The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe, has called on attorney generals across the country to develop the political will to combat corruption within their respective states. Osigwe made this appeal during a roundtable discussion with Attorneys-General and Commissioners for Justice from the 36 states, along with other key stakeholders, held on Monday in Abuja.
Speaking at the event organized by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Osigwe emphasized the importance of fighting corruption to improve transactional efficiency and foster a more effective society. He highlighted that streamlined processes could significantly enhance business operations and contribute to national development.
“It is not easy to make progress, but our commitment to reducing corruption and fostering efficiency will pave the way for a better future. If we do not fight corruption, we will fail to create a better society,” Osigwe stated.
The ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, also spoke at the event, underscoring the need for a united approach to address the threats to Nigeria’s peace, governance, and socio-economic development posed by corruption. He highlighted the ICPC’s ongoing efforts to overcome legal and procedural challenges, including past resistance to enforcing anti-corruption measures beyond federal jurisdiction.
Aliyu referenced the Supreme Court ruling in the case of AG Ondo State v AG Federation (2002), which reaffirmed the ICPC’s mandate across all levels of government despite concerns related to federalism. However, he noted that ongoing legal challenges and court cases continue to impact the ICPC’s operations.
Aliyu urged state Attorneys General and other stakeholders to use their positions to promote justice and effectively combat corruption. He stressed that unity is crucial in the fight against corruption, cautioning against division along tribal, religious, or economic lines.
“The fight against corruption will fail if the nation is not united. We must come together as one people. The time has come when we must cease to treat one another as strangers in our own land. All hands must be on deck to raise our country from the valley of disunity, uncertainty, violence, and corruption,” Aliyu stated.
