Punishment alone not enough to combat corruption – ICPC chair
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Musa Aliyu, emphasized on Monday that relying solely on punishment is insufficient to effectively tackle corruption in Nigeria.
Speaking during a one-day roundtable engagement with state Attorneys-General in Maiduguri, Aliyu highlighted the need for a multi-faceted approach to eradicate corruption.
Corruption, he noted, is a persistent issue that significantly hampers the economy, worsens insecurity, and erodes public confidence in government institutions.
“We know from global experience, and from our laws, that punishment alone is not enough,” Aliyu stated. He urged for a collaborative approach that includes recovering stolen assets, restoring justice to victims, strengthening institutional frameworks, and fostering cooperation across different regions.
The ICPC chairman reiterated that the theme of the program, “Institutional Integrity and Regional Cooperation: The Role of Attorneys-General in Advancing a Corruption-Free North-East,” serves as a call to action for building a more resilient system of integrity within the region.
Aliyu also commended the Borno state government for its commitment to judicial reforms, stating, “Here in the North-East, we know how deeply corruption and weak institutions can worsen insecurity and poverty.” He emphasized the importance of reform and the need to carry that spirit into discussions aimed at advancing anti-corruption efforts.
The event attracted prominent figures, including the Senator representing Borno South, Shehu Lawan, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Emmanuel Udende, along with the North East state Attorneys-General and ICPC resident commissioners.
Source: PUNCH
