ICPC to Punish Corrupt Officials Vandalizing Power Infrastructure

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In a firm stance against corruption, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has declared that public officers involved in the vandalization of power infrastructure will face stringent legal repercussions. This assertion was made during a recent courtesy visit by the management team of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja.

Dr. Aliyu emphasized the critical role that the NDPHC plays in Nigeria’s power sector, underscoring its importance to the nation’s economic development. “No nation can develop without sustainable power supply. Power is essential for an economy to thrive,” he stated, highlighting the urgency of protecting the nation’s power assets from criminal activities driven by self-interest.

The ICPC Chairman reiterated the Commission’s commitment to fostering a corruption-free environment within government agencies and called for collaborative efforts in safeguarding power infrastructure. He noted, “Power infrastructure belongs to all of us, and we need to ensure that criminals are stopped from vandalizing these assets.”

In a bold message to potential offenders, Dr. Aliyu warned that the ICPC would pursue all available legal avenues to ensure accountability, sending a clear signal that impunity will not be tolerated. He stated, “The days of unchecked vandalism and corruption are over; we are ready to act decisively.”

Dr. Aliyu also addressed the necessity of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, which includes mobilizing public support against corruption and promoting ethical standards among public officers. He urged the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the long-awaited Whistleblower Bill, asserting that it would empower citizens to report corruption and vandalism effectively. “The passage of the Whistleblower Bill will encourage Nigerians to supply vital information needed to prosecute those involved in acts of vandalization,” he affirmed.

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Commending the NDPHC for its commitment to transparency and accountability, Dr. Aliyu advocated for the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two agencies to institutionalize anti-corruption efforts and ensure their sustainability across administrations.

Engr. Jennifer Adighije, Managing Director of NDPHC, echoed the importance of the visit, emphasizing the need for collaboration to enhance transparency within the power sector. She reiterated the agency’s support for the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) and its commitment to fostering a corruption-free public service.

The visit concluded with the presentation of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials by the ICPC Chairman and a group photograph to commemorate the occasion.

This commitment from the ICPC signals a robust approach to tackling corruption and protecting vital national assets, paving the way for a more transparent and accountable governance framework.

This report is brought to you by Newspot Nigeria.