The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) has vowed to prosecute public officers, involved in the vandalization of power infrastructure in the country.
ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu, made this.vow during a courtesy visit by the management team of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja.
He assured the delegation of the commission’s support in tackling corruption within government agencies, stressing that eliminating corruption is essential for efficient public service delivery.
Dr. Aliyu emphasized the critical role of the NDPHC in the power sector, describing stable electricity as a fundamental driver of national development.
“No nation can develop without sustainable power supply. Power is essential for an economy to thrive,” he stated.
Expressing concern over the destruction of public infrastructure for personal gain, the ICPC chairman stressed the need to protect national assets from vandals.
“Power infrastructure belongs to all of us, and we need to ensure that criminals are stopped from vandalizing these assets,” he added.
The ICPC boss also underscored the importance of the national anti-corruption strategy in mobilizing public support against corruption.
Read Also: Revolutionary Drone Imagery, 3D City view project set to transform Abuja’s urban landscape
He called for the swift passage of the long-pending Whistleblower Bill by the National Assembly, noting that its enactment would encourage citizens to provide valuable information that could lead to the prosecution of offenders.
“The passage of the Whistleblower Bill will encourage Nigerians to supply vital information needed to prosecute those involved in acts of vandalization,” he asserted.
Commending the NDPHC’s commitment to transparency, Dr. Aliyu proposed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between both agencies to institutionalize anti-corruption effortsz and ensure continuity across successive administrations.
Speaking on the purpose of the visit, NDPHC Managing Director, Jennifer Adighije, emphasized the need to strengthen anti-corruption measures in the power sector.
She reiterated the agency’s support for the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit, within the NDPHC as part of efforts to promote integrity in public service.
“We are keen on fostering this relationship to strengthen anti-corruption practices, especially in the power sector,” Adighije affirmed.