By oluwaseyi Adediran
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In a significant move to tackle corruption, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has intercepted and blocked $300,000 meant for students of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in an anonymous account. This development was announced by the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, during the Centre for Media Policy and Accountability (CMPA) one-day National Policy Dialogue on Anti-Corruption at the ICPC Auditorium in Abuja.
According to Dr. Aliyu, the ICPC was able to intercept the funds with the help of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). He noted that the BPP had alerted the ICPC to some suspicious activities concerning ICT students’ funds, which led to the discovery and blocking of the $300,000 in an anonymous account. In addition to blocking the funds, the ICPC also recovered an expensive vehicle.
Dr. Aliyu emphasized the importance of collaboration among agencies and stakeholders in the fight against corruption. He called for greater cooperation and coordination among anti-corruption agencies, civil society organizations, the media, and the Nigerian public to tackle corruption effectively.
The director general of the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, also stressed the need for collaboration between anti-corruption agencies. He noted that such collaboration would benefit the country in the fight against corruption.
The executive director of the Centre for Media Policy and Accountability (CMPA), Dr. Suleiman A. Suleiman, highlighted the importance of guiding anti-corruption performance in Nigeria. He noted that there is often a gap in understanding between anti-corruption agencies and the Nigerian public, which can lead to misinformation and a lack of trust in the agencies.
Dr. Suleiman also cited the example of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recovering 150,500 square meters of property, containing 753 units of duplexes and other apartments, as a significant achievement in the fight against corruption. However, he noted that such recoveries can also be misinterpreted by the public as evidence of widespread corruption.
The representative of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) assured that the present administration is committed to fighting corruption to a standstill. He emphasized that corruption will not be legitimized in the country and will be fought with all means possible.
In conclusion, the ICPC’s interception and blocking of $300,000 meant for ICT students in an anonymous account is a significant achievement in the fight against corruption. The commission’s efforts, in collaboration with other agencies and stakeholders, demonstrate the importance of cooperation and coordination in tackling corruption effectively.
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