**To make court appearances against offenders
By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
The new Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, says he will take the fight against corruption in Nigeria to a notch higher, vowing to do things differently from the way his predecessors did it.
This is even as he has promised to adopt the use of technology to fight corruption, adding that he will be firm but fair in the discharge of his official duties, saying that he is prepared to appear in courts in person during the prosecution of offenders from now on to show that the anti-corruption war has entered the next level.
Adamu spoke at an Inaugural Press Interaction with the media on Wednesday at Reiz Continental Hotel, Abuja, where he unfolded his agenda at ICPC, saying he would pursue a threefold strategy of Prevention, Investigation, and Prosecution which he said forms the bedrock of his action plan against corruption.
Reading from a prepared speech titled:”Supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Corruption Crusade: The ICPC’s Role in Strengthening Nigeria’s Fight Against Corruption”, Aliyu who eulogized journalists for playing a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s discourse and upholding the tenets of democracy pledged to lead by example in his new job.
Said he: “As I embark on this journey, I am deeply committed to realizing a vision for Nigeria where the principles of integrity, accountability, and transparency are not mere ideals, but are deeply woven into the very fabric of our society”.
“This vision aligns seamlessly with the resolute stance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration against corruption. The President’s actions and policies underscore a steadfast commitment to eradicating corruption, reinforcing our collective resolve to foster an environment where ethical conduct and probity are the norm”.
Speaking further the ICPC boss stressed that the fight against corruption demands a collaborative, multi-sectoral approach, transcending the capabilities of any single entity, pointing out that “as the new Chairman of the ICPC, a key focus of my tenure will be to foster such collaboration, recognizing that corruption’s multifaceted nature affects every level of society. Our strategy involves engaging diverse stakeholders – the media, civil society, the private sector, and international partners – to pool perspectives, expertise, and resources”.
According to him: “In line with this commitment, the ICPC is actively enhancing inter-agency cooperation. A recent example of this is our recent visit to the EFCC and this afternoon we are convening a meeting with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), all these are significant steps in strengthening our collaborative efforts. By uniting forces and sharing resources, we aim to intensify our collective fight against corruption, paving the way for a more transparent and accountable Nigeria”.
Aliyu also posited that: “Innovation is key in our ongoing battle against corruption. We are in an era where technology has revolutionized the way we live and work. As such, the ICPC is committed to integrating innovative approaches and cutting-edge technology into our operational framework. From leveraging data analytics for efficient resource management to employing advanced digital tools for effective corruption detection, technology will be at the forefront of our strategies.
“Our threefold strategy – Prevention, Investigation, and Prosecution – forms the bedrock of our action plan against corruption.
Prevention is our first line of defense. We are dedicated to instilling a culture of ethics and integrity within our public service”.
“By enhancing institutional transparency and accountability, we aim to create an environment where corruption finds no fertile ground to thrive. Our focus extends to capacity building, ensuring that our institutions and personnel are equipped to uphold the highest standards of conduct”.
The ICPC Chairman however said that in the area of Investigation, the Commission’s commitment is unwavering, adding that
“We will fortify our internal control systems and uphold strict ethical standards. The ICPC will utilize advanced technological tools to detect and thoroughly examine corruption cases. Our collaboration will not be limited within; we will engage proactively with both public and private sectors to root out corruption wherever it lies”.
“Lastly, in terms of Prosecution, we are determined to ensure that justice is not just done, but seen to be done. Strengthening our legal and regulatory frameworks will be paramount to support robust prosecutions. We will work tirelessly to ensure the efficient legal processing and adjudication of corruption cases, maintaining a solid legal foundation for accountability”.
Aliyu therefore told the media that “As we embark on this journey, I call upon you, members of the press, to join us as partners in this crucial endeavor. Your role in disseminating information, raising public awareness, and holding power to account is invaluable”.
“Together, we can build a Nigeria where corruption is not just challenged, but overcome – a nation where our collective integrity shapes our future”.
He thank them for their attention, commitment to the truth, and their indispensable role in forging a transparent, accountable Nigeria, saying “I look forward to our collaboration and am open to your questions and insights as we embark on this journey together”.
Meanwhile, Aliyu, a former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Jigawa State from 2019 – 2023 and one of the most recent Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) inaugurated on November 27, 2023, said he will personally appear in courts during the prosecution of offenders going forward. READ ALSO:
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Earlier, the Ag. Director, Public Enlightenment and Education Department & Spokesperson of ICPC, Mrs. Azuka C. Ogugua, who formally introduced the new Chairman to the media Executives at occasion alongside other ICPC bigwigs including the Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Clifford Oparaodu traced the long cordial relationship between the media and the Commission.
She said the media holds a special place in the Commission’s efforts to combat corruption as allies and friends in disseminating information to the public.
“We recognize the pivotal role the media plays in shaping public opinion and awareness.Since year 2020, ICPC have consistently carried the media along, conducting various training sessions to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation”.
“Today marks a significant moment for us as we introduce the new Chairman of ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN to the members of the press to talk to you on his focus and approach to the fight against corruption”, Mrs Ogugua said.
