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Project Tracking: ICPC Recovers N2.8 bn Assets, Compels 450 Contractors Back To Sites – Commissioner

Published

3 years ago

September 27, 2022

Editor

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it has recovered N2.8 billion assets in the last three years through its Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking initiative (CEPTi).

Mr Agwu Amefula, ICPC Commissioner in Edo State disclosed this on Tuesday in Benin during his presentation at a sensitisation dialogue with community influencers.

The dialogue, which had traditional rulers, religious leaders and community based Civil Society Organisations in attendance was on behavioural change, national ethics and integrity policy as well as the CEPTi.

Amefula said the commission had compelled 450 contactors back to sites to complete either abandoned or shoddy done projects.

He, however, urged the influencers to closely monitor corrupt practices and transparency issues, which he said had become rampant in the delivery of public projects in various communities.

This, he said would cause change to happen by reporting observed sharp practices to the commission.

The commissioner, who described community influencers as agents for attitudinal and behavioural change in society, urged them to participate in the goverance process by engaging their representatives in project determination.

“It’s essential for them to help on prevention of corruption through the study and review of operational systems (in procurement and implementation of public projects) in Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

“Education and Enlightenment of citizens in your domains and members of your congregations on and against corruption is a must do task for you.

“Ensure that your communities are rid of all Corrupt practices through robust engagements and behavioural change strategies,” said the ICPC boss.

In her presentation, Mrs Ese Okwong, Assistant Director in the commission sought adherence to the national ethics and integrity policy developed by the ICPC in collaboration with the office of the Secretary to the Government of Federation and the National Orientation Agency.

The policy, Okwong said, was aimed at enhancing values and integrity as well as tackling corruption in Nigeria.

She added that the policy was in response to the many damaging effects of corruption in both public and private sectors, with a view to help restore and revitalize these sectors.

Earlier in his opening address, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, ICPC chairman said the commission entered into partnership with the influencers to promote the policy and canvas their buy-in to enable nationwide success.

Owasanoye, who was represented by Grace Chinda lauded the Edo State Government for helping to mobilise the audience.

Participants at the dialogue sought more funding and logistics for the commission to build its capacity to investigate corrupt cases in the state.

The participants noted that there was a disconnection between government and the people, hence the need for more awareness creation and inclusion in the school curriculum for students.

News

DSS Issues Warning, Arrests Man For Circulating Fake Recruitment Materials

Published

2 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed the arrest of one Mr. Eze Ezenwa Benard, who was recently apprehended for circulating fake DSS recruitment past questions and answers on Facebook.

The agency, while warning the public in a statement on Saturday, said the suspect operated through a page known as “Jobs and Education”, where he advertised the fraudulent materials and charged unsuspecting members of the public one thousand naira (N1,000) for access.

“The public is hereby cautioned to disregard any materials, as the DSS does not sell or distribute recruitment questions, answers, or examination guides through private individuals or social media pages. Recruitment into the Service, when necessary, follows specialised procedure in accordance with extant laws and due process,” the statement reads.

News

‘Na Only People You Gave Work Love You,’ Singer Speed Darlington Tells Tinubu

Published

2 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Singer Speed Darlington has told President Bola Tinubu that public admiration cannot be bought, warning that only those who received appointments or jobs from the government truly support him.

In a video posted on Saturday, August 23, the singer said, “Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you.”

Darlington, an Igbo man, urged Tinubu to focus on police reform and respect for human rights. “The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate. Please, before you leave office, please speak to your Yoruba brother IGP man,” he added.

News

Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu

Published

2 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Popular controversial singer Speed Darlington has called on President Bola Tinubu to reform the Nigerian Police Force, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ rights alongside economic growth.

In a video posted on Saturday, the entertainer criticised what he described as the police’s systemic human rights violations and oppressive practices.

“Mr President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy!

“There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you,” he said.

The singer, who identifies as Igbo, urged Tinubu to engage with the Inspector-General of Police and implement reforms.

“As an Igbo man, the advice I can give you so people will know your name and remember you for something good is to reform the police. Reform the police.

“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate,” he added.

Darlington also recounted his personal ordeal with law enforcement, highlighting the system’s abuse of power.

“I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. FID held me for two months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law gives only 28 days for investigation.

“They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,” he said.