By Frances Wilfred
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is set to collaborate with the Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) to promote transparency and accountability in local government financial administration and prevent corruption and mismanagement of funds.
This development was announced on Thursday when the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu, DSSRS, received the leadership of the NCYP on a courtesy visit at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Dr. Aliyu reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to partnering with the group to ensure that Nigerians at the grassroots level benefit from the federal government’s local government financial autonomy policy.
The ICPC used the opportunity to emphasize that this goal could only be achieved through viable collaborations with relevant stakeholders to prevent corruption and mismanagement of public funds.
According to him, “We are ready to partner with you in ensuring that local government financial autonomy benefits the grassroots and improves the quality of life in our communities,”.
He urged the NCYP and other Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) to support the Commission’s fight against corruption by sensitizing the public and holding elected officials accountable.
Dr. Aliyu stressed the need for the group to equip themselves with adequate information on local government fund disbursements and expenditures, as this would enable them to educate the public, monitor spending, expose corrupt practices, and ensure that public officeholders are held accountable.
Continuing, he said, “You must educate the people in your communities on how disbursed funds by local government councils are being spent.
However, the process must start with you, and the impact will spread,”.
In his remarks, the NCYP Chairman, Mr. Isaac Abrak, who commended the ICPC for its anti-corruption efforts under the leadership of Dr. Aliyu expressed the group’s desire to partner with the Commission to ensure that local government funds are utilized for the development of the people.
“We are here to celebrate the Commission for conducting its operations in line with the rule of law and due process based on its constitutional mandates,” Mr. Abrak stated.
He further noted that the NCYP advocated for grassroots development and financial autonomy for local government areas. He described the recent financial autonomy -granted by the Federal Government and affirmed by the Supreme Court- as one of the most people-oriented policies of the present administration.
“We have confidence in the present government for promising to disburse funds directly into local government accounts. This will address many challenges faced by LGAs and the people at the grassroots. We are eager to know how we can assist the Commission in ensuring the right things are done at the local levels,” he added.
Mr. Abrak concluded by commending the ICPC’s recent engagement with local government executives in Gombe State and encouraged the Commission to continue its commendable work.
