Juliana Francis
The Comptroller General of Immigration (CGI) Isah Jere Idris has stated that corruption remains one of the main plagues threatening the growth and survival of Nigeria.
He stated this on the 30th July 2022, at the induction ceremony of newly nominated Personnel into the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the Service in Abuja.
He also vowed that every necessary effort will be made to frontally combat all forms of sharp practices across Commands and Formations in the Service.
His words: “I need not over-emphasize the fact that corruption remains one of the main plagues threatening the growth and survival of our country. It has continued to take its toll on virtually all areas of our national endeavours. In some instances, corrupt practices are becoming part of the acceptable societal norms. This is dangerous and must be resisted by all persons of goodwill. I must inform you that your assignment as a member of ACTU may not be easy because corruption and indeed corrupt persons will always fight back but I assure you of regular support from management to enable you to make a meaningful impact.”
Idris commended the efforts of the leadership of Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for the robust relationship and collaboration between the two agencies and called for its sustenance.
He specifically appreciated the improved joint capacity-building efforts between both agencies and reiterated that training and retraining activities remain very critical for organisational growth and development.
Earlier, the chairman of ICPC Professor Bolaji Owasoneye, represented by Mr. Abbia Udofia, commended the Service for the bold move to constitute a strong Anti- Corruption Unit to join in the fight against corrupt and poor service delivery practices.
He enjoined the nominees to understand the enormous responsibilities imposed on them by becoming members of ACTU and called on them to remain exemplary, firm, and focused in the discharge of their duties.
A major highlight of the event was the administration of the oath of allegiance on the eleven Officers nominated by the Service as members of ACTU by Barr. Abodurin Adebimpe, Assistant Chief Superintendent of ICPC. With the inauguration and induction, members of the Unit have been statutorily empowered to monitor, investigate, and report all forms of corrupt practices noticed anywhere across the service windows for necessary actions.
The event was attended by the senior management team of the Service and officials of ICPC including Mrs. Edu Davis, ICPC Desk Officer, Larry Abwo, and Prisca Okwaraebo both Principal Superintendents in ICPC among others.
