New ICPC Boss Vows Personal Court Appearances, Leverage Modern Technology, Prioritise Inter-agency Collaboration
By Omonu YG Nelson
Dr Musa Aliyu, the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has made a bold pledge: he will personally appear in court for prosecution if necessary, becoming the first ICPC Chairman to do so. This audacious statement was made during his inaugural press interaction on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, in Abuja.
Dr Aliyu’s declaration underscores his unwavering commitment to tackling corruption head-on. He outlined a three-pronged approach:
Prevention:Â Fostering a culture of ethics and integrity within the public service through transparency and accountability measures.
Investigation:Â Utilizing advanced technology and robust internal controls to effectively detect and investigate corruption cases.
Prosecution:Â Ensuring swift and fair prosecution through strengthened legal frameworks and inter-agency collaboration.
He emphasised the crucial role of technology in fighting corruption, highlighting the use of data analytics and digital tools for efficient resource management and advanced detection methods.
Dr Aliyu also acknowledged the importance of collaboration, pledging to strengthen partnerships with both public and private sectors, as well as civil society and international partners. He cited recent initiatives like the joint operation with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as examples of this commitment.
The new ICPC Chairman’s stance on appearing in court himself sends a powerful message of accountability and leadership by example. It demonstrates his willingness to go the extra mile in the fight against corruption, even if it means putting himself on the line.
This bold move is likely to be met with mixed reactions. Some may see it as a publicity stunt, while others will applaud his dedication and commitment to justice. Regardless of the interpretation, Dr Aliyu’s statement has undoubtedly ignited a conversation about the fight against corruption in Nigeria.