The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has warned government officials to shun corrupt practices.
The commission urged heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government to avoid common leadership pitfalls, `banana peels’, that could lead to disgraceful end of their career.
The Chairman of ICPC, Dr Musa Aliyu, SAN gave the warning on Wednesday in Abuja, at an interactive session with the Chief Executive Officers of public agencies on corruption prevention within the public service.
The event was organised by the ICPC research and training school, Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), with support from the MacArthur Foundation, as part of its corruption prevention mandate.
Aliyu said that the commission would not hesitate to investigate and prosecute any chief executive officer of MDA indulged in corrupt practices.
According to him, indulging in shady or sharp practices could sometimes result in investigation and eventual prosecution of the chief executive officers.
He expressed worry that many good people fell into corruption when appointed as chief executive officers, due to lack of knowledge on how to handle internal practices that could be traps.
He said that it was imperative for them to know the ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ so that they do not become victims or get co-opted into aiding and abetting corruption within their agencies.
The ICPC chairman said that the commission had developed the session to ensure that CEOs came up with individual and collective strategies for corruption prevention.
“Corruption is a major cog in the wheel of our collective aspirations and meaningful development as a people.
“Undoubtedly, the havoc that corruption has done to the public service and our nation at large can not be quantified.
“In recognition of the importance of leadership in ensuring that corruption is diminished in the public sector, this executive session is designed to generate discussions.
“It will focus on how best we can collaboratively prevent corruption in our MDAs, with the understanding and agreement that prevention is better than cure,“ he said.
He said that the objectives of the session included helping CEOs identify corruption risks in their agencies, so as to develop appropriate prevention measures.
“It is also to help them avoid common leadership pitfalls that sometimes result in investigation and eventual prosecution.
“It is to help them garner the required knowledge and strategies to start and finish their service with their heads high,“ he said.
According to him, the session was put together to address the challenge of why good people fall into corruption when appointed as CEOs.
“In order to avoid both internal and external pitfalls as chief executives, a gathering of this nature will avail you ample opportunity to share ideas, experiences and strategies on how to handle issues.
“It will, particularly, prkvide insight on how to handle institutionalised internal practices that are traps, set to make you complicit in future corrupt practices.
“ This is why it is imperative for you to know the ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’, so you do not become victims or get co-opted into aiding and abetting corruption within your agencies, ” Aliyu said.
He said that the ICPC would not shy away from its enforcement mandate that allowed it to prosecute CEOs that are found guilty of engaging in corrupt practices
He, however, urged the CEOs to collaborate with the commission in curbing corruption.”