ICPC is working hard to rid Nigeria of corruption

Concerned by the alarming rate of corruption and global corrupt practices, the United Nations in 2003 recognised every 9th of December as World Anti Corruption Day to create awareness and make citizens of the world be aware of the ills of the menace. Kogi State office of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) is marking the day with series of events lined up for today. The State Commissioner for the Commission, Mr OCHE OGWUAGBU told InsideStory reporter MOHAMMED YABAGI about the ills of corruption, the events lined up for the day and sundry issues in this exclusive interview. Excerpts:

Briefly introduce yourself Sir

My name is Chile Ogwuagbu. I am the Commissioner, Kogi State Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission.

Tell us about the World Anti Corruption Day celebration

Well, the Day has been set aside by the United Nations for nations of the world to take critical look at the menace caused by corruption globally. Specifically, the UN General Assembly on the 31st of October 2003, adopted the United Nations Convention against Corruption and requested that the Secretary-General designate the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as secretariat for the Convention’s Conference of States Parties (resolution 58/4). The Assembly also designated 9 December as International Anti-Corruption Day to raise awareness of corruption and of the role of the Convention in combating and preventing corrupt practices. The Convention actually entered into force in December 2005. There is no doubt that the country, Nigeria, and Kogi State, like every other state need to reiterate its preparedness to combat the menace of the canker worm called corruption because it is it has already eaten deep into the fabrics of the society. That is why marking the day with the rest of the world is of great importance.

What is the theme of this year’s celebration and it’s significance to the corruption fight?

Thank you. The theme for this year’s celebration is; “Recover With Integrity.” It is apt because of the situation the world has found itself with ongoing efforts to fight the Covid19 global pandemic. The theme actually highlights the fact that it is only when the world faces the negative effect of corruption at all levels that it can have the best of recovery from the pandemic and bring the world back to the right footing. Covid19 can be fought effectively if those at the forefront approach it with integrity. For instance, it is wrong the way the youths are breaking into warehouses to loot because they suspect some palliative materials were being hoarded by politicians and other public office holders. We have to have Integrity to be able to fight the virus and help the world heal totally. This year’s theme also focuses on recovery through corruption mitigation and emphasizes that inclusive COVID-19 recovery can only be achieved with integrity. This requires the involvement of strong anti-corruption bodies, better oversight over emergency support packages, more open and transparent public procurement and enhanced anti-corruption compliance by the private sector. Furthermore, countries need to ensure support and protection for whistle-blowers and journalists uncovering corruption during the pandemic. Overall, there is an urgent need to ensure access to information about public decision-making on the pandemic relief efforts. We also need better international cooperation among law enforcement and judicial authorities investigating and prosecuting cases of corruption, which have both national and international ramifications.

What activities have you lined up in Kogi State to mark the day?

Thank you. In Kogi State, we have decided to mark the day in collaboration with the state government through the Ministry of Information and Communications. We are marking it with a road rally taking place you read this piece and also a debate is also being organised for various higher institutions in the state among other things that we are putting in place to ensure the information get to the grassroots and to everyone as we face the menace of corruption.

Is it possible to wipe corruption out of our system as a country?

Uhmmm…you know illness is a part of human nature and corruption is part of human ill health. So, to say; “Wipe it Out” may be difficult but ICPC as a body is working assiduously to ensure corruption is fought and eradicated or possibly brought to the barest minimum. For instance, ICPC vision is; “A Nigeria Free From All Forms of Corruption and Corrupt Practices.” Its mission statement is; “To Rid Nigeria of Corruption Through Lawful Enforcement and Preventive Measures.” So, it is a work in progress. ICPC is working to rid the country of corruption, it is a work in progress. Whether the country can be totally rid of corruption is another story entirely but the ICPC is working to bring incidents of corruption to the barest minimum.

Is “barest minimum” okay for corruption?

No. It is not but it is a work in progress. No society is without crime, but it should not be prevalent.

Is it okay if it is not prevalent?

Still, it is not okay and that was why I told you earlier that it is a work in progress. There is no society that does not have crime and that is why we have law enforcement agencies to checkmate the activities of those breaking the law and committing crimes by bringing them to justice.

Is it possible to prevent public servants from engaging in corruption, given the seeming lack of social protection for them?

There is actually not justification for corruption or any form of crime or criminal activities. For instance, you cannot say you would have to take to life of crime because you are not being your salaries or because you are poor. Poverty is not an excuse. For instance, there is opportunity for civil and public servants to engage in farming and other activities that can earn them legitimate income. They should do that rather than taking to corrupt acts. The consequences of crime are dire, so, they should avoid being caught up in the wrong side of the law.

What makes corruption attractive in the public service?

I think it is because of lack of adequate enforcement of the law. That is why the current board of the ICPC is trying to improve our endorsement capabilities. If everyone knows that when they are caught in any form of corrupt acts they would be made to face the full wrath of the law, they would be discouraged. Crime would therefore lose its attraction. It is necessary for it to be made unattractive and that is what the ICPC is doing now.

What are the factors militating against effective corruption fight?

One major factor is fund. There is not enough fund available to make the fight as effective as government would want. Funds government would have used for this fight are being lost through corruption by people in government. That is a major impediment. Then our attitude as a people towards the menace is not helping. People have come to accept that corruption is part of us and so, it should be accepted. That is why the commission has come up with many programmes to help capture the youths and civil servants, public office holders and civil society organisations, traders, market women among other stakeholders to preach against the menace. In ministries, we have Anti corruption and transparency units, we have Anti corruption clubs in various secondary school ans engaging students in higher institutions in various ways to make sure issues that concern corruption are brought to public glare for everyone’s understanding.

What is the differences between ICPC and EFCC?

Even in the names, you can’t confuse the two. The EFCC was set up to fight Economic and Financial Crimes. ICPC on the other hand is set up fight Corrupt Practices. Yes, proceeds of corruption may be laundered, which is where EFCC comes in. There is no overlap in our functions.

What are some of the harms corruption has done to our system?

A lot. Look at the deficiencies in our infrastructure, the lack in adequate healthcare services in the country, the poor road networks, underdevelopment and other things that are affecting the nation’s development. These whole things are factors harms corruption has dealt the country.

Advice to the public

We must all join hands to fight the menace of corruption in this country. We need to stamp out the menace because it is our the country in all ramifications.