The Independent Corrupt Practices And Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says Nigerians are good people except for a few bad eggs as it admonishes civil organisations, traditional and  religious leaders to promote behavioural change to curb corruption in the country.

“Nigerians are good people. Let not the actions and attitude of a few bad eggs among us give us all a bad name,” ICPC chairman Bolaji Owasanoye admonished at a sensitisation dialogue with traditional rulers, religious leaders and community-based civil society groups.

The sensitisation dialogue was on ‘Behavioural Change National Ethics and Integrity Policy (NEIP), Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative (CEPTI)’.

Mr Owasanoye explained that it had become imperative for traditional and religious leaders and other stakeholders to initiate and sustain behavioural change among the people.

“I believe this realisation will underscore why every core value of ethics and integrity policy should be imbibed, practised and upheld by all. You as leaders should deepen your partnership with the ICPC in diminishing corruption and using your good offices in promoting ethics, values and behavioural change and building a better Nigeria for all of us,” he stated.

The ICPC boss added, “As religious leaders, you, our pastors and Imams, are not only spirituals guides but also moral compasses by which we measure the positive growth or otherwise of the society. You have followership, you have influence and command respect. Use these to bring about an enduring positive behavioural change among our people.”

The ICPC chairman called on all the stakeholders to organise events to enthrone a Nigeria glowing with integrity, transparency and accountability in all spheres.

Kupolati Kayode of the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC) in Ondo, said the dialogue was to enthrone behavioural change and socio-economic rebirth in society.

Mr Kayode, who said ICPC could not work effectively without the cooperation and inputs of all stakeholders, said the sensitisation would help in spreading the anti-corruption message and also improve service delivery to Nigerians.

“The people who perpetrate these acts are not aliens, they are our sons and daughters, followers, legislators, civil servants and contractors,” he explained. “The commission, therefore, needs your full support in the onerous fight against corruption in our nation by joining hands with the ICPC in this fight.”

(NAN)