The National Human Rights Commission recently established an anti-corruption unit in the commission as part of its broader strategy to combat corruption.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the Commission’s policy of upholding not only integrity but also addressing corruption and recognizing it as a significant obstacle to the protection and promotion of human rights.
Executive Secretary NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN while speaking at the inauguration/induction of members of the committee who will oversee the affairs of the unit, noted that the establishment of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) underscores the unwavering commitment to uphold the principles of integrity, transparency and accountability in the discharge of the Commission’s mandate.
He further noted that the establishment of ACTU with the support of the Independent, Corrupt Practices and other Related offences ICPC was a bold statement and the Commission’s determination to fight the cankerworm called corruption.
While promising to equip the unit with necessary tools and support to enable it function effectively, the learned silk emphasized the integrity of the committee members chosen to oversee the operations of the unit.
He noted that the officers were carefully selected as they were persons of proven integrity and unquestionable character.
The Chairman of ICPC who was represented at the event by the Director, Systems Study and Review Department, Mr. Olusegun Adigun fsi, appreciated the Executive Secretary for making it possible for the establishment of ACTU to take place in the Commission.
He further stated that ACTU was not envisioned as a prior authority to management but rather expected to operate under the direct oversight of the Executive Secretary.
Following the administration of oath of office on the committee members of ACTU by Dorathy Yanyah Suleiman, a Senior Legal Officer ICPC, Ms Isioma Nwosa Deputy Director in her acceptance speech as the Chairperson of the newly inaugurated ACTU, appreciated the Executive Secretary and the entire management for making the inauguration and induction possible.
While promising to drive the mandate of ACTU to the mutual benefit of the NHRC and society at large, Ms. Nwosa noted that the establishment of ACTU in the Commission was a testament of the Executive Secretary’s commitment to government’s initiative in ensuring that ACTU serves as an in-house mechanism for corruption prevention within the NHRC space and to mainstream anti-corruption practices and measures in all its endeavors, and by so doing, engender public confidence.
Continuing, she thanked the ICPC team for coming to inaugurate the unit, ‘by the administration of the oath of office, we have been empowered and we pledge to work hard as a team towards entrenching the culture of integrity, transparency and accountability within the NHRC space” she added.