The Acting Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Hon. Abdullahi Bako, has called for stronger collaboration amongst the different anti-corruption agencies in the country saying it was indispensable to achieving a positive result in the government’s anti-graft fight.
Hon. Bako made this call at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, recently when he played host to some members of an anti-corruption group known as Inter-Agency Task Team (IATT). The team comprises representatives of all the anti-corruption agencies in the country and is charged with the responsibility of harmonizing the activities of the various agencies.
The ICPC Acting Chairman explained that if all anti-corruption agencies were to synergize and perform their statutory duties with greater cooperation, the fight against corruption would be more successful.
According to him, “There should be no bickering amongst anti-corruption agencies. We are all fighting the same cause and need to cooperate to achieve our mandates.”
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Ms. Amaka Obinna of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) said the team was at the Commission to solicit for support for its activities planned for the forthcoming International Anti-Corruption Day slated for 9th December, 2017. She said the team was in need of financial assistance and further requested the participation of the Commission’s staff in the activities lined up for the day.
She also expressed their gratitude to the Commission for its contributions over the years towards ensuring that the task team achieved its mandate, saying: “Our team has enjoyed a smooth working relationship with ICPC. We have not found you wanting in your obligations and responsibilities to us. We are therefore looking forward to more years of worthy collaboration with you.”
In his response, the Acting Chairman assured the organizers of ICPC’s full participation and pledged the Commission’s full support towards the success of the event.