By Patrick Ochei
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, is to collaborate with the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Offences Commission (ICPC) with a view to strategically prosecute the war against corruption.
The understanding was reached when the leadership of the union paid a familiarisation visit to the commission’s office in Asaba, Thursday, March 30.
During the visit, the state’s Chairman of NUJ, 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.
Ikeogwu said the media is key in helping to publicise the activities of the commission for a better understanding of the public.
While intimating the officials of the reason for the visit, which he said, was on operational interaction and sharing of ideas on the techniques for anti corruption, he called for synergy between the two organisations towards putting their activities on a success path.
According to him, the commission should expunge the advantage of bad eggs among them and ensure, their operational judgment is not compromised at any time.
The Secretary of the State Council of NUJ, Comrade Patrick Ochei, also gave an insight on how to drive anti corruption activities by the collaborative effort of NUJ and ICPC based on 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 show of interest in anti corruption war.
He acquiesced to collaborate with the state’s chapter of the NUJ in the anti-corruption war and called for strategic planning of a joint programme.
Mr. Ufot also affirmed the importance of media as a partner of the commission in fighting and minimising corruption.
The Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, listed three cardinal mandates of the commission as: enforcement, prevention and public enlightenment/education.
He noted that the commission, when in receipt of petitions, investigate and prosecute, depending on the credible evidence.
Mr Ufot added that the ICPC prioritizes enlightenment on what constitute corrupt tendencies and how to avoid them.
(Adapted by Ejiroghene Shalokpe)