The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has charged the media to join the fight against corruption being the fourth estate of the realm in Nigeria.
The charge was made by ICPC Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC), Benue State office, Mr. Chile Ogwuegbu, during a working visit to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in the state.
Speaking at the visit, Mr. Ogwuegbu stated that the visit was to strengthen the synergy between the anti-graft agency and the media adding that the media has an important role to play in the fight against corruption.
He emphasised that the Commission acknowledges the media as a potent force in shaping opinion and behaviour, since positive values constitute the fundamentals of a corruption-free society.
“I ask that you leverage your influence and reportage to re-orientate the society towards the values by paying due attention to reporting anti-corruption cases”, the RACC added.
In his welcome remarks, the Zonal Assistant Editor-in-Chief of NAN, Mr. Philip Dzerem, assured the Commission of his agency’s commitment to the fight against corruption, especially in the area of news reportage which according to him is very vital.
Mr. Dzerem stated that NAN has established the same synergy with various agencies of government and ICPC would not be left out.
He assured ICPC of their readiness to deepen the relationship between the two agencies and further noted that corruption cannot be won without a collective involvement of all, especially in the area of public enlightenment and education, and called on other media houses to collaborate with ICPC in the fight against corruption.