By Amaka Agbaih
The Director General of Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Bagudu Abubakar recently welcomed the chairman of ICPC Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, SAN to the headquarters building of the council for the inauguration and induction of Anti – corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of Legal Aid Council.
In his opening address he expressed his gratitude to God for granting every one present the opportunity to witness another milestone in the history of the Council. Corruption he said has been described as a cankerworm that has eaten deep into the Fabric of our national and socio-economic life thus plunging the masses into poverty with all its negative consequences. This unfortunate trend has slowed the overall growth and development of the Nation. However, the establishment of independent corrupt practices and other related offenses commission (EFCC) as enshrined by the anti – corruption Act has gone a long way in making a difference in the behaviour of the Nigerian populace and especially officers in the public services. Further to the establishment of these agencies, previous administrations and particularly this administration has declared a zero-tolerance policy on corruption and has continued to work assiduously to eradicate the menace. Based on the fact that the Anti – corruption and transparency unit was a baby given birth by ICPC to check – mate corruption and the federal government directives for all MDA’s to establish the unit, the council has selected 8 staff from different departments and units as members of the unit for today’s inauguration and I assure you that the Legal Aid Council will strive to conduct its operations in accordance with the mandate of the ICPC.
In continuation, the chairman ICPC in his Goodwill message said for emphasis that the creation of ACTU’s in MDA’s was initiated by the independent corrupt practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in collaboration with the office of the head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) in 2001 as part of its preventive mandates in monitoring, identifying and addressing lapses in the operational systems of government establishments especially where such systems promote corruption and unethical practices with a view to correcting them. The LAC anti-corruption and transparency unit which is about to be born is not a parallel authority to the management as it is expected to operate under the direct oversight of the Director – General. The unit is therefore expected to assist the management in promoting a transparent and accountable workforce by effectively discharging its duties which include conducting system study and Review of processes and procedures, conduct continuous sensitization of staff on and against corruption, develop and implement code of Ethics or conduct for the Staff, monitor budget implementation, domesticate the ethics and integrity compliance scorecard and undertake preliminary investigations into complaints received amongst others.
At this point, an oath of office was administered to the unit chairman and the members. After which he encouraged the members to work hard and endeavor to stay on the path of integrity. Be responsible and responsive in the exercise of your duties and avoid any oppressive act given the strategic role you are expected to play.
On the part of the management, he implore the Director- General to adequately fund the activities of the unit as required vide extant curricular issued by the office of the head of civil service of the federation and provisions of the standing order for the operations of ACTUS in MDA’s, 2014 as well as provide a conducive environment for the unit to function effectively.
In rounding off, the chairman of the committee Mrs. Cynthia Nwakeago Egwuasi delivered her acceptance speech on behalf of the committee. In the speech, she thank the management for the opportunity given to them to contribute to the realization of the core objectives of ICPC, namely fighting corruption and eliminating corrupt practices in public service, including legal aid council.
She reminded all that the vision of LAC is to build a Nigeria nation where there is equal access to justice for all irrespective of means and where all rights are respected, protected and defended. This, the council strive to achieve with zero tolerance to corruption. She pledged their cooperation to the commission to achieve the objectives of ACTU and also promise that the committee will discharge their duties diligently as required of them and that they will lead with example and will not use their new position to victimize anybody but rather, to work with outmost integrity to eradicate corruption in legal aid council.
Amaka Agbaih writes in from Abuja
