Corruption agency.
Speakers at the training are Akeem Lawal, ICPC Director of Operations who gave lectures on “Understanding Anti-Corruption Issues-overview of the ICPC Act and ICPC Mandate (Focus on the Enforcement Mandate” and Mohammed Ashiru Baba, ICPC Director of Enlightenment and Education.
Others are Dayo Aiyetan who spoke on “Investigative journalism and the Challenges of Reporting Corruption” and Yusuf Ali whose paper centered on “The Role of the Media in Reporting Corruption”.
The seminar continues Wednesday.
