Tunji Wusu –
Nigerians must alter their behavior, according to Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), if they want the nation to improve to the degree they wish.
At a workshop on the National Ethics and Integrity Policy organized for stakeholders in the North Central zone on Tuesday in Minna, the ICPC Chairman made this statement.
The civil society, faith-based organizations, community organizations, media, youth organizations, professional bodies, and members of the organized private sector were among the stakeholders.
“The only strategy for combating corruption is law and order, yet this is insufficient to eradicate the threat from society.
If we do not alter our behavior, we might not be able to effect the changes we want to see in our society given the current circumstances facing the country.
“The best behavior for citizens is to follow the rules of the land, maintain their word, and diligently do their duties.
“Respect and value other people; refrain from stealing from the government, deceiving others, or engaging in any other form of deception.”
However, Owasanoye, who was represented by Mr. Zayyana Dan-Musa, the Niger Resident Anti Corruption Commissioner, added, “Unfortunately, many people are far from the ideal.”
He asserted that the great majority of Nigerians must deliberately work to change their negative behaviors into positive ones by incorporating positive principles.
The ICPC chairman tasked the stakeholders with educating all Nigerians on the need to change their behavior.
According to him, the workshop will combine academic study with hands-on activities to change society’s behavior for the better.
According to Owasanoye, the ICPC had set up training courses to increase the ability of citizens and public employees to combat corruption in their respective work environments.
Prior to the event, Dan-Musa, who was represented by Mr. Baba Shuib, ICPC, the state’s head of public education and awareness, urged the participants to spread the anti-corruption message to the general public.
According to him, for Nigeria to advance, its citizens must uphold integrity, openness, and responsibility in both their public and private lives.
According to him, these are the cornerstones of sound governance and the solution to the corruption pandemic that is sabotaging our nation’s socioeconomic development.
The Catholic Bishop of Minna Diocese, Bishop Martin Uzoukwu, also contributed and urged Nigerians to work with the ICPC and other stakeholders to combat corruption in the nation.
Uzoukwu, who was represented by his personal assistant Fr. John Linus, promised that the Church will continue to instill moral values in its adherents.
In a same vein, Dr. Idris Suleiman, a lecturer and Imam at the Justice Fati Abubakar Institute of Legal and Administrative Studies in Minna, stated that they will keep urging individuals to alter their behavior for the benefit of society.
