Body of Benchers Chairman Commends ICPC’s Anti-Corruption Efforts, Urges Continued Vigilance
By Omonu YG Nelson
The Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, has commended the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for its efforts in combating corruption in Nigeria.
Speaking at the ICPC’s end-of-year engagement, marking one year in office for Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, as Chairman of the Commission, Awomolo praised the ICPC’s initiatives aimed at reforming and redirecting its activities.
“I bring you, Mr. Chairman and members of the Commission, the goodwill of the Body of Benchers,” Awomolo said. “I am aware that in the last one year, the Chairman had undertaken many worthy initiatives aimed at reforming and redirecting the activities of the Commission, to meet with current challenges arising from societal dynamics and to align with the primary objectives of the statutes that established the Commission.”
Awomolo acknowledged the solid foundation laid by the pioneer Chairman, Hon. Justice M.M.A. Akanbi, CON, and praised Aliyu’s efforts in advancing the cause of the ICPC’s mandate. He emphasised the importance of political will in combating corruption, stating that corruption can and would continue to be effectively combated in the public service or public sector when there is political will to do this.
The Body of Benchers Chairman challenged the ICPC leadership to rededicate themselves to their core mandate, ensuring that public companies and parastatals operate with open accounting systems and that accounting officers are held accountable for public funds. He also highlighted the need for diligent monitoring of budget preparation, implementation, and procurement processes to prevent corruption.
Furthermore, Awomolo commended the ICPC’s establishment of “Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units” (ACTU) in every government department, noting that the Body of Benchers had joined this unit in 2019 and achieved a high annual performance rating in 2023. He expressed pride in the Body of Benchers’ performance, saying it remains a reference point.
Awomolo also noted that the current approach being pursued by the ICPC, which includes tracing assets suspected to be proceeds of corrupt practices and forfeiting them to the state, is a laborious and technical process. He emphasized the need for reliable and credible information, as well as technical skills, to make this approach successful.
The Body of Benchers Chairman concluded by congratulating Aliyu on his successful first year in office and urging him to continue his efforts. “He is a member of the Body of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, we are proud of him and we urge you not to fail us as you proceed to the second year of your tenure,” Awomolo said.
As the current Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Awomolo’s remarks carry significant weight, and his emphasis on the importance of political will and accountability in combating corruption resonates with the ICPC’s mission.
The ICPC’s efforts to combat corruption have been recognised and commended by various stakeholders, and Awomolo’s comments serve as a further endorsement of the Commission’s work.