The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has warned government officials to shun corrupt practices.

The commission urged heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government to avoid common leadership pitfalls, “banana peels”, that could lead to a disgraceful end of their career.

The chairman of ICPC, Musa Aliyu (SAN), gave the warning on Wednesday in Abuja at an interactive session with the chief executive officers of public agencies on corruption prevention within the public service.

The event was organised by the ICPC research and training school, Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), with support from the MacArthur Foundation, as part of its corruption prevention mandate.

Mr Aliyu said the commission would not hesitate to investigate and prosecute any chief executive officer of MDA who indulged in corrupt practices.

According to him, indulging in shady or sharp practices could sometimes result in the investigation and eventual prosecution of the chief executive officers.

He expressed worry that many good people became corrupt when appointed as chief executive officers due to a lack of knowledge on handling internal practices that could be trapped.

Mr Aliyu said it was imperative for them to know the ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ so that they do not become victims or get co-opted into aiding and abetting corruption within their agencies.

The ICPC chairman said the commission had developed the session to ensure that CEOs came up with individual and collective strategies for corruption prevention.

“Corruption is a major cog in the wheel of our collective aspirations and meaningful development as a people.

“Undoubtedly, the havoc that corruption has done to the public service and our nation at large can not be quantified.

“In recognition of the importance of leadership in ensuring that corruption is diminished in the public sector, this executive session is designed to generate discussions.

“It will focus on how best we can collaboratively prevent corruption in our MDAs, with the understanding and agreement that prevention is better than cure,“ he said.

He said the session’s objectives included helping CEOs identify corruption risks in their agencies and developing appropriate prevention measures.

“It is also to help them avoid common leadership pitfalls that sometimes result in investigation and eventual prosecution.

“It is to help them garner the required knowledge and strategies to start and finish their service with their heads high,“ he said.

According to him, the session was put together to address the challenge of why good people fall into corruption when appointed as CEOs.

He said the ICPC would not shy away from its enforcement mandate that allowed it to prosecute CEOs who are found guilty of engaging in corrupt practices.

(NAN)