The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has warned staff of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to avoid all forms of corruption or risk severe legal consequences.
The warning was issued by Mrs. Ekere Usiere, ICPC Commissioner for Rivers and Bayelsa states, during the quarterly anti-corruption sensitisation workshop for NDDC employees, held on Friday in Port Harcourt. The statement was released by the NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Seledi Thompson-Wakama.
Usiere emphasised the NDDC’s critical role in the development of the Niger Delta, noting the importance of regular staff sensitisation to curb corrupt practices.
“NDDC staff must steer clear of corruption. Anyone caught will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” she said.
She added that regular anti-corruption workshops help employees understand the damaging effects of corruption on development and equip them with preventive measures. The session, themed “Infractions/Offences in Anti-Graft Laws; Preventive Measures”, was described as an antidote to corrupt tendencies.
Also speaking, Dr. Evans Peters, Head of the ICPC’s Legal Department in Rivers State, advised the NDDC to strengthen its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit for greater effectiveness. He urged the commission to continuously review corruption-prone processes and develop a comprehensive code of ethics with clear prevention guidelines.
Peters warned that offences such as contract inflation, awarding contracts without budgetary provision, obstructing investigations, making false statements, failing to report bribery, or conspiring to give false information would lead to prosecution.
“Proceeds from crime, or anything beyond a worker’s legitimate earnings, will be confiscated, and the offender will still face prosecution. Anyone found guilty could face imprisonment. The law does not recognise ignorance as a defence,” he cautioned.
Earlier, NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, underscored the need to strengthen transparency in public service. Represented by Dr. James Fole, Director III of Administration and Human Resources, Ogbuku said the workshop formed part of a broader strategy to enhance service delivery in the commission.
“We are committed to service delivery, which is why we organised this workshop to educate staff on avoiding corrupt acts. Our goal is for every employee to work diligently and with integrity,” he said.
He added that the NDDC Board and Management would ensure ethics and values are firmly embedded within the commission.
