By: Patrick Titus, Uyo.
Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) said it has seized 62 houses from a female law enforcement agent, just as its drake net has caught up with others.
ICPC chairman, Ekpo Nta, who disclosed this in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state during anti-corruption summit organised by the commission in conjunction with the state government also said that over 100 houses and vacant plots have also been confiscated from other corrupt public holders.
He also that only last week, the ICPC searchlight on corruption led to the recovery of 40 Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) from retired directors in the federal ministry of water resources.
The affected persons investigations showed, decided to covet the vehicles because they knew that the vehicles as at when released and attached to them as official cars were not documented in the ministry’s records in line with the normal rules for release of government vehicles to officers, ICPC boss explained.
According to him, though the commission has no powers to ensure the forfeiture of assets, it can however issue interim seizure order pending the determination of such cases by the court.
The ICPC chairman who promised to protect whistle blowers provided their petitions are not ‘malicious’ said the commission closed down 26 illegal degree awarding institutions in the country while there are over 400 ongoing anti-corruption related cases in court. He advised parents to always check the progress of their wards while in school.
Commenting on the summit which has as its theme, “transparency and accountability, a panacea for sustainable development” Mr. Nta said, “We have a firm belief in ICPC that through prevention strategies States and organisations can eliminate or reduce the incidence of grand and petty corruption.”
“The citizens will buy into this and protect their God-given wealth rather than wait for juicy news of injurious leakages and stealing of public funds. Doing the right thing is cheaper but less dramatic yet we promote this in our private lives but can’t transfer it to our public affairs,” he stressed.
In his remarks, Governor Udom Emmanuel thanked the presidency for appointing Nta as the chairman of the commission, saying, it is the recognition of his sterling qualities, commitment to honesty and transparency.
Udom who pledged to partner the commission in the fight against corrupt demanded for fairness saying the fight against corruption by the commission should be seen to be fair to all irrespective of affiliations.
He urged the federal government to address economic fundamentals and basic foundation that would aid the reduction of corruption incidences adding that “democracy would thrive better when the youths are able to secure jobs and employment in the country.”
The participants at the summit were drawn from the executive, legislature and judiciary arms of government in the state.
Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) said it has seized 62 houses from a female law enforcement agent, just as its drake net has caught up with others.
ICPC chairman, Ekpo Nta, who disclosed this in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state during anti-corruption summit organised by the commission in conjunction with the state government also said that over 100 houses and vacant plots have also been confiscated from other corrupt public holders.
He also that only last week, the ICPC searchlight on corruption led to the recovery of 40 Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) from retired directors in the federal ministry of water resources.
The affected persons investigations showed, decided to covet the vehicles because they knew that the vehicles as at when released and attached to them as official cars were not documented in the ministry’s records in line with the normal rules for release of government vehicles to officers, ICPC boss explained.
According to him, though the commission has no powers to ensure the forfeiture of assets, it can however issue interim seizure order pending the determination of such cases by the court.
The ICPC chairman who promised to protect whistle blowers provided their petitions are not ‘malicious’ said the commission closed down 26 illegal degree awarding institutions in the country while there are over 400 ongoing anti-corruption related cases in court. He advised parents to always check the progress of their wards while in school.
Commenting on the summit which has as its theme, “transparency and accountability, a panacea for sustainable development” Mr. Nta said, “We have a firm belief in ICPC that through prevention strategies States and organisations can eliminate or reduce the incidence of grand and petty corruption.”
“The citizens will buy into this and protect their God-given wealth rather than wait for juicy news of injurious leakages and stealing of public funds. Doing the right thing is cheaper but less dramatic yet we promote this in our private lives but can’t transfer it to our public affairs,” he stressed.
In his remarks, Governor Udom Emmanuel thanked the presidency for appointing Nta as the chairman of the commission, saying, it is the recognition of his sterling qualities, commitment to honesty and transparency.
Udom who pledged to partner the commission in the fight against corrupt demanded for fairness saying the fight against corruption by the commission should be seen to be fair to all irrespective of affiliations.
He urged the federal government to address economic fundamentals and basic foundation that would aid the reduction of corruption incidences adding that “democracy would thrive better when the youths are able to secure jobs and employment in the country.”
The participants at the summit were drawn from the executive, legislature and judiciary arms of government in the state.
