The ICPC Chairman said this during a courtesy visit by members of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) to the Commission’s Headquarters on Thursday.

Aliyu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Mr Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu, said Nigeria was facing the realities of corruption, which had drastically affected the development of the economy.

He, therefore, encouraged Nigerians to be patient while ensuring that they contribute their quota to the ongoing reform of the nation.

Speaking on the enlightenment mandate of the commission, the chairman said it was important for Nigerians to adhere to policies to curb the challenges being faced in the execution of constituency and executive projects.

He stressed the importance of placing significance on enlightening the public on and against corruption by institutions like the CJID and individuals, saying that one of the core mandates of the Commission is public enlightenment.

He advised the CJID to take advantage of the Freedom of Information Act to get information from government agencies, adding that when agencies refuse to disclose the information they requested, CJID could sue them in court.

Earlier in his remarks, the leader of the team and CEO of CJID, Mr. Dapo Olorunyomi, stated that the visit was aimed at strengthening the already existing relationship between the organisation and the ICPC, as well as to identify areas to assist the Commission in the tracking of constituency and executive projects.

Olorunyomi emphasised the need for a lot more direct engagement with citizens as Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs) could not win the fight against corruption alone and that it was important to enlighten citizens more about CEPTI as the organisation could also aid the tracking exercise if armed with adequate knowledge.

Transparency International (TI) released the latest corruption index, revealing that Nigeria garnered 25 points out of a maximum of 100 in the 2023 CPI results, marking an increase from its previous score of 24.

The CPI, recognized as one of the most widely used global corruption rankings, evaluates the perceived corruption level in each country’s public sector.

Using a scale from zero to 100, where zero represents “highly corrupt” and 100 signifies “very clean,” Nigeria’s improved ranking indicates progress in combating corruption.

While Nigeria’s score remains below the sub-Saharan African average of 33 points, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC), presenting the index in Abuja, clarified that the CPI does not pinpoint specific instances of corruption but reflects the perceived corruption level in the country.

CISLAC emphasized that this year’s CPI release does not assess Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies. Still, it acknowledged commendable efforts in the fight against corruption, underscoring the importance of ongoing initiatives in addressing corruption perceptions in Nigeria.

Aliyu made this statement during a strategic meeting with delegates from the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) in Abuja on Thursday.

The ICPC chairman reiterated the agency’s dedication to identifying and addressing corruption, which has long tarnished Nigeria’s image.

He emphasized that the adverse effects of corruption are evident in underdevelopment and poverty, deterring potential investments. Aliyu stressed the need for a collective effort in portraying the country positively.

Aliyu acknowledged the strategic partnerships established by his predecessors and expressed his intent to build upon those foundations.

He highlighted the history of successful collaboration between ICPC and NEPAD on various projects, including election monitoring.

Aliyu emphasized the importance of future collaborations focusing on presenting a favorable image of Nigeria to attract both domestic and foreign investments, fostering overall development.

The ICPC chairman asserted that the eradication of corruption in Nigeria would have a positive ripple effect on neighboring countries and the entire continent.

This, he stated, would contribute significantly to development by enhancing socio-economic values and infrastructure.

In addition to Aliyu’s remarks, Mr. Clifford Oparaodu, the Secretary to the Commission, underscored the value of policies resulting from joint initiatives between the ICPC and stakeholders.

He highlighted the potential for increased efficiency, which would be instrumental in driving development forward.

Initiated by the Chairman of ICPC, Musa Adamu Aliyu, the meeting took place at the EFCC headquarters and included the chairmen and management staff of both anti-graft agencies.

The primary objectives were to deepen mutual cooperation, synergize efforts, and discuss areas of collaboration for a more impactful anti-corruption drive in Nigeria.

During the meeting, Chairman of ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, emphasized the commitment to the existing relationship between the two agencies.

He expressed the ICPC’s readiness to provide necessary support and cooperation in the interest of eradicating corruption in Nigeria.

Aliyu highlighted the importance of working together and avoiding duplication of responsibilities to optimize resources and time.

The Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, concurred on the position of collaboration, noting that the meeting provided an opportunity to review the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the agencies.

He emphasized the similar mandates of both agencies, considering the significant population of Nigeria, and stressed the need for collaborative efforts.

Mr. Olukoyede also acknowledged the political will of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to combat corruption, expressing confidence that the President’s leadership would strengthen anti-corruption agencies.

He stated that with the President’s support, there would be no hiding place for individuals not adhering to the rules, emphasizing that nobody is too big to be investigated in the country.

Sani said this in a statement obtained by in Kaduna on Thursday, The PUNCH reports.

Recall that the Nigerian Senate, in a resolution on Wednesday, gave legislative backing to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s plan to redesign the  naira notes in circulation.

The motion termed ‘Redesign Of The New Naira Notes By The CBN: A Call For Legislative Support’, noted that pulling the cash outside the banks would do well for the economy as monetary policy decision making would become easier.

The motion led to a rowdy session in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly.

However, the Senate, after the rowdy session, offered to provide legislative support for the policy.

It also mandated the Senate Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions to go on oversight to ensure that Nigerians were adequately protected from the CBN, banks and other agencies involved in the process.

Explaining the substance of the motion,  Sani in the statement said based on the arguments and deliberations by his colleagues, he presented that over 80% of naira notes were hoarded outside the banks.

The lawmaker noted that the motion sought to checkmate currency counterfeiting resulting from the prolonged use of the same notes.

“Less notes, especially outside the banking system, will curb terrorism financing. In the same vein the less cash available outside the banking system will reduce corrupt practices engendered by cash exchanges,” he said.

According to him,  the Senate consequently resolved to provide legislative support for the CBN’s policy to redesign the higher value naira notes.

“It has also resolved to direct my committee to embark on an aggressive oversight of the currency redesign process to ensure that Nigerians are protected during the process,” he added.

Sani, who is also the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Kaduna, urged Nigerians to comply with the CBN’s directive to deposit cash holdings at their respective commercial banks.

“I also urge the Senate to support the decision of the CBN given the aforementioned benefits of the currency redesign to the nation,” he added.

Bawa called for prudent use of government resources allocated to them by ensuring that monies released for specific projects are used for the same purpose.

The anti-graft chief, represented by Uzo Zonal Commander Hamidu Bawa, gave the advise at the 5th National Council on Niger Delta in Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom.

The senior police officer vowed that the EFCC would always ensure that right things are done concerning the use of public funds.

Bawa noted that the statistics of abandoned NDDC projects in the South-South, and unremitted taxes were alarming.

“There’s a new sheriff in town. The NDDC must acknowledge this reality and know that it’s no longer business as usual.

“Some staff identified to have mismanaged and embezzled government resources have been prosecuted, convicted and proceeds of crime forfeited.”

He said EFCC would go after corrupt practices and appealed to officials to always do the right thing to avoid problems.

The chairman on participants and Nigerians to embrace the Whistle-blowing Policy of the Federal Government.

Bawa further implored agencies to emplace a confidential channel of reporting internal fraud and other forms of corruption.

The ministers were sworn before the commencement of the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday.

The seven ministers will replace those who resigned from their appointment in May 2022 to actualise their political ambition.

Buhari at the swearing-in ceremony warned that any of the seven newly inaugurated ministers “caught in corrupt practices would face the full wrath of the law”.

This was as he urged them to eschew corruption saying public officers must be above board.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, disclosed this in a statement.

The newly appointed ministers and their portfolios are: Ikechukwu Ikoh (Minister of State, Science and Technology); Umana Umana (Minister of Niger Delta Affairs); Udi Odum (Minister of State, Environment); Ademola Adegoroye (Minister of State, Transportation); Umar El-Yakub (Minister of State, Works and Housing); Goodluck Opiah (Minister of State, Education) and Nkama Ekumankama (Minister of State, Health.)

Speaking to the new cabinet members, Buhari called for collaboration with their older colleagues and announced the reassignment of portfolios in his cabinet, saying the new redeployment is aimed at reinvigorating certain sectors where the government desires to accomplish improved results.

He said, ‘‘I begin this address by welcoming on board, all newly sworn-in members of the Federal Executive Council. I also congratulate you because the process that you all passed through to reach this stage has been rigorous and meticulous.

‘‘I, therefore, urge you to consider your emergence out of millions of equally qualified Nigerians within the purview of selection from your State, as a call to duty that imposes the obligation to serve the nation diligently and presents to you the unique opportunity to work hard in service to the Government and the country.

‘‘This administration has been in the saddle since 2015 and is now on the home stretch of its second term, as the nation prepares for the 2023 general elections. All through, it has vigorously pursued the three main electoral objectives namely: Securing the nation; Diversifying & growing the economy as well as fighting corruption.

‘‘You must resist bad counsel, resist temptation and be circumspect in your utterances and conduct. You must totally eschew corruption and be above board because if caught there will be no sacred cows.

‘‘You are all coming on-board at this time with new energy, ideas, experiences and vigour, to join the existing team so that the implementation of policies, programs and projects associated with these electoral objectives would be escalated and accelerated.

‘‘There is still so much to be done for our country in the areas of infrastructure development, energy, access to finance, access to justice, technology and innovation, trade, agriculture, education and security. The list is inexhaustible,’’ he said.

Buhari said the three priorities of the present administration, security, economy and corruption, have received significant attention, with measurable results, following his vision of making Nigeria more peaceful, prosperous and reliable, among nations.

At the Passing Out Parade of the Regular Course 4/2016 Cadets of the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, the President noted that policies and actions of the government made an impact on the tripod vision, despite challenges, assuring that more will still be done to safeguard lives and property, enhance livelihood and ensure probity.

He said, “As you are all aware, this administration came to office determined to make an impact in three main areas: security, building a sustainable economy and fight against corruption. We can say that recent positive developments in these areas have shown that despite the challenges on ground, we can see a general improvement in all three areas.

“In the area of corruption, as you are all aware, I am determined to ensure that we do not have a repeat of what has gone on in previous administrations and we have taken a strong stand against pervasive corruption.

“This administration has also focused on security by repositioning our national security to perform their duties effectively. We have equally embarked on some crucial changes in their funding, structure, and modes of operation. With the launching/empowerment of the Police Trust Fund, this administration swung into action after taking the assessment of needs for possible interventions in the provision of logistics and infrastructural needs of the Force,’’ he said.

He added, “This administration has signed into law the new Police Act to ensure an improvement in the welfare of service delivery to meet best international practices. As I said earlier, with the take-off of The Police Trust Fund, there has been an upgrade of infrastructure such as the construction of new barracks across the country, renovation of existing ones, construction of medical facilities, as well as procurement of modern operational vehicles.”

According to the President, the Boko Haram insurgency, the Indigenous People of Biafra, Eastern Security Network, and banditry in some parts of the country over time, which posed a potent threat to the country, had been significantly degraded and relative normalcy had returned to most towns and villages.

He said more efforts would go into ensuring that normalcy returns to all the areas suffering banditry.

“I must specially commend the efforts and resilience of members of the Nigeria Police Force and sister agencies for the giant strides recorded so far in the fight against the prevailing security challenges.

“Across the North Central and North West of the country, we have made progress with regards to stemming the tide of communal violence, farmer-herdsmen clashes, cattle rustling, and kidnapping.

“We will continue to demonstrate zero tolerance for crime and criminality. Those who take laws into their hands, who bear arms illegally and who seek to profit from a climate of fear and insecurity will be decisively dealt with.

“That remains our promise to the people of Nigeria, who elected us to keep them safe and secured. The peace and stability of our dear country will continue to be of utmost importance. You, the Police are our points men and you must rise to the occasion, ” the President told the graduating cadets.

The EFCC boss described the threats over is life to mean that corruption is fighting back.

Bawa made this known during his appearance on ‘Sunrise Daily’ a programme on Channels Television.

“Last week, I was in New York, as all Nigerians are aware of. A very senior citizen received a phone call from somebody that is not even under investigation. What he (the caller) said to him on the phone is that; he is going to kill the EFCC chairman, the young man.

“He said, ‘I am going to kill him. I am going to kill him’. This is to tell you how bad it is. It is actually real. Corruption can fight back.”

When further asked if he meant he has been receiving death threats, the EFCC boss said, “Yes”.

Bawa, age 40 recently became the new EFCC chairman following his appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari in February 2021 to replaced the embattled ex-acting chairman of the anti-graft commission, Ibrahim Magu.

The opposition party made this request following the recent alleged cases of corruption in Federal agencies.

The National chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus, made this request in an ongoing media chat in Abuja on Friday, tagged, ‘Nigeria a free fall as corruption, Insecurity engulfs our nation.’

Commenting on the state of security in the country, the PDP chairman said it was now evident that the Buhari government has run out of propaganda with regards to the worsening security situation in Nigeria.

The party cited the ongoing corruption investigations of the NDDC, MIC, NEDC, NSITF, EFCC as some of  the alleged corruption cases in the Federal agencies.

Secondus said corruption has become a way of life among Nigerians while Buhari plays the ostrich.

He also described Nigeria under Buhari’s watch, as a nation on ventilator gasping for breath.

Secondus said, “What we are witnessing in our country today is a total collapse of the nation, the country is on ventilator gasping for air, under such circumstance. President Buhari should do the honourable thing required of an elder statesman in situations like this, throw in the towel and save the country from ruins.”

The party also noted that Buhari has failed to fulfill the promise he made during electioneering campaigns in 2015 and 2019 to fight corruption.