BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, SEPTEMBER 03, 225 | 11:16 PM
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Commissions (ICPC) is taking its fight against corruption to the states, by empowering Information Commissioners to serve as key messengers of transparency and accountability.
The move is part of a strategic communication roundtable organized by the ICPC, which aims to mainstream anti-corruption efforts at all levels of government.
The event, which took place on Wednesday, at the Rockview Hotel Royale, targeted commissioners from all 36 states and was a follow-up to a similar session held for justice commissioners.
'Commissioners of Information must serve as chief agents for communicating the messages of anti-corruption, transparency and probity at the state and local government levels of their respective states,' stated Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, who officially opened the roundtable.
He praised the ICPC's initiative, noting its importance in the broader national effort to curb corruption.
Other dignitaries who delivered goodwill messages included Senator Emanuel Udende, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, and Honorable Prince Kayode Moshood Akilu, Chairman of the House Committee on Anti-Corruption.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Prof. Usman Tar, the Commissioner of Information for Borno State, emphasized that anti-corruption is a critical component of good governance and a central pillar of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration's "Renewed Hope" agenda.
'We the Commissioners of Information bear the weight of strategic communication, as the mouthpieces of the governments of our respective states,' Prof. Tar affirmed.
He assured the ICPC that the commissioners would take the lessons from the roundtable back to their states to ensure the message of probity is cascaded to both the state and local government levels.