- By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Osun State Government and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have entered into an alliance through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by both parties.
The development was a significant move aimed at promoting the culture of Integrity and accountability in governance.
The MOU was signed by the Chairman of ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN and the Governor of Osun State, Sen Ademola Nurudeen Adeleke at the Government House in Osogbo and was witnessed by top State functionaries and top officials of the ICPC.
The Chairman of ICPC, Barr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, who was warmly received by the Governor, commended the Osun State Government for showing commitment towards the anti-corruption campaign through the collaboration with the Commission.
He noted that the move was a show of unwavering support for collective action against corruption and pointed out the importance of such action embodies political will against corruption.
According to him, “This collaboration embodies our collective resolve to combat corruption and foster the culture of integrity and accountability in Osun State.”
The ICPC Boss explained further that the action was in line with “Article 5(2) of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), which mandates signatory nations to establish and promote effective practices aimed at preventing corruption”.
In addition, he said that, “Section 6 (b-f) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act empowers ICPC to undertake a wide range of anti-corruption activities aimed at preventing and minimizing corruption in the society”.
Explaining how important the event was, the ICPC Chairman said, “Today’s signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Osun State Government is a historic step forward.”
He added that, “Leveraging the directives of UNCAC, our Constitution (as amended), and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, we commit to a robust partnership focused on anti-corruption initiatives, public education, and activities designed to enhance integrity and accountability within Osun State”.
Additionally, he said “As the Chairman of ICPC and a former State Attorney General, I firmly believe that the fight against corruption can not be won by any single individual or agency. It requires the concerted efforts of all stakeholders in the three tiers of government.”
He said further “Together, we will galvanize support, implement necessary preventive measures, and adopt a more effective strategy in our battle against corruption”, all in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda for ‘improved governance for effective service delivery”.
The ICPC Boss concluded by pointing out that success against corruption could only be achieved when all stakeholders work together in creating a society where integrity, transparency and accountability becomes the norm, resulting in a better society for future generation.
In his welcome address, Governor Ademola Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to good governance and financial discipline. He said under his administration, the state has embarked on multi-billion-naira projects and measures were also being taken to ensure transparency in the implementation and completion of these projects aimed at improving the lives of citizens of the state.
Ademola Adeleke, who was elated by the partnership with ICPC, said, “We welcome ICPC into our dear state, where our government has zero tolerance for corruption. You are in Osun State where our government is implementing multi-billion-naira infrastructure agenda”.
He used the opportunity to outline the efforts made by the state to promote transparency and accountability in the management of state finance which he said included “creation of special projects accounts, blocking leakages in revenue generation, reduction of overhead costs as well as deliberate saving from government earnings”.
The Governor further assured that all the measures put in place to promote integrity were working and as he maintained “I am happy to report that we have made significant headway. The projects are ongoing in line with the approved schedule supervised by tested professionals in the field”.
He pledged his selfless service to the state and total support for the partnership with the Commission, which he believed would further enhance good governance in Osun.
He noted that “The anti-corruption agencies have a delicate assignment which demands the support and cooperation of those holding top government offices”, and therefore believes that the signing of the MOU as a demonstration of political will on the part of his government.
The Governor mentioned the area of partnering with ICPC, which included monitoring and evaluation of projects, which to him would enhance existing quality assurance and also expand anti-corruption efforts within the state.
The MOU between the Commission and Osun State Government establishes a collaborative framework for promoting anti-corruption initiatives, public education, and strengthening accountability within the state to further promote ethical practices as contained in a statement signed by Demola Bakare, Ag. Director, Public Enlightenment and Education /Spokesperson for the Commission.
