April 21, 2022

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has urged newly inaugurated members of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) not to witch-hunt staff.

Mr. Emmanuel Nwaobilor, an Assistant Chief Superintendent Officer, ICPC, spoke during a lecture for members of the reconstituted ACTU in Abuja on Thursday.

Nwaobilor told the members not to use their position as a threat to other staff but to ensure they showcased high levels of ethical standards in carrying out their mandate.

“ACTU should not be seen as a threat but it is set up to help in reporting anti-corruption cases within the agency to ICPC for proper investigation.

“ACTU is not a set up to witch-hunt or bully other members of staff. You have to be friendly and diplomatic in handling issues especially with management because you need their support,” he said.

Nwaobilor cautioned the members of the unit to avoid any wrongdoing concerning their official engagement while encouraging them to be people of proven integrity.

He reminded them not to expose or identify informants except to the commission on request.

Nwaobilor assured the unit of the commission’s protection against any victimisation.

He explained that ACTU was created to serve as an extension of ICPC in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), approved by government, through Head of Civil Service of the Federation.

Nwaobilor said that ICPC established ACTU in MDAs of government as one of its strategies to tackle corruption in the public service using staff of organisations.

He said it was believed that those working directly in the organisations would have a better understanding and ability to identify causes of corruption within their organisations.

Members of the agency’s ACTU are: Dr Razak Owolabi (Chairman), Mr Ugochukwu Nwogute (Secretary), Mr Aliyu Abubakar, Mr Dele Olorunfemi, and Mrs Racheal Kopkung. (NAN)