The Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, SAN, has implored the management of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to lend its unalloyed support to the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) by adequately funding the Unit’s activities.
The Chairman, who was represented by Mr. Olayinka Aiyegbayo of Systems Study and Review Department, made the call during the inauguration and induction of new ACTU members of the Niger Delta Affairs Ministry recently in Abuja.
Professor Owasanoye explained “ACTU needs the unalloyed support of management. We therefore, implore management to adequately fund the activities of the Unit as required vide extant circulars issued by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation and provisions of the Standing Order for the Operations of ACTUs in Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs).”
The ICPC boss added that ACTU would assist the management of the Ministry in promoting a transparent and accountable workforce by effectively discharging its duties, which include conducting Systems Study and Review of processes and procedures, sensitization of staff on and against corruption, development of and implementation of Code of Conduct for staff, and monitoring of budget implementation amongst others.
The Chairman also noted that the inauguration of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs’ ACTU was a strong testament and commitment of the Ministry at being in the fore front of driving the avowed anti-corruption initiatives of the Federal Government through the mandate of the Unit. He therefore charged the new inductees to work hard and endeavor to stay on the path of integrity.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Babaya Ardo Kumo, spoke on how the Ministry attached great importance to the ACTU because of its ability to promote culture of integrity and reduce corruption.
Dr. Kumo also highlighted some of the mandate of the Ministry to include coordination of development activities of the region, promotion of peace and ensuring the protection and sustainability of the environment.
He therefore pledged to work closely with ACTU to ensure that it functions “unfettered and unhindered” in order to achieve the mandate of the Ministry.
Highlight of the event was the administration of the Oath of Allegiance on the new members who all pledged to display high level personal responsibility and integrity.