Civil Defense, ICPC induct ACTU heads to wage war against corruption

The Commandant General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi, has said that the Anti Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the corps was positioned to tackle cases of corruption in the country.

He stated this Wednesday in Abuja, when the agency and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences (ICPC) entered into partnership to curb corruption in the country with the induction of ACTU heads in all NSCDC formations nationwide.

Speaking at the event, NSCDC boss said his organisation is interested in promoting ethics, integrity, accountability and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). 

“Our support to ACTUs initiatives and commitment to upholding statutory ethics and integrity standards stem from my personal conviction that corruption and violation of ethics and integrity cripple institutions, consumes communities and distorts governance. No meaningful reform for growth and sustainability is possible where corruption reigns. For this reason, we have worked hard to maintain the culture of probity, accountability and transparency in the corps.

“This ceremony could not have been fixed at a better time than this. The country is preparing for elections and this ACTU personnel, after induction would help us enshrine integrity in the conduct of personnel in the election period. They would enlighten both NSCDC personnel and civilians about the need for integrity, as well as Anti-Corruption stance of the Corps for the elections.

“From the inception of this administration, we made it clear that we will do things as transparently as statutorily required. For instance, it is no longer a routine to distribute corps goods, promotion and position on the basis of favouritism. We have dismantled favouritism and other crass sentiments in the corps, while we promote competence and professionalism.

“In my capacity, I have always encouraged our Anti-corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) in its effort in strengthening our internal accountability and integrity system and promoting ethical behaviour in all our processes and procedure, and among the rank and file of our personnel. I have whole-heartedly endorsed ACTUs resolute commitment to promoting and enforcing our code of ethics based on extant statutory Anti-corruption guidelines.

“ACTU has made some remarkable impact in its fight against corruption. Between 2018 and now, ACTU has recovered over one hundred and twenty million naira from various corruption related cases. There has also been appreciable reduction in cases of job racketeering owing to ACTUs mounted enlightenment campaigns.

“I am certain that these inaugurated ACTU heads, led by Commandant Remi Ekundayo, will justify the confidence the corps has invested on them through hard work and humility in carrying out their duties and functions as required by ACTU Standing Order.”

On his part, ICPC boss, Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, said the recent directive and approval by the Commandant General that all available legal and administrative tools be employed by the unit in ensuring that all  monies recovered from the givers and takers  involve in Job racketeering be returned to the Government Coffers has  boosted  the unit’s  effort in further  curtailing the activities of JOB RACKETEERS.

“It is also worthy to note that the Unit is developing a whistle blowing Policy for the Corps which will be unveiled any moment from now.

“Let me make bold to say that NSCDC was graded Second (2nd) amongst Agencies of the Ministry of Interior  in the recently conducted 2021 Ethics and Integrity  Score Card Assessment of M.D.As by the ICPC. This feat wouldn’t have been successful if not for the support of our amiable and compliance conscious Commandant General. Thank you sir, for your fatherly counsel any time we run to you.

“This is the first time ACTU members are to be inducted across all NSCDC formations, I therefore  want to congratulate the inductees for scaling through the rigorous process of selection, vetting and clearance .

“Your inauguration today has placed a great moral and professional responsibility upon your shoulders.  Honesty and integrity are therefore  central to the fulfilment of your duties.”