The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, has concluded plans to collaborate with the Independent Corrupt Practices and other offences Commission (ICPC) in the war against corruption in the state.
This understanding was reached when the leadership of the union in the state paid a familiarisation visit to the office of the commission in Asaba.
Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of the Delta State Council of the union, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu, underscored the importance of ICPC in fighting corruption and enhancing positive societal growth through prevention of corrupt tendencies and enforcement of anti-corruption laws in Nigeria.
Ikeogwu said the media was key in publicising the activities of the commission for a better understanding by the public.
While intimating the officials of the commission on the reason for the visit, which he anchored on operational interaction and sharing of ideas on the techniques of fighting corruption, he called for a synergy between the two organisations towards putting their activities on a success path.
He said bad eggs in the ICPC in the state should be shown the exit route, urging the commission to ensure that its operational decisions were not compromised at any time.
The Secretary of the council of NUJ in the state, Comrade Patrick Ochei, also gave an insight on how to drive anti-corruption activities through the collaborative efforts of NUJ and ICPC, explaining the situation from his experience as a one-time Secretary of the ICPC Community Development Service under the NYSC.
Responding, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC) in-charge of the Delta State Office, Mr. Edet Ufot, commended the NUJ for the visit and interest in the anti-corruption war.
He expressed a strong need for collaboration between the two bodies and called for synergy in the strategic planning of the war against corruption, just as he affirmed the importance of fighting and minimising corruption.
He listed the three cardinal mandates of the commission to include Enforcement, Prevention, and Public Enlightenment/Education.
Ufot said the commission, when in receipt of petitions, would investigate the complaints and prosecute accordingly, adding that it also ensures the prevention of corruption through system study and enlightenment of the public on acts that constitute corruption and how to avoid them.
