The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission has advised staff of the Niger Delta Development Commission to guard against infringing anti-graft laws by remaining informed about the relevant statutes that delineate the conduct expected of public servants.
Mrs. Ekere Usiere, the ICPC Zonal Commissioner for Rivers and Bayelsa states, stated this during a Sensitization Exercise organized by the NDDC at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.
In a statement sent to newsmen and issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, the revelation was disclosed, and it was signed by Pius Ughakpoteni, the Director of Corporate Affairs of NDDC.
Mrs. Usiere expressed appreciation, commending the NDDC and its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit for sponsoring the sensitization exercise, focusing on the theme: ‘Understanding the Offences and Penalties Under the ICPC Act 2000.’
‘She acknowledged the critical role played by the NDDC in intervening to solve the socio-economic challenges of the Niger Delta region, noting that it was necessary to undertake periodic sensitization of staff as an antidote to corrupt practices.’
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In his remarks, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stressed the need to always take measures to tackle corrupt practices and entrench transparency in public service.
He observed that the sensitization exercise was part of the efforts to enhance the service delivery of the Commission.
Dr Ogbuku who was represented by the Director II, Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Patrick Obayelu, said the new Board and Management of the Commission would spare no effort to ensure that ethics and values were maintained in the interventionist agency.
He urged the staff to incorporate honesty and transparency into their responsibilities towards the Commission and the people of the Niger Delta region.
Dr. Agada Akogwu, Head of the Legal Department of ICPC in Rivers State, highlighted in a keynote presentation the importance of the NDDC fortifying its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit to effectively serve as the commission’s conscience.
He stressed the importance of the unit implementing a system for regular examination and revision of corruption-prone processes and procedures, while concurrently developing a code of ethics and corruption prevention guidelines for the staff.
Akogwu said, ‘Every public servant should take the ICPC Act as a bible and internalise all its tenets. That is why NDDC deserves commendation for organizing a sensitization programme for its staff.’