The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has urged Nigerians to join forces in the fight against corruption.
ICPC Chairman, Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, made the call on Monday, December 11, 2023, at a stakeholders’ forum in Abuja.
Owasanoye said that corruption is a major obstacle to Nigeria’s development and that it is the responsibility of all citizens to combat it.
“Corruption is a cancer that is eating away at our society,” Owasanoye said. “It is time for all of us to come together and fight it.”
He called on Nigerians to report cases of corruption to the ICPC and to hold their leaders accountable.
“We cannot afford to be silent in the face of corruption,” Owasanoye said. “We must speak out and demand justice.”
The ICPC was established in 2000 to investigate and prosecute cases of corruption. The commission has been credited with making significant progress in the fight against corruption.
However, critics say that the ICPC needs to do more to tackle systemic corruption in Nigeria.
The stakeholders’ forum was attended by representatives from government, civil society, and the private sector. The participants discussed ways to strengthen the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
The ICPC’s call for a united front against corruption comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with the effects of corruption. The country ranks 154th out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index.
Corruption is a major obstacle to Nigeria’s development. It stifles economic growth, undermines the rule of law, and erodes public trust in government.
The ICPC’s call for a united front against corruption is a step in the right direction. However, it is important to note that the fight against corruption is a long-term process. It will require sustained effort from all sectors of society.
The ICPC is committed to working with all stakeholders to combat corruption. The commission believes that together, Nigerians can create a more just and equitable society.
