The Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB) is to partner the Independence Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to fight corruption, maintain transparency and accountability in the society.
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The Executive Chairman of the Board Assoc. Prof. Hyginus Banko Okibe stated this at the opening of a one-day Sensitization Training for ENSUBEB staff by ICPC in collaboration with the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit of the Board in Enugu.
Prof. Okibe said that ENSUBEB under his watch will buy into the philosophy and ideology of the Commision to ensure a corrupt free conduct in its affairs, encourage basic principle of due process, promote culture of integrity, uprightness and understanding, share ideas and information to have level of peace in the establishment.
He described corruption and other corrupt practices as the bane of the society, adding that corruption and other corrupt practices had become so endemic that most people see it as a way of life.
The Chairman noted that what misled most people including some leaders is that they allowed themselves to be manipulated and stressed the need for our people to develop strong heart to do what is right at all times and be ready to defend their actions.
The ENSUBEB Boss promised to assist and encourage the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the Board in the discharge of their official duties pointing out that members should continue to look-up to the commission staff for guidance and direction.
According to him mutual respect, understanding and trust would help them in the discharge of their assignment.
In her lecture the Principal Superintendent Officer in the commission, Amarachi Anyanwu said that ACTU is an initiative of ICPC approved by government to serve as in house mechanism for corruption prevention with MDAs in government establishment.
She said that the Unit is a microcosm of the commission expected to carryout all the functions of ICPC except prosecution duties to checkmate and combat corruption effectively through proper policies system checks and prevention strategies.
According to her their functions also include conduct of preliminary investigations for complaint received from staff and stakeholders and report to the Chairman or ICPC officials, collection of anonymous reports, monitor compliances, suppression of records, dishonesty, embezzlement, falsification of records, inhouse sensitization and development of code of ethics inline with public service rules among others.
On the issue of funding, she said that the organization will provide enabling environment of the unit to operate and grant approval for its activities when the need arises.
Also a Superintendent Officer in the Commission, Mr. Douglas Odita thanked the ENSUBEB Boss, Prof. Okibe for the cooperation given to them adding that the unit was inaugurate to assist/compliment the efforts of ICPC to combat corruption and other corrupt related offences.
According to Mr. Odita their scope covers bribery and graft, misappropriation of fund, acceptance of improper gift, false declaration of assets, deliberate delay of official files, examination malpractices, extortion among others adding that public officers were mandated to declare their assets every four years.
Also, in his vote of thanks the Chairman of ACTU, Mr. Michael Ogbonna thanked the Executive Chairman Prof. Okibe for his support which made the sensitization training a huge success. Mr. Ogbonna also pledged to work within the ambit of the law and in line with the guide lines provided by the commission to justify the confidence reposed on them by the Board.
