The Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs has cleared the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of any wrongdoing in its recent recruitment exercise, commending the agency for its transparency, fairness, and inclusive hiring practices.
In a statement signed by Peter Oriri, Special Adviser on Publicity to the Committee Chairman, Senator Allwell Onyesoh (Rivers East), the committee praised the leadership of the ICPC under Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, for cooperating fully with the committee’s investigative hearing.
The Senate noted that the ICPC ensured an equitable distribution of staff across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and states, describing it as a commendable example of adherence to federal character principles aimed at promoting national unity.
In contrast, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) came under sharp criticism. The committee accused the NNPCL of breaching constitutional provisions and evading legislative oversight, particularly with regard to its recruitment practices.
Senator Onyesoh condemned what he described as “impunity” by the NNPCL and warned that all federal agencies are obligated to comply with the 1999 Constitution, as amended. He cautioned that any agency found in breach would face appropriate sanctions.
Also speaking during the hearing, Senator Osita Ngwu, the Senate Minority Whip, commended the ICPC’s transparent conduct but urged the agency to address perceived underrepresentation in the South-East in future recruitments. His concerns were echoed by Senator Diket Plang (Plateau Central), who also described the ICPC’s process as exemplary.
Senator Onyesoh reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to upholding the principles of federal character across all public institutions and urged other agencies, especially the NNPCL, to learn from the ICPC’s approach.
