The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has called on Nigerian leaders to shun corruption and uphold integrity in their activities. The anti-graft agency made the appeal at the 2023 Do the Right Thing Summit in Abuja on Thursday.
The summit, which had the theme “Being the Right Leader”, was aimed at promoting ethical leadership and good governance in the country. The ICPC spokesperson, Mrs. Azuka Ogugua, said that the future of Nigeria depended on the type of leaders it had at all levels, from the federal, state and local governments to schools and offices.
She said that the right leader was necessary to bring about the realization of the dreams and aspirations of the people. She also said that the ICPC was working with schools and youth groups to groom leaders who would do the right thing at all times.
She urged all civil society organizations working in the area of anti-corruption and good governance to register with the commission for effective collaboration. She said that the commission hoped to create a society that was free from all forms of corruption and corrupt practices.
The convener of the summit, Chief Michael Nwadiora, stressed the need for Nigerians to work together for a just society, irrespective of the diversity in the country. He said that the country’s diversity was a source of strength and a treasure trove of perspectives that could guide the country toward innovative solutions to its challenges.
He said that the summit was a testament of commitment to creating a better future. He said that the summit featured experts, thought leaders and change-makers from various fields to engage in meaningful conversations and inspire change.
He urged all Nigerians to be the right leaders that Nigeria desired, saying that national change began with every individual. He said that the summit ended on a note of hope and optimism for the country.
The ICPC is one of the agencies established by the Nigerian government to fight corruption and other related offenses. The commission was inaugurated in 2000 and has since prosecuted and convicted several public officials and private individuals for various acts of corruption.
The commission has also recovered billions of naira worth of cash and assets from corrupt persons and organizations. The commission has also embarked on several public enlightenment and education campaigns to sensitize Nigerians on the dangers and consequences of corruption.
The commission has also collaborated with other anti-corruption agencies, such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the National Orientation Agency (NOA), to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach to fighting corruption in the country.
The commission has also received support and recognition from international organizations, such as the United Nations, the African Union, the Commonwealth, and the European Union, for its efforts and achievements in combating corruption in Nigeria.
Source: The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has urged leaders in the country to shun every act of corruption and embrace integrity and uprightness in all their activities.
Source: Vanguard
