The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has called on the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to use it investigative powers to bring corrupt individuals and institutions to justice.
This call was made by the ICPC Osun State Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC), Mr. Demola Bakare, during a courtesy visit and sensitization lecture to NHRC in Osun State.
Mr. Bakare stated that the courtesy visit was triggered by the need for increased collaboration at the state level, and to create awareness and foster public support in the fight against corruption.
In her remarks, the Osun State Coordinator of NHRC, Mrs Nneka Anigbo acknowledged that corruption and human rights are closely associated with each other.
She added that the collaboration between the two organizations can improve the integration of human rights into anti-corruption efforts and ensure that corruption is systematically reduced.
In the sensitisation event that followed immediately after the courtesy visit, ICPC’s Assistant Superintendent, Mary Okebukola shared the importance of addressing corruption and upholding human rights in a democratic nation.
She stated that this is crucial because corruption undermines the foundation of a democratic system and erodes the public trust in government institutions which hampers the rule of law.
She encouraged staff of NHRC to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of corruption on human rights and advocate for systemic changes and legal reforms to help combat this effectively.