ICPC inaugurates 12-member ACTU in N-HYPPADEC, tasks unit on closing corruption loopholes
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Thursday inaugurated a 12-member Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) in the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC).
The inauguration, held at the N-HYPPADEC headquarters in Minna, marked the second inauguration of the ACTU in the commission since its establishment.
The administration of oath of office to the newly inaugurated members was performed by Mr Shattima Saleh, Head of System Study and Review Department of the ICPC.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq-Yelwa, said the development was significant to the commission as a public institution entrusted with implementing developmental interventions across its mandate states and communities.
Sadiq-Yelwa said the commission had a responsibility to ensure that public resources were managed prudently, transparently and in accordance with established rules and procedures.
He said N-HYPPADEC’s commitment to development must go hand-in-hand with a strong culture of integrity, accountability and responsible stewardship.
According to him, the commission must continually strengthen its systems to prevent corrupt practices, identify vulnerabilities and ensure that its processes remain transparent and accountable.
“The ACTU has an important role to play in this regard. Beyond responding to acts of misconduct, the Unit is expected to contribute meaningfully to prevention, awareness and the promotion of ethical standards within the Commission,” he said.
The managing director commended the outgoing ACTU members for their contributions to the commission during their tenure, stressing that their replacement with new members was not an indication of poor performance.
He explained that the decision was aimed at bringing in new members who would acquire experience in the workings of ACTU, while the outgoing members would serve as ambassadors of the anti-corruption initiative within and outside the commission.
Sadiq-Yelwa assured the newly inaugurated members of management’s support and cooperation, saying the commission’s doors would remain open for constructive interaction.
He urged the ACTU to work collaboratively with departments and divisions, particularly in addressing identified challenges before escalating such matters to management.
“We must see ACTU as a working partner to all the departments and divisions. When it observes that there is a problem, it should discuss with the department before coming to me,” he added.
In his goodwill message, the ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Adamu-Aliyu, SAN, represented by the commission’s Commissioner in Niger, Mr Kennedy Ebhotemeh, said ACTU was an initiative of the ICPC approved by the Federal Government to serve as an effective mechanism for corruption prevention within Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Adamu-Aliyu said the initiative was in line with global best practices of building strong institutions and institutionalising good governance in the fight against corruption.
He said ACTU strengthened ICPC’s efforts in public institutions by entrenching the principles of accountability and transparency in government agencies.
He explained that the Unit was expected to conduct system study and review of processes and procedures within N-HYPPADEC, with a view to making recommendations capable of blocking corruption loopholes.
The ICPC chairman said ACTU members were also expected to conduct continuous sensitisation of staff against the ills of corruption, implement codes of conduct, conduct corruption risk assessments and undertake preliminary investigations into complaints received, among other functions.
He, however, clarified that ACTU was not established as a parallel authority to the management of N-HYPPADEC, but was expected to work closely with management in building a reputable institution.
Adamu-Aliyu solicited the support of N-HYPPADEC management by providing an enabling environment for the Unit to effectively discharge its responsibilities.
He specifically called for the inclusion of ACTU members in relevant committees as observers and provision of funding for its activities, in line with the extant government circular of Oct. 5, 2016.
The ICPC chairman congratulated the newly inaugurated members, urging them to work as a team and uphold discipline, transparency and accountability within the commission.
He expressed optimism that the inauguration would further strengthen the relationship between ICPC and N-HYPPADEC for the overall development of the country.
Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated members, the ACTU Chairman, Alhaji Zubairu Adamu, thanked the management of N-HYPPADEC, ICPC and other stakeholders for their support and presence at the ceremony.
Adamu pledged the commitment of the new ACTU to uphold integrity, transparency, accountability and dedication to service throughout its tenure.
He also commended the outgoing chairman and members for their contributions to strengthening the ACTU and the fight against corruption.
He assured that the new team would build on the achievements of the previous committee and strive to do more in promoting accountability and transparency within N-HYPPADEC.
News Agency of Nigeria reports that the ceremony was attended by management and staff of N-HYPPADEC, ICPC officials and other stakeholders.(NAN)
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