By Yakubu Salisu, Kano
The Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices & Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has called on Attorneys-General of the North-West to collaborate closely with ICPC to fortify systems of accountability and transparency that serve the people.
He made the call Monday in Kano during a Conference with State Attorneys-General in the North-West on strengthening ICPC’s capacity for corruption prevention with the support of The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme.
According to him, no single institution can fight or defeat corruption hence the need to enhance collaboration, ensuring that the systems created are accountable and transparent.
Aliyu noted that; though Section 6 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission Act, ICPC is empowered to investigate and prosecute corruption across all sectors of public service, the support and local knowledge the Attorneys bring are essential to making this effort more effective.
He described the gathering ‘crucial’ as it bring together key stakeholders at the subnational level to discuss the need for a united front in the fight against corruption adding that confronting corruption is critical to the prosperity of the nation emphasizing that no country can thrive where corruption thrives.
Adamu revealed that the 2023 “Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends” report by the NBS and UNODC reveals significant bribery prevalence in the North-West region, mirroring trends across Nigeria mostly common in public utilities, law enforcement, and administrative services.
He called on stakeholders in the sector to continue to encourage the people of the North-West to resist bribery demands sharing the positive news indicating 70% of Nigerians approached for a bribe in 2023 refused to comply on at least one occasion.
Justice Dije Aboki, Chief Judge of Kano State, said the fight against corruption is not just a legal imperative but a moral one, as corruption undermines governance, weakens institutions, and erodes public trust.
She said the initiative to establish a community of practice among attorneys general is commendable, as it fosters collaboration, shared learning, and the harmonization of strategies across states as no single institution can fight the menace in isolation.
She assured that the Judiciary in Kano State remains a steadfast partner in this fight and are committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that Justice serves as both a shield for the innocent and a sword against the corrupt.
Furthermore, she urged law markers to accelerate the process of passing into law, the Whistle Blower bill which she believe will aid the fight against corruption.
The representative of RoLAC Mr. Uche Immanuel said after discussion with the Chairman of the Commission on grounds covered so far, the decision was reached for a stepdown and the North-West region was selected for a start.
He said the region, currently blaze the trail in the fight against corruption and in the institutionalization of systems for transparency and accountability in the region.
He said RoLAC remains an advocate for an all inclusive fight against corruption which is the only way to make a difference and will continue to see to it that the people who the government belongs to are all included.