The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has urged the National Assembly to pass the Whistleblower Bill to encourage the exposure and reporting of corruption cases to anti-corruption agencies.
Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu made the assertion during a round table engagement conference with state Attorneys General in the North-west on strengthening ICPC’s capacity for corruption.
The program with the theme, ‘Establishing a Community of Practice for Attorneys General’ was supported by The Rule of Law And Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme in collaboration with ICPC.
He said this initiative reflects the commission’s commitment to fostering a long-term partnership in building a united front against corruption in Nigeria.
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” As we gather today, we are reminded of the Supreme Court’s judgment in AG Orido State v AG Federation & 35 Ors (2002), which emphasised the shared responsibility of state and federal governments in tackling corruption. This presents an opportunity to enhance our collaboration, ensuring that the systems we create are accountable and transparent.
” In this regard, I call on the Attorneys-General of the North-West to collaborate closely with ICPC to fortify systems of accountability and transparency that serve the people. Under Section 6 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission Act, ICPC is empowered to investigate and prosecute corruption across all sectors of public service, but your support and the local knowledge you bring are essential to making this effort more effective.”
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The Chairman of the ICPC revealed that the gathering is crucial bringing together key stakeholders at the subnational level to discuss the need for a united front in the fight against corruption, stressing that confronting corruption is critical to the prosperity of our nation-no country can thrive where corruption thrives.
Similarly in a remark Chief Judge of Kano State, Justice Dije Aboki, added her voice to the call for the National Assembly to pass the Whistleblower Bill.
She said the call is Imperative to provide legal protection to individuals who expose corruption and wrongdoing, encouraging transparency and accountability in Nigeria.
Kano’s Chief Judge emphasized the importance of Attorneys General upholding the rule of law, regardless of the individuals involved in corruption cases. She reminded them that their oath of allegiance commits them to performing their duties impartially and to the best of their abilities, without fear or favor.
“I must commend the ICPC for its consistent efforts and Hawavering dedication in tackling corruption, and for its innovative initiative to engage the State Attorneys General of the North-West Zone.
“I must also particularly appreciate the ICPC’s proactive approach in prioritizing preventive measures to combat corruption. While enforcement and prosecution are necessary, prevention is a more sustainable strategy that addresses the root causes of corruption. This approach aligns with the Judiciary’s role in interpreting laws that not only punish but also deter corrupt practice.”
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“We are well aware that no single entity can combat corruption in isolation. This is why the initiative to establish a community of practice among attorneys general is commendable, as it fosters collaboration, shared learning, and the harmonization of strategies across states.
“The approach to focus on the north west zone in this engagement recognizes the shared challenges we face and the unique opportunity to strengthen collaboration among critical stakeholders in the fight against corruption. As Attorneys-General play a pivotal role in legal governance, this initiative will undoubtedly enhance the capacity of states in our region to address corruption more effectively.”
“The fight against corruption is not just a legal imperative but a moral one, as corruption undermines governance, weakens institutions, and erodes public trust. It is quite unsettling to note a recent newspaper article which revealed that a Transparency International report indicated that Nigeria’s corruption ranking has worsened, further eroding public trust in anti-corruption mechanisms. We are also acutely aware that corruption is a systemic challenge that undermines governance and development. To combat it effectively, institutions at all levels must take practical, targeted steps to strengthen transparency, accountability, and public confidence.”
In his speech, Representative of RoLAC Mr. Emmanuel Uche said it is better for society have bad laws being implemented by good judges than to have good laws implemented by Corrupt Judges.
He assured that the RoLAC will continue to engage key stakeholders in to robust discussion with a view to fighting corruption in the country
