The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Musa Aliyu (SAN), has stated that the commission would not shy away from employing stringent measures against legislators from the State Houses of Assembly when deemed necessary.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Aliyu emphasized the commission’s readiness to collaborate with the state legislative bodies in the battle against corruption.
Aliyu addressed the commencement of a three-day capacity-building workshop for legislators from Jigawa State in Abuja.
He stressed that the ICPC is committed to fulfilling its three-pronged mandate, which includes enforcement, prevention, public education, and mass mobilization, all within the legal framework.
He further mentioned that the commission is prepared to engage in partnerships with the state legislature to further the fight against corruption, a strategy that has been and continues to be successful in collaboration with other governmental entities and tiers.
Nonetheless, he clarified that the commission’s readiness to employ significant measures will be determined by the specific circumstances that necessitate such actions.
“This is why I am appealing to us to take advantage of the learning sessions, share experiences where necessary, and leave the commission’s premises better informed than when you arrived,” Aliyu said, urging the state legislative arm of government to be transparent and accountable to combat corruption effectively.
He added: “The relevance of the legislature in democratic governance need not be overemphasised. The oversight function is critical in ensuring that the legislature’s intent in making laws that will improve the living standard of the poor is reflected in the performance of the executive functions.
“The legislature is expected to detect waste, inefficiency, ineffectiveness, corruption, and mismanagement of public resources. However, these functions can only be effectively discharged by the legislative arm of government if it embraces transparency and accountability in its operations. This is why this workshop is so important.”
On his part, the acting Director of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria, Richard Bello, said legislators are crucial in the fight against corruption in the country.
Bello said, “The importance of working with the legislative arm of government at both federal and state levels in combating the phenomenon of corruption can never be overstated. Legislators as direct representatives of the people in the corridors of power occupy a very sensitive position in a democratic setting such as ours in this country.
“The legislative arm of government is a veritable partner in the quest to tackle corruption in the country, as some of its institutional practices are ready tools that could be deployed to fight corruption.”
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