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By Nasir Kura
President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday directed anti-graft agencies in the country to ensure watertight probe of government establishments because some agencies still divert or refuse to account for funds generated.
The president gave the directive while swearing-in chairman and members of the board of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) at the State House in Abuja.
The ICPC board, chaired by Mr Bolaji Owasanoye, has Dr Grace Chinda, Okolo Titus, Obiora Igwedebia, Mrs Olubukola Balogun, Justice Adams Bello, Hannatu Muhammed, Abdullahi Saidu and Yahaya Dauda as members.
“As I have noted in recent times, despite our anti-corruption drive, some agencies of government still divert or refuse to fully account for revenue generated. Rather than obey constitutional provisions and extant rules and regulations, such agencies continue as if nothing has changed.
“We are determined to ensure that every agency of government account for public revenue generated or expended. I am looking forward to ICPC’s support both for enforcement of anti-corruption laws and submission of policy measures and directives to prevent revenue leakage and diversion.
“In this regard, I urge you to collaborate with other government agencies such as the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation towards mitigating wrong-doing in public expenditure,’’ he said.
He said the fight against corruption remains unshaken, and assured the ICPC of full support in the fight against corruption across the country.
“The fight against corruption is very crucial in our national development. This is why I have often said – if we do not kill corruption, corruption will kill Nigeria. We are all witnesses to the damage that unbridled corruption has inflicted on our development aspirations.
“Apart from deliberate and wanton looting of our national wealth and common patrimony, corruption has eroded our values and ethical foundation as a nation. Corruption has negatively affected our political, economic and social life. Those opposed to our fight against corruption berate us for our focus, determination and single mindedness.
“They pretend that they do not know what corruption is. But Nigerians know what corruption is. Ordinary people know what corruption is and they support our effort and determination to fight it,” he said.
In his remarks, chairman of the ICPC, Mr Bolaji Owasanoye, thanked the president for giving them the opportunity to serve the nation, and pledged not to disappoint the country.
“We are lucky to be given this assignment under your leadership. You’re unquestionable, unequivocal and unshakable resolve to deal with corruption is very well known. Therefore, the political will required to fight corruption is available,” he said.
