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The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) has expressed concern over the spate of abuse of constituency project fund and processes in the country.
Commenting on the imperative of constituency project tracking embarked upon by the commission, the ICPC Commissioner for Imo state, Barr. Udonsi Arua explained how the Commission was forcing contractors back to hitherto abandoned projects sites and gave instance of an unnamed Imo Senator who diverted fund for constituency project, to the building of a hotel.
He regretted that the constituents of the said senator had no idea of the said constituency project and did not know that the hotel was built by funds appropriated for their constituency project.
The Commission also observed that corruption remains the fastest route
to the destruction of the nation’s institutions.
While citing examples of the effects of corruption on institutions, the ICPC Chairman, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, in his message at the 2019 United Nations International Anti-Corruption Day, noted that “when a country’s institutions are weakened by corruption for instance, its security forces would not be trusted, its borders would become porous, criminality will fester and its insecurity may be internationalized.”
He however warned that the days of impunity were over in Nigeria and that all corrupt persons must be ready to face the consequences of their actions.
His words: “As we explore the option of collaboration and cooperation in the fight against corruption, we shall intensify activities to detect and investigate acts of corruption, embezzlement of public funds and abuse of office. The days of impunity are over. The warning must be given, loud and clear, that the corrupt will be dealt with firmly, and with the degree of ruthlessness that the law permits.”
He called on Nigerians to quit paying lip-service to the fight against corruption and embrace integrity, transparency and accountability.
