The Bayelsa State Government has restated its unwavering zero-tolerance policy against corruption and declared its full readiness for robust collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), even as the anti-graft agency intensifies its engagement with state executives to strengthen Nigeria’s integrity framework.
This commitment came to the fore recently when a delegation from the ICPC Rivers State Office, led by the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC), Dr. (Mrs) Ekere Usiere, paid a high-level courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Hon. Peter Pereotubo Akpe, at the Government House, Yenagoa.
The visit underscored the Commission’s dedication to a multi-stakeholder approach in curbing corrupt practices. It was specifically convened to solicit the active partnership of the state’s executive arm in advancing the ICPC’s preventive mandate.
During the parley, Dr. Usiere commended the Deputy Governor for granting the delegation an audience and reiterated that the Commission’s statutory responsibilities necessitate robust synergy with state governments, as critical stakeholders in the national integrity architecture.
Placing considerable emphasis on proactive measures, the RACC noted that public sensitisation remains the cornerstone of sustainable anti-corruption reform.
She expounded extensively on the National Ethics and Integrity Policy, a flagship initiative of the Commission designed to inculcate ethical consciousness and deter corrupt behaviour across all strata of society.
“We must move beyond enforcement to entrench a culture of accountability. The people of Bayelsa must be fully educated on the detrimental impact of corruption and the virtues of transparency,” she asserted.
Responding, Deputy Governor Hon. Peter Pereotubo Akpe warmly received the ICPC team and lauded the Commission for its vigilance and foresight.
Reaffirming the Bayelsa State Government’s uncompromising stance on probity, he declared: “Our administration operates a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. We are wholly prepared to collaborate with the ICPC in this collective endeavour, and we shall leverage our Ministry of Information, Orientation, and Strategy to amplify public enlightenment campaigns.”
The high-level meeting, held in the Deputy Governor’s Conference Room, was attended by principal officers of the Bayelsa State Government, including the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimbofa Ayawei.
The engagement concluded on a firm note of shared resolve, with both parties committing to intensify grassroots orientation and institutionalise ethical governance.
This pivotal step signals a renewed push towards a more transparent, accountable, and corruption-resistant public service in Bayelsa State, backing the government’s strong rhetoric with an actionable partnership with the ICPC.