In a recent development, the Nigerian Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs has cleared the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of recruitment irregularities, lauding the agency for its transparency and adherence to inclusivity standards.
The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Allwell Onyesoh (Rivers East), specifically commended ICPC under the leadership of Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, for its cooperative stance during the investigative hearing. The committee highlighted ICPC’s commitment to fairness and inclusivity, noting an equitable distribution of its workforce across geopolitical zones and states aimed at fostering national unity.
However, the committee leveled strong criticism against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), accusing it of violating constitutional provisions and evading legislative oversight, especially in recruitment matters. Senator Onyesoh condemned NNPCL’s alleged impunity, emphasizing its failure to adhere to accountability standards mandated by the 1999 Constitution as amended.
During the hearing, Senator Osita Ngwu, Minority Whip, commended ICPC’s transparency but raised concerns over workforce disparities in the South East, urging future recruitment efforts to address these imbalances. Also, Senator Diket Plang (Plateau Central) echoed satisfaction with ICPC’s transparency, hailing it as exemplary.
Senator Onyesoh reiterated the committee’s commitment to upholding the principles of federal character across all federal agencies. He underscored the Senate’s stance on ensuring compliance with constitutional provisions, warning that agencies found in breach would face appropriate sanctions.
The committee unanimously cleared ICPC of any irregularities and urged erring agencies, like NNPCL, to emulate ICPC’s transparent practices. The session underscored a commitment to strengthening accountability and fairness in Nigeria’s public service.
