By Rekpene Bassey
The epoch preceding democratic rule in 1999 was marred by a reputation of endemic corruption. To label corruption as synonymous with Nigeria was no mere hyperbole; it was a bleak reality. The absence of robust national institutions to counter this scourge exacerbated the issue, leaving the nation in a moral and ethical quagmire.
However, the advent of Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI) in 1995 offered a glimmer of empirical evidence. Nigeria’s scores, however, remained dishearteningly low, oscillating between 24 and 27 out of 100, positioning the country between 140th and 150th out of 180 nations globally.
Countries sharing this dismal distinction included Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, North Korea, Yemen, and Nicaragua, alongside Afghanistan, the Central African Republic (CAR), Turkmenistan, Somalia, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe. This constellation of corruption laid bare the pervasive nature of the malaise that afflicted these nations, binding them in a grim fraternity.
In this dire context, General Olusegun Obasanjo emerged as a beacon of hope, brandishing the sword of anti-corruption as a central theme of his presidential campaign. Upon ascending to the highest office in the land, he entrusted his Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Senator Godwin Kanu Agabi, SAN, with the Herculean task of forging the legal framework for an anti-corruption agency.
Thus, in 2000, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) was born under the aegis of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, imbued with sweeping powers to wage war against corruption.
Yet, the enormity of corruption’s stranglehold on Nigeria necessitated further measures. In his sagacity, President Obasanjo also established the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
This move was galvanised by the exhortations of international bodies such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank. Since their inception, the ICPC and EFCC have embarked on a dual-pronged offensive against corruption.
The EFCC often looms more prominently in the public eye, and its activities are more conspicuous. However, the ICPC, with its stoic and methodical approach, has proven to be a formidable force in the anti-corruption crusade. The ICPC’s apparent low profile might be attributed to the understated leadership styles of its previous chief executives, who preferred to let their actions speak louder than words.
A paradigm shift occurred with the appointment of Musa Adamu, SAN, as the chairman of the ICPC in December 2023. Under his stewardship, the Commission has adopted a more vigorous and proactive stance.
Recognising the endemic nature of corruption, Adamu has championed a holistic, grassroots approach that complements traditional enforcement methods. This strategy has begun to bear fruit, resonating with the populace and invigorating the Commission’s efforts.
Over the past three years, the ICPC, under Adamu’s aegis, has embarked on a series of stakeholder engagements, transforming the anti-corruption fight into a collective endeavour. Among these initiatives are the implementation of the National Ethics and Integrity Policy and the Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard. These programmes have raised awareness and galvanized citizens into action, fostering a culture of integrity and accountability.
Furthermore, the ICPC has launched the Women and Youth Alliance against Corruption, a testament to its inclusive approach. This initiative harnesses the power of these demographic groups, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping societal values and norms. Additionally, the public presentation of the Commission’s Assets Recovery program, marking Aliyu’s first year in office, underscored the ICPC’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Remarkably, despite its significant achievements, the ICPC has avoided the controversies that often beset such institutions. This unblemished record is a testament to its disciplined and principled approach.
Under Adamu’s leadership, the Commission has reinforced its commitment to the rule of law, focusing on enforcement, asset recovery, and the Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative (CEPTI).
The ICPC’s achievements are indeed commendable. It has recovered N27.7bn and restrained N21.3bn from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) on the IPPIS platform.
Moreover, the Commission recovered $966,900.83 and successfully tracked 1,500 projects valued at N610bn across the country under its CEPTI Phase 7 initiative. These figures, while staggering, only scratch the surface of the Commission’s impact.
The Commission’s diligent processing of 851 petitions, with 342 cases under investigation, further illustrates its robust operational framework. Of these cases, investigations have been concluded in 95 instances, with 71 cases currently being prosecuted.
These numbers reflect a meticulous and methodical approach to combating corruption, ensuring that justice is not only done but seen to be done.
Furthermore, the ICPC has prevented the diversion of N5.882bn from MDAs under its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs) in the past year. This preventive measure underscores the Commission’s proactive stance, nipping potential corruption in the bud and safeguarding public funds.
While significant, these achievements are milestones in a long and arduous journey. As Francis Ben Kaifala, head of Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission, eloquently posits, the fight against corruption must be prioritized as a high-risk endeavour with potentially low immediate returns. This stark reality necessitates unwavering commitment and tenacity.
Indeed, the war against corruption in Nigeria is akin to the mythological battle of Hercules against the Hydra. Each head of corruption that is severed gives rise to new challenges. Yet, with leaders like Musa Adamu at the helm of the ICPC, there is a renewed sense of hope and determination.
The ICPC’s strategy of engaging the citizenry, fostering a culture of integrity, and employing both enforcement and preventive measures is a testament to its comprehensive approach. It is a clarion call to all Nigerians to join hands in this noble fight, recognizing that corruption is a societal malaise that requires collective action.
In conclusion, while the ICPC under Musa Adamu’s leadership has made significant strides, the path ahead is fraught with challenges.
The battle against corruption continuously demands relentless effort, strategic innovation, and unwavering resolve.
As Nigeria marches forward, the ICPC remains a steadfast guardian of integrity, quietly but effectively waging war against the Hydra of corruption.
*Rekpene Bassey is the President of the African Council on Narcotics (ACON) and a Security and Drug Prevention expert.
