By Baba Shehu Oscu, Bauchi
The National Chairman of independent corrupt Practice( ICPC), Hon. Professor Bolaji Awosanye, has called on Nigerians to join hands with the commission in other to actualize the fight against corruption and corrupt practices in the society across the country.
Professor Bolaji was speaking at the commemoration ceremony of ICPC African Union and anti corruption day held in Bauchi.
The professor who was represented by the Bauchi State Commissioner of the commission Alhaji Abubakar Dutsenma, described corruption as a retrogressive organ for the economic development of the country.
He said the African Anti corruption day is intended to enable all the 55 AU Countries to raise more awareness on corruption and propagate the supportive things people can do to fight corruption and can also be regarded as a day for ‘ a call to action’ against corruption.
Professor Bolaji explained that the negative impact of corruption on the continents economic development is very obvious and the worst hit victims of the crimes of corruption remain the vulnerable poor and marginalized individuals,adding it is sad that the even the bulk of an estimated $90bIllion that leave Africa through illicit financial flow annually might have come from Nigeria. While according to him the continent as a whole, certainly receives less than that amount in development assistance from countries of Europe and America yearly.
He unfolded that the commission’s new policy focus is to ensure effective utilization of Budgetary allocation to social welfare and human development, which will lead to development index, attainment of SDG and a more farable corrupt perception for Nigeria.
Early in his welcome address, the state ICPC commissioner Mr Abubakar Abdullahi Dutsenma represented by Mommed Suleiman Haja who is the Deputy Head of investigation in the commission said the commission has adopted asset recovery as the source for National anti corruption recovery strategies towards enhancing corruption free society.
Dutsenma said this year mark the third edition of the African Union Anti corruption Day under the theme “‘Towards a common African Position on Asset Recovery “. Saying that the day shall serve as a basis for all anti – corruption stakeholders to reflect on the challenges of asset recovery in Africa and therefore solicit for contributions and support in the development of a common African position on Asset Recovery.
The Commissioner further explained that apart from the commission’s pursuit to ensure a corrupt – free society, and it mandate of investigation and prosecution, system study and review of lapsed operating system and public enlightenment and mobilization against the corruption but also introduced other avenues such as Town Hall meetings, Rallies, National Anti corruption volunteer Corp, Anti corruption and Transparency unit, ICPC’s Youth Education and mobilization programs, the National value integrity lectures series and many others.
He emphasized that the fight against corruption will not succeed if we do not rise and fight the menace.
In her good will message at the occasion, the Chairperson of a Non Governmental Organisation body in the state known as center for Child delinquency awareness Dr. Halima Baba Ahmad, called on parents to monitor and educate their children against engaging in corrupt Practices and other nefarious activities to enable them become purposeful members of the society.
Dr. Halima expressed worry over the increase attitude of Nigerians in corrupt Practices and therefore challenge politicians that often used Youth to cause violence and thuggery to in the interest peace and the Nation to refrain and distance themselves from corrupt Practices in other to ensure corrupt free society in the country.
Highlight of the occasion was staging a rally in the metropolis by the state office of ICPC, Nigerian Police, National Youth service Corps members, Secondary School students, higher institutions and other relevant government security agents with a call especially politicians to support the ICPC towards a free corrupt society.
