The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, SAN, OFR, has charged the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) to maintain a high sense of professionalism.
The Chairman made the remark when the Executive Committee (Exco) members of the Alumni Association of the Institute led by Barr. Mike Ejiofor, fsi paid him a courtesy visit at the Commission’s headquarters recently.
Drawing the nexus between corruption and insecurity, the ICPC boss pointed out that high-level corruption and unstable economy trigger insecurity in the nation.
In his words, “For a very important Association like yours, because security is a major challenge and you are strategically positioned to resolve the issue of insecurity, there is need to maintain professionalism and avoid partisanship. The synergy between the Commission and the Association is paramount to national interest as intelligence gathering will help in combating corruption and reduce the tendency of crimes and criminality.”
He further encouraged the team to conduct researches, publish findings on issues undermining insecurity and drive reforms that their successors can build upon in the interest of the nation.
“I see your role as a critical one with regards to regional stability and how it affects us. Your decision and thoughts should be non-partisan, and see the need to conduct researches and drive reform as the pioneer executives of the institute.”
Prof. Owasanoye further assured the Exco members of his commitment to working with all key parties for the greater good of national security, adding that in the areas of training, the Commission would do its best in sending more staff for capacity building in the security institute.
Earlier in his remarks, Barr. Ejiofor, fsi stated that the exco members were on a familiarization visit to the Commission to appreciate the work ICPC was doing in combatting corruption and to recognize the Commission as a major contributing agency to the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) as they expressed their desire to offer services to the Commission.
“We are aware of the strategic role your Commission is playing in the fight against corruption and other related practices that are injurious to the national economy and the overall development of the nation. The Association plans to deliberately harness the training experience and professionalism of members who are drawn from various agencies towards offering services to government and her institutions,” he declared.
The courtesy visit was attended by a Board Member, Secretary and Directors of the Commission as well as ICPC officers who are fellows of the NISS.