The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has expressed willingness to partner with the Nigerian Bar Association, Sokoto State branch, to tackle corruption in the state.

The ICPC Resident Commissioner in- Charge of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States, Garba Tukur-Idris, made this known when the executive members of the Nigerian Bar Association visited him on Tuesday in Sokoto.

Mr Tukur-Idris thanked the NBA for identifying with the commission, especially for indicating interest to collaborate and support its anti-corruption awareness camping exercise.

He said, “We will collaborate with credible associations and civil society groups in the state to project our activities to the public in the fight against corruption and other related offences. There is the need to work with the NBA to achieve a result in creating awareness among members of the public in the state about ICPC and its activities.’’

Mr Tukur-Idris also said that the agency would continue to work with the media to inform, educate and enlighten the citizenry on government policies and programmes which was critical in the fight against corruption.

According to him, partnering with lawyers, media and NGOs in the state are part of measures put in place by the commission to achieve its desired goals and make its operations known to the public.

The commissioner observed that corruption could not be totally eradicated but could be reduced to the minimum, hence the commission’s mandate to go after those found wanting in corrupt practices.

He described corruption as a complex and deeply entrenched challenge in society that required a multifaceted approach, adding that ICPC was dedicated to fulfilling its mandate under the law.

Earlier, the NBA Chairman, Rashida Muhammad, said the visit was part of the association’s routine activities “when a newly elected leadership takes over.”

Ms Muhammad said that corruption had badly affected the country, leading to social disorder, political instability, poor governance, human displacement, poverty and hunger.

She said NBA was out to partner with the ICPC and other government institutions to showcase policies and programmes at all levels of governance to ensure transparent implementation of its set goals.

She assured the readiness of the NBA to support the commission in its effort to tackle corruption and bring culprits to book.

She said, “We want a situation where government policies and programmes will have a direct positive impact on the wellbeing of the citizens.’’

The chairman promised that NBA would help the anti-corruption agency by strengthening its operations through capacity building and awareness activities in the state for the benefit of the people. 

(NAN)