Community Expectations Fuel Corruption in Nigeria, says ICPC Boss

The chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Prof Bolaji Owasanoye, has blamed Nigerians at the community levels for the rampant corruption in the country, saying high expectation from people is one of the reasons public office holders embrace graft.

Speaking at a national policy dialogue on corruption in Abuja, the ICPC boss questioned the unwritten rule which expects government officials to donate recklessly in public gatherings and live lavishly without anyone checking whether their legitimate earnings can fund such lifestyle.

While combating corruption through the criminal justice system, the ICPC boss said it was imperative to adopt “anti-corruption social norms.”

He recommended that “all stakeholders should lead by example to inspire their members and constituents” against corruption.

He called for “a reward system for those who demonstrate good behavior or who stand against corruption in their constituencies.”

“Federal and State Ministries of Education should develop and implement behavior change programmes in primary and secondary schools for the youths.”

Prof Owasanoye said Tuesday’s event was the 6th in the series of policy dialogues on fighting corruption which began in 2019.

National Assembly leaders were represented at the policy dialogue.

Other dignitaries who graced the event were the Emir of Keffi, His Royal Highness, Shehu Yamusa; Kole Shettima of MacArthur Foundation; Is-haq Oloyede, Registrar of JAMB; George Ehusani, a Catholic priest and Executive Director, Lux Terra Leadership Foundation; Etannibi Alemika, a professor at University of Jos and Yakubu Maikyau, President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).