Low number of petitions frustrating fight against corruption – ICPC
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, Zonal Office in Minna, Niger State has raised concern over the low number of petitions received in the state.
It stated that currently, it is actively prosecuting only six corruption cases in court.
Resident Commissioner, Kennedy Ebotemen, made this disclosure during a visit by the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Niger State Council, Comrade Abu Nmodu in Minna.
He noted that the dearth of petitions from members of the public in Niger State is limiting the Commission’s ability to tackle corruption.
Stressing the importance of public participation in fighting corruption, he urged citizens to submit petitions to the Commission, which he said would be treated confidentially.
“We are encouraging members of the public to forward genuine information and petitions to the Commission, and assure that petitioners’ identities would be protected under the secrecy laws,” Ebotemen said.
The resident commissioner also noted the need for stronger synergy between the ICPC and the NUJ while pointing out the crucial role journalists play in the fight against corruption .
He urged the NUJ to support the Commission’s activities.
Earlier, the NUJ Niger State Council Chairman, Comrade Abu Nmodu, requested the ICPC’s support and cooperation in media coverage of its activities.
He also suggested replicating journalist training programmes at the zonal level, as done at ICPC headquarters, to strengthen the partnership between the union and the Commission.
“This will further go a long way in strengthening the existing cordial relationship and partnership between our Union and the Commission,” he added.
