THE Chairman Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, says the insecurity challenges facing the country were triggered by the high level of corruption and an unstable economy.
Owasanoye said this when the Commandant-General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi paid a courtesy visit to the commission.
ICPC’s spokesperson, Azuka Ogugua, in a statement, today, quoted her boss as saying that the critical link between corruption and insecurity if not handled properly is of grave consequences.
Owasanoye said that the synergy between the two agencies was paramount to the national interest as information and intelligence gathering would help in combating corruption and reduce the tendency to crime and criminality in the country.
ICPC boss said the commission was willing to help in capacity building for the officers and also to share knowledge on asset management and value with NSCDC.
Speaking earlier, Audi disclosed that all corruption cases involving officers of the Corps would be transferred to the anti-graft agency for further action.
He said the NSCDC would discontinue the high-profile corruption cases before it to allow ICPC that has the mandate and technical know-how to handle.
Audi solicited the support of the commission on staff training adding that ICPC was better placed to train NSCDC officers on investigation techniques and intelligence gathering.
The Commandant-General lauded the robust working relationship between the two agencies, revealing that officers of NSCDC were more aware of corruption and its associated risk due to the introduction of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) in the Corps by ICPC.
“NSCDC officers have benefited through the ACTU as they have been trained on Corruption Risk Assessment and System Study,” Audi said.
