In its bid to foster the support of professional bodies in the fight against corruption, the Lagos State office of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) visited the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), Lagos Chapter.
This was to create a synergy with the organisation which would serve as a key driver of ethical standards for its members and the general public at large.
Speaking during the meeting with the management of the Institute, Head of Education Unit, ICPC Lagos office, Mr. Olufemi Nofiu said there was need for ICSAN to review and inject relevant sections of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 into its operational guidelines.
He also said that the Act would empower and also serve as a form of code for the Institute, in addition to strengthening its effectiveness thereby bringing unethical practices and the incidence of corruption to the barest minimum.
He stated that the ICPC was not out to change the existing law of the institute but to empower it.
The Registrar of the Institute, Mr. Dele Togunde lauded the ICPC’s effort to partner with the Institute in the fight against corruption.
He said ICSAN was an organization that observes corporate governance and its code of operations had appropriate sanctions for members on violations.
The management of the institute pledged its support for the ICPC while it would promote and entrench good values in the polity.
The Registrar also added that the Institute in its capacity ensures promotion of a corrupt- free society as part of its contributions to nation building.
He further charged ICPC to pay attention to the reward and motivation system in the various institutions of government.
Mr. Togunde advised that there must be a nexus between offences and punishments to really scare people from indulging in corrupt practices.