The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences commission ( ICPC), Niger State office, has expressed the willingness to partner Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to tackle corruption in the state.
By Obinna Unaeze
The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences commission ( ICPC), Niger State office, has expressed the willingness to partner Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to tackle corruption in the state.
Mr Chukwurah Alexander, Director of ICPC in Niger, made the promise when the state Chairman of the Campaign for Democracy, Human Right Advocacy Civil Society of Nigeria, Alh. Abdullahi Mohammed and other members of the group visited the ICPC office on Friday in Minna.
“We will collaborate with credible Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and civil society groups in the state to project our activities to the public in the fight against corruption and other related offences,” he said.
Alexander thanked the group for identifying with the commission, especially for indicating interest to collaborate and to become part of its National Anti Corruption Volunteers Corps (NAVC).
He also said that the agency would continue to work with the media to inform, educate and enlighten citizenry on government policies and programmes which was critical in the fight against corruption.
“There is the need to work with the media to achieve result, in creating awareness among members of the public in the state about ICPC and its activities,” he said.
The director said that corruption could not be totally eradicated but could be reduce to the minimum, hence the commission’s mandate to go after those found wanting in corrupt practices.
He, therefore, urged both the NGOs in the state and the media to support the commission in its effort to tackle corruption in order to bring the culprits to book.
According to him, partnering with the media and NGOs in the state are part of the measures put in place by the commission to achieve its desired goals and make its operations known to the public.
Earlier, Mohammed, told the state director of ICPC that the group was in his office to brief him on the activities and functions of the NGO and seek for collaboration with the commission to become part of its National NAVC.
The group’s chairman said that they were out to partner with the government and showcase their policies and programmes at all levels of governance, with the view to ensuring transparent implementation of their set goals.
“We want a situation where government policies and programmes will have direct positive impact on the wellbeing of the citizens,” he said.
He promised that the Campaign for Democracy would help the anti corruption agency by popularising its presence in the state for the benefits of the people.
Mohammed noted that corruption had badly affected the country leading to social disorder, political instability, poor governance, human displacement, poverty and hunger.
“We have the capacity to partner with you in fighting the evils of corruption in Nigeria and Niger state in particular,” he said. (NAN)
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