The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is set to collaborate with the Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) to promote transparency, accountability, and prevent corruption in local government financial management.
ICPC Spokesperson, Demola Bakare, explained in a statement on Friday that ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu, SAN, made this known when the leadership of NCYP paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.
Aliyu was represented by the Secretary to the commission, Mr Clifford Oparaodu.
Aliyu reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerians at the grassroots would benefit from the federal government’s local government financial autonomy policy.
He emphasised that achieving this goal would require viable collaborations with relevant stakeholders to prevent corruption and the mismanagement of public funds.
“We are ready to partner with you in ensuring that local government financial autonomy benefits the grassroots and improves the quality of life in our communities,” Aliyu stated.
He urged the NCYP and other Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) to support the commission’s anti-corruption efforts by sensitising the public and holding elected officials accountable.
Aliyu further stressed the importance of equipping themselves with adequate information on local government fund disbursements and expenditures.
This, he said, would enable them to educate the public, monitor spending, expose corrupt practices, and ensure accountability among public officeholders.
“You must educate the people in your communities on how disbursed funds by local government councils are being spent.
“However, the process must start with you, and the impact will spread,” he said.
In his remarks, NCYP Chairman, Mr Isaac Abrak, commended the ICPC for its anti-corruption efforts under the leadership of Aliyu.
Abrak expressed the group’s desire to partner with the Commission to ensure that local government funds are used for the people’s development.
“We are here to celebrate the commission for conducting its operations in line with the rule of law and due process based on its constitutional mandates,” Abrak stated.
He also noted that the NCYP advocated for grassroots development and financial autonomy for local government areas.
He described the recent financial autonomy granted by the Federal Government and affirmed by the Supreme Court as one of the most people-oriented policies of the present administration.
“We have confidence in the present government for promising to disburse funds directly into local government accounts.
“This will address many challenges faced by local government areas and the people at the grassroots.
“We are eager to know how we can assist the commission in ensuring the right things are done at the local levels,” he added.
Abrak also lauded the ICPC’s recent engagement with local government executives in Gombe State and encouraged the commission to continue its commendable work
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