….. DIG Argungu redes them on tribal and religious sentiments in the discharge of their duty.
The Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit of the Police Service Commission has been inaugurated by a team from the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission(ICPC).
A statement signed by Ikechukwu Ani, Head Press and Public Relations, disclosed that the inauguration which took place on Tuesday, 24th September, was led by the Chairman of the ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu represented by Olusegun Adigun.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu told the new team that they are now in the temple of justice and should shun tribal and religious sentiments in the discharge of their duty.
According to DIG Argungu “It is Nigeria first, and feel free to blow the whistle on me, if found guilty of Corrupt Practices. Come and confront me if you hear that I have diverted money. Don’t waste time to hold me accountable for any financial infractions.”
He rede them to operate above the yoke of tribalism, nepotism and religious sentiments and bring all bad elements in the Commission to book. Saying “You have to be upright,” as he further advised the new Members of the Unit.
The Chairman of the ICPC Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, representated by Olusegun Adigun, said “the Anti Corruption and Transparency Unit is an initiative of the ICPC approved by the Federal Government, to serve as an in-house check mechanism for Corruption prevention within “MDAs, in line with global best practices of building strong institutions and entrenching Good governance in the fight against corruption.”
According to Dr. Musa, “ACTU complements the ICPC in building strong institutions and fostering principles of accountability and Transparency in Government MDAs.”
The further said that the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit of the Commission will be a veritable tool in the achievement of the Police Service Commission’s vision of becoming a highly motivated, professional, disciplined and accountable Police Service that upholds human rights “if allowed to effectively discharge its functions.”
Dr Musa stated, that it is hoped that with this inauguration, the Unit will be empowered to deliver on its mandate, noting that “ACTU is not envisioned as a parallel authority to the Management, rather it is expected to operate under the direct oversight of the Chairman, so as to complement Management’s efforts in promoting Transparency and accountability within the Commission.”
DIG Taiwo Lakanu, a Commissioner in the Commission pledged the support of the Commission in ensuring that the Unit succeeds in this onerous assignment.
“We will cooperate with the Chairman, work with him and propagate his lofty ideals to make the Commission Corrupt free.
The new Chairman of the Police Service Commission’s Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit, Nasidi Yusuf in his acceptance speech after the inauguration pledged to uphold the principle of integrity, accountability and transparency, foster a culture of zero tolerance for corruption and ensure seamless collaboration with ICPC and other stakeholders.
Mr. Nasidi said the new team will promote education and awareness on anti-Corruption best practices, address corruption related issues promptly.
He called on his other Members to join him to identify and mitigate Corruption risks, develop and implement effective anti Corruption strategies, monitor and evaluate progress.
