ICPC Chairman calls for resuscitation of lost values to root out corruption

The Chairman of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye (SAN), has called for crucial resuscitation of Nigerians’ lost values of honesty and integrity so as to root out corruption in the nation.

The ICPC Chairman made the call in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, at a Stakeholders’ Zonal Dialogue on the implementation of the National Ethics and Integrity Policy.

Represented by a member of the ICPC Board South/South, Dr Grace Chinda, the ICPC boss faulted corruption on dwindling values of honesty, patriotism and respect for humanity which were parts of the Nigerian society in the past.

Owasanoye, however, expressed the hope that the National Ethics and Integrity Policy already inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari would resuscitate the lost values of honesty and integrity.

He said, “The National Ethics and Integrity Policy is a child of necessity. It was conceived and delivered out of the urgent need to resuscitate and rejuvenate our lost values of integrity and honesty as a nation.

“The values of yesteryears of truthfulness, nationalism and respect for human dignity have been lost in us; that is why corruption has become so rampant in the society.”

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission was launched 29 September, 2000 after the recommendation of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Its mandate is to receive and investigate reports of corruption and in appropriate cases prosecute the offender.

The Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Act 2000 governs the committee’s activities.