ICAN vows to withdraw license of members indicted for fraud

The 60th President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Chief Davidson Chizuoke Stephen Alaribe, has said the body will strip off operating licenses of any member found guilty of fraud.

The ICAN president had denied the impression that accountants were being used by politicians to change figures while perpetrating fraud in public office.

Alaribe disclosed this in Kano while presiding over the inauguration of a new Dala and district of ICAN at the state polytechnic.

The president stressed the cardinal principles of transparency and accountability in ICAN and insisted that no certified chartered accountant would allow themselves to be used and compromise his professional integrity to be enmeshed in corrupt practices.

“Anybody can say he or she is an accountant. Those accusing accountants of conniving with politicians to commit fraud should find out if those committing fraud are chartered accountants or not. Now, if any of our members is found capable, he would be charged before an investigative panel,” Alaribe said.

“If he has a case to answer, the matter will be transferred to a disciplinary tribunal chaired by the President. If the sentence is passed, such a member has the privilege to appeal at the court of appeal. ICAN will bring them to book; we will withdraw their practicing license from them.”

Reacting to what ICAN is doing to address endemic corruption in public service, the 60th President said the professional body can only spread the gospel of transparency and accountability to holders of public offices.

Alaribe, who challenged the government to allow chartered accountants to manage public treasury departments for prudent management of public resources, wanted concerned authorities to ensure the dividend of democracy trickled down to the mass majority at the grassroots.

He said part of his mission as the 60th president of ICAN was to expand the body across the remote communities in the country to capture the interest of young stars to become chartered accountants.

Alaribe emphasised that the Kano district has been around for over 40 years and added that the newly established Dala district is long overdue. He challenged the executives of the new district to embark on a Catch Them Young campaign to grow more talents in Kano.

The pioneer and newly inaugurated Chairman of ICAN-Dala and District Society, Ali Shehu, pledged to embark on public enlightenment on investment and prudent management resources.

Shehu added that the new district would also prioritise carrier development and mentorship of upcoming chartered accountants in Kano.