The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Wednesday, 27th August, 2014, inaugurated a unit of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Monitoring Unit (ACTU) of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO).
Inaugurating the Unit, made up of five (5) members of staff at the Institute’s Head Office located at No. 23, Kigoma Street, Wuse Zone 7, Abuja, the ICPC Chairman, Barr. Ekpo Nta expressed optimism that the inauguration of the Unit will move both the Institute and Commission forward towards realising the goal of eradicating corrupt practices and the culture of impunity, which, he said, had continued to threaten both public and private institutions in the country.
Represented by the Head, ACTU Secretariat of ICPC under the Department of Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Justin Kuatsea, Nta disclosed that the Commission had over the years, continued to use her mandate to engage relevant stakeholders in the fight against corruption with the hope that they will, in turn, contribute in their various spheres of operations towards curbing the negative tide of corruption in the country.
According to him, the holistic framework for the Commission’s fight against corruption was constantly subjected to a process of fine-tuning and reviews with a view to making the work relevant, as well as meeting the exigencies of the times and circumstances.
While commending members of the newly constituted ACTU of the Institute for being found worthy to serve the organization, the ICPC boss admonished them to know that the task ahead of them was enormous such that required the attributes of sincerity of purpose, sacrifice and dedication if they must succeed.
He further expressed belief that the war against corruption in Nigeria, which many have acknowledged to be widespread and deep-rooted, cannot be won by adopting the wrong tactics; hence the Commission’s adoption of a preventive approach.
His words: “Our mandate to eliminate corruption in Nigeria is hinged on an approach which combines both the punitive and preventive methods; with our presence here today being to foster the preventive approach; and to give the much desired fillip to the ACTU of this organisation, so they could proceed with the onerous task of promoting an environment of transparency and accountability the work-place.”
Commending the Management of NICO for the willingness to partner the Commission in realising the objectives of ACTU, the Chairman also called on other staff of the Institute present to see the inauguration as a turning point in providing greater impetus for correcting the wrongs of yesterday and doing what was right to move the Institute forward.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of NICO, Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, while welcoming the ICPC team said it was a pleasure to have the ACTU Unit in the Institute and promised to give the Unit the enabling environment to enable it function well.
Represented by the Director, Finance and Accounts, Mr. Godson Ordu, the NICO ES, however, called on ICPC to give the Institute guidelines, support and the way forward so that the Unit can flourish in what they are supposed to do.
His words: “What we need is a friendly relationship and the way forward. You stand to advice the Institute on the best way to do things. So, please, we are here, openly welcoming you people to cooperate with us and the committee so that we can have a better understanding on what they should do.”
The newly-inaugurated members of the ACTU Unit in NICO are, Mrs. Jane Anigala (Chairman), Mrs. Maria Okpuzor (Vice-Chairman), Mr. Arnold Elue (Secretary), Mr. Inyang Ibor (Member) and Mr. Caleb Nor (Member).
Meanwhile, the Head, ACTU Secretariat of ICPC under the Department of Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Justin Kuatsea was accompanied by Mrs. Sechap Giwa, an Investigator with ICPC and Mrs. Emilia Uba, the ACTU Desk Officer.
Caleb Nor
Corporate Affairs Unit
NICO, Abuja