ICPC Urges Regional Attorneys-General to Team Up for Enhanced Transparency
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has unequivocally urged the Attorneys-General of Nigeria’s North-West zone to collaborate with the ICPC in fortifying systems of accountability and transparency that serve the public interest.
Dr. Aliyu delivered this compelling message in Kano, during a pivotal conference with the State Attorneys-General in the North-West zone, aimed at amplifying the ICPC’s capacity to prevent corruption.
He emphasized the critical relevance of the Supreme Court’s ruling in AG Ondo State v. AG Federation & 35 Ors (2002), which underscored the joint responsibility of both state and federal governments in the fight against corruption.
He stated firmly that it’s an opportunity to deepen collaboration and ensure that the systems we create are not only accountable but also transparent.”
The ICPC has the authority to investigate and prosecute corruption across all public service sectors, and Dr Aliyu asserted that the support and local expertise of the Attorneys-General are indispensable for enhancing the effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts.
He declared this assembly essential, uniting key stakeholders at the subnational level to forge a robust coalition against corruption.
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Dr Aliyu stressed that eradicating corruption is imperative for the nation’s prosperity, making it clear that no country can flourish in an environment rife with corruption.
Referring to the 2023 report “Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends” by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), he highlighted the alarming levels of bribery in the North-West region.
This trend is consistent across Nigeria, particularly in public utilities, law enforcement, and administrative services.
He called on stakeholders to actively encourage the citizens of the North-West to refuse bribe demands, pointing out a significant positive note: 70% of Nigerians approached for a bribe in 2023 resisted at least once.
Justice Dije Aboki, Chief Judge of Kano State, asserted that the struggle against corruption is not merely a legal obligation but a moral imperative, as corruption erodes governance, undermines institutions, and devastates public trust.
She praised the initiative to establish a community of Attorneys-General, which fosters collaboration, shared learning, and the synchronization of strategies among states. She firmly stated that no single institution can effectively combat corruption alone.
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Justice Aboki assured that the Judiciary in Kano State stands resolutely alongside this mission, committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice acts as both a shield for the innocent and a weapon against the corrupt.
She further urged lawmakers to expedite the passage of the Whistleblower Bill, a crucial measure believed to bolster the fight against corruption.
Mr. Uche Immanuel, representing RoLAC, emphasized that following discussions with the ICPC Chairman, a decisive focus on the North-West region was established as a starting point. He noted that the region is currently leading in the critical battle against corruption and the institutionalization of transparency and accountability.
Mr. Immanuel insisted that RoLAC promotes an inclusive approach to the fight against corruption, asserting that this is essential for achieving meaningful change.
The conference, themed “Establishing a Community of Practice for Attorneys General,” drew attendance from attorneys general from Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina states, along with the chairmen of state anti-corruption commissions from Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, and Kaduna states.
