The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has called on members of the Commission’s Cooperative Society to uphold the highest standards of integrity and selflessness in service.
The ICPC Chairman made this statement during the 15th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and election of new executive members of the ICPC Staff Cooperative Society, held on Wednesday at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja.
Represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu, DSSRS, the ICPC Chairman commended the members for completing another financial year and emphasized the essential role of the cooperative in improving the welfare of staff through accessible loans and other financial support services.
Dr. Aliyu stressed that integrity must remain the cornerstone of all cooperative activities, warning that dishonest practices could undermine the benefits meant for all members, advising that “Integrity in cooperative affairs is not optional—it is fundamental. A lack of honesty denies fellow members the advantages they rightfully deserve,”.
He also praised the outgoing executives for their dedication and urged them to support the incoming team, noting that “Leadership is a relay, not a race. The baton must be passed with guidance and grace,”.
Addressing the candidates participating in the election, Dr. Aliyu reminded them that leadership within the cooperative is a call to serve, stressing that, “Whatever your motivation for contesting, let it be rooted in a genuine desire to serve your colleagues,”.
While recognizing the cooperative society as an independent entity, the ICPC Chairman noted that its operations still reflect on the overall image of the Commission and therefore warned that disciplinary measures would apply in cases of misconduct within the society.
Dr. Aliyu further encouraged all members to maintain decorum throughout the electoral process and to put aside personal grievances after the election, emphasizing the need for unity and professionalism.
Also speaking at the event, the outgoing President of the Cooperative Society, Mr. Joshua Wakili, advised the new executives to strike a balance between their official duties and cooperative responsibilities.
Mr. Wakaili highlighted key reforms initiated under his leadership, including stricter controls on loan defaults and the enforcement of bylaw provisions that hold guarantors accountable for defaulting members.
In his goodwill message, the President of Abuja Cooperative, Mr. Emmanuel Atama, who described the AGM as a vital platform for addressing lingering societal issues, encouraged the ICPC Cooperative to adopt digital reforms per World Bank recommendations to enhance efficiency and productivity.
The event also featured the reading and adoption of the minutes of the 14th AGM, the presentation of the audit report, and an interactive session addressing matters arising from the previous year’s activities.