The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) is advocating for the establishment of the anti-corruption and transparency units (ACTUs) at the local government levels [http://www.thenigeriandaily.com/2011/05/23/icpc-bayelsa-lg-bosses-meet-to-tackle-corruption-at-councils/]. While this sounds like a good initiative, the operational guidelines for the anti-corruption and transparency units [http://www.icpcng.com/abouticpc/?com_option=c4ca4238a0b923820dcc509a6f75849b&p=7&com_content=8f14e45fceea167a5a36dedd4bea2543 ] makes it difficult for these units to be effective due to the following reasons:
- First, the ACTU staff are selected from within the ministry or agency from where it operates. This results in a conflict of interest. It would be very difficult for staff within a particular agency to objectively report on corruption complaints received as it could involve colleagues or friends within the agency.
- Second, the salaries of the ACTU staff and funding for the unit activities are provided by the ministry or agency where it operates. This affects the ability of the ACTU to operate independently. It will be difficult for ACTU to effectively discharge its functions based on this arrangement as it compromises its independence.
The ICPC should review its guidelines for the operations of the ACTUs in order to make it more independent and effective. They should consider the following:
- The staff composition of the unit should be from the ICPC or independent consultants who are independent of the agency or ministry where it operates.
- The staff salaries and funding for activities should come from the ICPC.
- The ICPC should also advocate for the establishment and passage of a whistleblower protection law. The absence of a whistleblower protection law is a hindrance as it makes it more difficult for people to blow the whistle on corrupt practices within a particular agency or ministry.
ICPC should consider making these changes before establishing anti-corruption units at the local government levels.
Hello Onyi, thanks for this. The issues you anticipated have become a reality because the ACTUs are not independent at all so they can't just act as they are supposed to.
ReplyDeleteHello Onyi, thanks for this. The issues you anticipated have become a reality because the ACTUs are not independent at all so they can't just act as they are supposed to.
ReplyDelete