By Olawale Lamina
The ICPC boss said that the action was in line with “Article 5(2) of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), which mandates signatory nations to establish and promote effective practices aimed at preventing corruption.”
In a significant move aimed at promoting the culture of Integrity and accountability in Osun State, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has entered into an alliance with Osun State Government through a Memorandum of Understanding ,MOU, signed by both parties.
The MOU was signed by the Chairman of ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN and the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Nurudeen Adeleke at the Government House in Osogbo. The event was witnessed by top state officials and the top officials of ICPC.
The Chairman of ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu SAN, who was warmly received by the Governor, commended the Osun State Government for showing commitment towards the anti-corruption campaign through the collaboration with the Commission.
Adamu noted that the move was a show of unwavering support for collective action against corruption and pointed out the importance of such action embodies political will against corruption.
According to him, the new alliance was a pointer to the collective resolve of both parties to combat corruption and promote the culture of integrity and accountability in the state.
The ICPC boss said that the action was in line with “Article 5(2) of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), which mandates signatory nations to establish and promote effective practices aimed at preventing corruption.”
IHe particularly noted that, “Section 6 (b-f) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act empowers ICPC to undertake a wide range of anti-corruption activities aimed at preventing and minimizing corruption in the society.”
“Today’s signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Osun State Government is a historic step forward. Leveraging the directives of UNCAC, our Constitution (as amended), and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, we commit to a robust partnership focused on anti-corruption initiatives, public education, and activities designed to enhance integrity and accountability within Osun State,” Dr. Adamu stated in recognition of the imperative of the move.
Additionally, he said, “As the Chairman of ICPC and a former State Attorney General, I firmly believe that the fight against corruption cannot be won by any single individual or agency. It requires the concerted efforts of all stakeholders in the three tiers of government.”
Continuing, he emphasized that, “Together, we will galvanize support, implement necessary preventive measures, and adopt a more effective strategy in our battle against corruption, all in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda for ‘improved governance for effective service delivery”.
The ICPC chairman concluded by pointing out that success against corruption could only be achieved when all stakeholders work together in creating a society where integrity, transparency and accountability becomes the norm, resulting in a better society for future generation.
In his welcome address, Governor Ademola Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to good governance and financial discipline.
He said under his administration, the state had embarked on multi-billion-naira projects and measures were also being taken to ensure transparency in the implementation and completion of projects aimed at improving the lives of citizens of the state.
Governor Adeleke, who was elated by the partnership with ICPC, said, “We welcome ICPC into our dear state, where our government has zero tolerance for corruption. You are in Osun State where our government is implementing multi-billion-naira infrastructure agenda.”
He used the opportunity to outline the efforts made by the state to promote transparency and accountability in the management of state finance which he said included “creation of special projects accounts, blocking leakages in revenue generation, reduction of overhead costs as well as deliberate saving from government earnings.”
Governor Adeleke also assured that all the measures put in place to promote integrity were working and as he maintained that: “I am happy to report that we have made significant headway. The projects are ongoing in line with the approved schedule supervised by tested professionals in the field.”
He pledged his selfless service to the state and total support for the partnership with the Commission, which he believed would further enhance good governance in Osun.
He pointed out that anti-corruption agencies have a delicate assignment which demands the support and cooperation of those holding top government positions. He described the signing of the MOU as a demonstration of political will on the part of his government.
Governor Adeleke took time to enumerate areas of partnering with ICPC, including monitoring and evaluation of projects. He said that these would enhance existing quality assurance as well as expand anti-corruption efforts within the state.
The MOU between the Commission and Osun State Government establishes a collaborative framework for promoting anti-corruption initiatives, public education, and strengthening accountability within the state to further promote ethical practices.
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