The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has issued a strong warning to staff of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to avoid any form of corruption.
Mrs. Ekere Usiere, ICPC’s Anti-Corruption Commissioner overseeing Rivers and Bayelsa states, made the statement through NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on Friday.
Speaking at the commission’s quarterly anti-corruption sensitisation workshop for NDDC staff, Usiere stressed that anyone found guilty of corrupt acts would face the full weight of the law.
She highlighted the vital role the NDDC plays in the Niger Delta’s growth and development, noting that regular awareness sessions were crucial to keeping employees informed about the dangers of corruption.
According to her, staff must maintain integrity at all times, as the ICPC would not hesitate to prosecute anyone caught engaging in graft.
Usiere explained that the frequent workshops help employees understand the harmful effects of corruption on regional development and provide them with strategies to prevent it.
She said the latest workshop, themed “Infractions/Offences in Anti-Graft Laws; Preventive Measures,” was aimed at serving as a deterrent to corrupt behaviour.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Evans Peters, ICPC’s Head of Legal in Rivers State, called on the NDDC to strengthen its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit for better results.
Peters urged the commission to regularly review processes that could be prone to corruption, create a comprehensive code of ethics, and introduce clear corruption prevention guidelines for its workforce.
He warned that offences such as inflating contracts, awarding jobs without approved budgets, and obstructing investigations would lead to prosecution.
Peters added that making false declarations, failing to report bribery, conspiring to falsify information, or engaging in similar acts were also punishable under the law.
He advised public servants to treat the ICPC Act as a guiding principle, warning that any benefits gained illegally would be seized and offenders could still be jailed.
“Anyone involved in corruption risks imprisonment, and ignorance of the law is not an excuse,” Peters cautioned.
Earlier, NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, stressed the importance of fighting corruption and promoting transparency in public service.
Represented by Dr. James Fole, NDDC’s Director III of Administration and Human Resources, Ogbuku explained that the workshop was part of a broader effort to improve service delivery within the commission.
He said the NDDC management was committed to educating staff on avoiding corrupt acts and encouraged them to work with honesty and dedication.
Ogbuku assured that the Board and Management would continue to promote strong ethical values within the commission.
