The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has called on Nigeria’s Legislature to expedite action in the passage into law of the Whistle-blower Act for an effective fight against corruption.
Chairman of the ICPC, Dr. Musa Aliyu, made the plea in Kano at a conference with State Attorneys General in the North-West zone of Nigeria.
The conference with the theme, “Establishing a Community of Practice for Attorneys General” was organised by the ICPC, supported by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) and International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (I(IDEA), funded by the EU.
According to the ICPC boss, the Whistle-blower Act, when passed into law, will significantly expose corrupt actors and protect whistle-blowers.
Speaking on the significance of the conference, the ICPC Chairman explained that Attorneys General at the sub-national levels play greater roles in the fight against corruption at the state levels.
He said confronting corruption is critical to Nigeria’s prosperity.
“As stakeholders, “we must continue to encourage the people of the North West to resist bribery demands. I am committed to ensuring that, the Commission uses its law enforcement powers and preventive measures to enlist and foster public support in combating corruption.”
He called on the Attorneys General of the North West to collaborate with ICPC to fortify systems of accountability and transparency that serve the people.
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While declaring the conference open, the presiding judge of the Court of Appeal, Sokoto State Justice Muhammad Shuaibu, stressed that corrupt activities can be nipped through prevention, urging for greater partnership.
Also speaking, the Kano state Chief Judge, Justice Dije Abdu Aboki who appreciates the ICPC’s proactive approach in prioritizing preventive measures to combat corruption, said prosecution and enforcement are important while strengthening prevention mechanism
She also emphasised the importance of collaboration among key stakeholders, adding that each institution has a unique role to play and efforts must be interconnected to achieve sustainable results.
“This approach aligns with the Judiciary’s role in interpreting laws that not only punish but also deter corrupt practice. We are well aware that no single entity can combat corruption in isolation. This is why the initiative to establish a community of practice among attorneys general is commendable, as it fosters collaboration, shared learning, and the harmonisation of strategies across states.”
Speaking on behalf of the European Union, EU, and RoLAC, Mr. Emmanuel Uche said the reasons for stepping down the collaboration with state attorneys general were to expand synergy and broaden the anti-corruption crusade.
Others who spoke at the conference include the Chairman, Code of Conduct Bureau, Dr Abdullahi Bello and Attorney General of Zamfara, among others.
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