An Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit has been revealed by the National Human Rights Commission as part of its strategy to combat corruption and improve transparency.
The initiative showcases the Commission’s dedication to upholding integrity and addressing corruption, a significant obstacle to the protection and advancement of human rights.
In a statement obtained by PUNCH Online via NHRC’s Facebook page on Wednesday, the Commission underscored that the creation of the ACTU is in line with its transparency and accountability promotion policy.
The Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, at the inauguration of the ACTU committee, stated, “The establishment of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit emphasizes our firm commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability in fulfilling the Commission’s mandate.”
Ojukwu also highlighted the collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) as a significant move by NHRC to tackle corruption decisively.
“The support of the ICPC in establishing ACTU demonstrates our resolve to combat the cankerworm of corruption,” he added.
Ojukwu assured of providing the necessary tools and support to the newly established unit for effective operation, emphasizing the importance of integrity among the committee members.
“The officers overseeing ACTU were chosen based on their proven integrity and unquestionable character,” he noted.
Mr. Olusegun Adigun, Director of the Systems Study and Review Department representing ICPC at the event, praised NHRC’s Executive Secretary for his role in making the establishment of ACTU possible.
He clarified that “ACTU is not envisioned as a prior authority to management but is expected to operate under the direct oversight of the Executive Secretary.”
After the ICPC Senior Legal Officer Dorothy Suleiman administered the oath of office to the ACTU committee members, Ms. Isioma Nwosa, the Deputy Director and Chairperson of the newly inaugurated ACTU, expressed gratitude to NHRC and its leadership. She stated, “The establishment of ACTU is evidence of the Executive Secretary’s commitment to the government’s initiative.
ACTU will function as an in-house mechanism for corruption prevention within NHRC, integrating anti-corruption practices across all activities to foster public confidence.”
Ms. Nwosa also appreciated ICPC’s role in the inauguration, assuring that “we are empowered and pledge to work diligently as a team towards embedding a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability within NHRC.”