ICPC identifies societal pressure, other factors fueling graft

NGE asks commission to focus on judiciary

Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has identified societal pressure as one of the factors encouraging corruption. At the second Breakfast Meeting with Media Executives in Lagos, the commission appealed to the media for more collaboration in the fight against corruption.

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), however, urged the commission to beam its searchlight on the judiciary, since the judges were posing as one of the country’s biggest problems.

The Chairman of ICPC, Dr Musa Aliyu (SAN), noted that he was a victim of such seemingly irresistible societal pressure when he served as the Attorney-General of Jigawa State.

According to him, only the brave can withstand the pressure, adding that if you don’t yield to those demands, you will be tagged difficult. He said: “Societal pressure breeds corruption. They would keep on pressurising you. Only the strong can withstand the pressure. When I was Attorney-General, I was put under intense stress.”

Other factors he listed that promote graft include silence, higher benefits and lower risks, weak system, inept judicial process and foreign collusion. He explained that amid harsh punishment, people would be careful in committing crime. He also said foreign collaborators, who benefit from crime proceeds, would not support the corruption war.

On plea bargain, which gives suspects a soft landing, he said: “Plea bargain has its merits, as it saves legislation stress,” but noted that, left for him, no suspect would go away with a dime from corruption proceeds.

Earlier in his address, Aliyu had commended the media for supporting ICPC in delivering its statutory mandates, including its robust activities and initiatives in fighting corrupt practices and other related offences.

“I am personally filled with gratitude that the media has continued to positively boost the ICPC’s anti-corruption public communications efforts. Your investigative reports, analyses and unwavering dedication to the truth have helped expose corrupt practices.

“As we salute your commitment to the crusade against corruption, ICPC under my leadership is poised to ensure the sustenance and heightening of our collaborations with you. The media is not merely an observer; you are a frontline partner in this fight,” Aliyu stated.

He pledged to appeal to the National Assembly to pass the Whistle-blower Bill to checkmate corrupt Nigerians, who have been enticed by United States President Donald Trump’s Gold Card, which he put at a whopping $5 million.

In his remarks, the President of NGE, Eze Anaba, described judges as one of the country’s biggest problems. According to him, many judges have seen election cases as goldmines.

“There is a plea bargain because judges are corrupt,” he alleged, charging ICPC to beam its searchlight on the judiciary.