ABUJA: ICPC Acknowledges 942 Petitions, Rules Out External Assistance

Ekpo Nta, ICPC Chairman

CHAIRMAN of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, ICPC ,Mr Ekpo Nta has disclosed that the commission has received at the moment not less than 942 petitions from different individuals and groups against some public officeholders on corruption related matters  in the country.

Nta stated this during his appearance before the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption during the presentation of 2015 Budget appraisals and defense of 2016 Appropriation Budget adding that the Commission is regrettably under-equipped to handle the matters particularly a forensic laboratory so as to be able to discharge its duty adequately and efficiently.

He further stated that despite the development, the Commission had maintained its position not to seek for assistance from outside the country in view of the country’s sovereignty.

Explaining further, the ICPC boss stated that of the 942 petitions, the Commission has forwarded the ones it lacked jurisdiction to handle to the appropriate quarters while investigations had been concluded on 384 of them; 59 charged to the court and 5 concluded with convictions.

He continued that the Commission is committed to the rule of law and therefore always guided by the provisions of the constitutions and other relevant laws of the land including the Human rights Act adding that the interest of the Committee was to ensure that the society is secured of corruption.