ICPC: Corruption Not Only Physical Stealing, Abuse of Office Inclusive
Chairman of the Independent Corrupt and other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, Ekpo Nta yesterday in Bayelsa State declared that corruption was not only physical stealing of money, but also includes any action leading to abuse of office.
Nta, who visited Governor Seriake Dickson and later attended the Bayelsa Anti-corruption summit at the Diepreye Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, also kicked against plea bargain for persons who defraud pensioners of their entitlements.
He said it was unacceptable for government officials to literally kill pensioners and then enter into plea bargain with the anti-corruption agencies.
N ta questioned the rationality behind stealing from innocent retirees, arguing that it was unimaginable that some people would want to be patted on the back and exempted from thorough prosecution, when their actions have sent people to their early graves.
He maintained that work done on the popular East-west road, which he said he plied while on his way to Bayelsa, was not commensurate with the quantum of money expended.
He said: “I went through the East-west road and I am fully aware that money had been budgeted for this road. And I ask myself if the work done is commensurate with the quantum of money. That is why when we were called to investigate those responsible. I didn’t waste time seizing their personal property.
“We have to make corruption very unprofitable. Even if they are arrested and charged to court, will it not be better if we had found someone with the fear of God to monitor that project. Even if they are jailed for 50 years, will that bring back those who have died on that road?
“What about the babies trapped on the road because their mothers could not get to the hospital on time? These are some of the things that irritate me when they come and say ‘let us beg the ICPC chairman, if there’s anything he can do about it.’
He noted that his mission was to change the perception of Nigeria as a corruption haven by the international community by ensuring heavy sanctions for criminals and by deploying the preventive approach.