PSC boss to anti corruption team: Eschew tribal, religious sentiments 

The Police Service Commission (PSC) Anti Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) was Tuesday, inaugurated by a team from the Independent  Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

PSC Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, who disclosed this in a press statement in Abuja, said the team was led by Olusegun Adigun, who represented the Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN).

He said Adigun noted that the anti corruption and transparency unit was an initiative of the ICPC approved by the federal government to serve as an in- house check mechanism for Corruption prevention within “MDAs, in line with global best practices of building strong institutions and entrenching Good governance in the fight against corruption,” the leader of delegation stated.

Adigun noted that ACTU complements the ICPC in building strong institutions  and fostering principles of accountability  and Transparency  in Government MDAs.

He said the anti-corruption and transparency unit of the commission will be a veritable tool in the achievement of PSC vision of becoming a highly motivated, professional, disciplined and accountable police service that upholds human rights if allowed to effectively discharge its functions.

According to Adigun, “It is hoped that with this inauguration, the unit will be empowered to deliver on its mandate… ACTU is not envisioned as a parallel authority to the management, rather it is expected  to operate under the direct oversight of the chairman  so as to complement management’s efforts in promoting transparency  and accountability within the Commission.”

On his part, PSC Commissioner, DIG Taiwo Lakanu, pledged the support of the commission in ensuring that the unit succeeds in this onerous assignment, stating: “We will cooperate with the chairman, work with him and propagate his lofty ideals to make the commission corrupt free.

The Chairman, PSC ACTU, Nasidi Yusuf, in his acceptance speech  pledged to uphold the principle of integrity, accountability  and transparency, as well as forster a culture of zero tolerance for corruption and ensure seamless collaboration with ICPC and other stakeholders.

Nasidi said the new team will promote education  and awareness on anti corruption  best practices, address corruption related issues promptly and called on his other members to join him to identify and mitigate corruption risks, develop and implement effective anti corruption strategies and monitor  and evaluate progress.

Speaking at the ceremony, the PSC Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd.), told the new team that they were now in the temple of justice and should eschew tribal and religious sentiments in the discharge of their duty.

DIG Argungu reminded them that it is Nigeria first and that they should feel free to blow the whistle on him if found guilty of corrupt practices.

“Come and confront me if you hear that I have diverted money. Don’t waste time to hold me accountable for any financial infractions,” he declared. 

Argungu said the team should operate above the yoke of tribalism, nepotism and religious sentiments and bring all bad elements in the commission to book.