The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission in Nigeria (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu, has called on state Attorneys General to persist in their efforts to uphold justice, fairness, and the rule of law in the fight against corruption.
He made the call during a conference with State Attorneys General on strengthening ICPC’s capacity for corruption prevention held in Abuja, Nigeria with the theme, ‘Building a unified front against corruption in Nigeria.’
He said the conference aims to examine the current justice system and develop effective strategies to enhance the ICPC’s capacity for preventive measures.
“I hope to also enhance synergy between State Attorneys General and State anti-corruption agencies now established nationwide with the ICPC to provide a suitable platform for an effective fight against corruption and a viable solution to Nigeria’s current socio-political problems,” he said.
Dr. Aliyu emphasized the importance of justice and fairness in upholding the rule of law and urged the Attorneys general to recognize their pivotal role in fostering a transparent and equitable society, which he deemed essential for national development.
“We must recognise that corruption is not merely a legal issue but a common enemy hindering national development. It is a cancer that erodes public trust, stifles economic growth, and perpetuates inequality,” he added.
While declaring the conference open, the Attorney General of the Federation and Nigeria’s Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi proposed that issues related to corruption be excluded from the scope of the prerogative of mercy during the next constitutional amendment exercise.
“Whenever we are called upon to come on account, we should be detailed. We should not shy away from our responsibility or our duty to furnish the required information. So I agree that we should stand united. We should work together. We should regard ourselves as critical stakeholders,” he said.
He called on citizens, institutions, and government bodies to work collaboratively to eliminate corruption and ensure a just legal framework that protects the rights of all individuals.
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, underscored the urgent need for political will to translate the conference discussions into action, intending to strengthen the justice sector in Nigeria.
“This conversation is very important. We all must see this as something that we all have to commit ourselves to doing. And I like to say that if we don’t fight corruption, the things we fail to do to make for a better society, a society where even if we don’t eradicate corruption, we’re able to reduce it to the barest minimum, the things we fail to do will undo us,” he said.
Osigwe emphasized that the fight against corruption requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders, including the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, and civil society.
The Chairman, Body of States Attorney General, Dr. Ben Odoh called for a cohesive approach to reform that not only addresses systemic inefficiencies but also fosters public trust in the legal system.
Dr. Odoh highlighted that strong political commitment is essential to strengthen the justice sector in Nigeria, ensuring that legal reforms lead to meaningful outcomes for citizens.
“We are answerable to our conscience, we are answerable to our soul, we are answerable to our God. So in the discharge of our duties as authority generals fighting corruption, we should have it at the back of our mind that we must give account on the day of reckoning, on the day that the books of volumes will be opened,” he said.
The Attorney General indicated that they will implement the proposed policies at the state level to strengthen the justice sector and boost the effectiveness of justice delivery across the country.
