The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has cautioned staff of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to steer clear of corrupt practices or face the full weight of the law.
The warning was delivered by Mrs. Ekere Usiere, ICPC Commissioner in charge of Rivers and Bayelsa state offices, during the commission’s quarterly anti-corruption sensitisation workshop for NDDC staff in Port Harcourt on Friday.The
statement conveying her remarks was issued by NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Seledi Thompson-Wakama.
Usiere stressed that the NDDC occupies a critical role in advancing development within the Niger Delta region and said it was vital for its staff to maintain integrity. She noted that regular sensitisation meetings were important to remind employees of the consequences of corrupt behaviour and to equip them with knowledge on preventing misconduct.
She warned that any staff member found guilty of corrupt acts would be prosecuted in line with the law. According to her, the workshop, themed “Infractions/Offences in Anti-Graft Laws; Preventive Measures,” was designed to help staff understand the impact of corruption on development and to serve as a preventive measure against malpractice.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Evans Peters, Head of the Legal Department at ICPC in Rivers State, urged the NDDC to strengthen its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit for greater effectiveness. He recommended that the commission regularly review procedures and processes vulnerable to corruption and adopt a formal code of ethics containing clear corruption-prevention guidelines for staff.
Peters outlined several offences under the ICPC Act, including inflating contracts, awarding contracts without budgetary approval, frustrating investigations, making false statements or returns, failing to report bribery, and conspiring to provide false information. He warned that engaging in any such acts would result in prosecution.
He added that the ICPC would seize any proceeds from corruption or assets acquired beyond an employee’s legitimate income, with the offender still liable for criminal charges. Peters emphasised that ignorance of the law was not an excuse and that anyone caught could face imprisonment.
“Every public servant should take the ICPC Act as a guide and internalise its principles,” he said, noting that the commission takes a firm stance against all forms of gratification.
Earlier in the event, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, reiterated the need for measures that promote transparency and accountability in public service. Represented by Dr. James Fole, Director III of Administration and Human Resources, Ogbuku explained that the workshop was part of the commission’s broader strategy to improve service delivery.
Ogbuku stated that the NDDC was committed to instilling strong ethical values among its workforce and would not tolerate actions that undermine the commission’s integrity. He called on staff to approach their duties with diligence and honesty, stressing that the board and management were determined to entrench ethics and values in all operations.
He concluded by affirming that the NDDC remained passionate about delivering on its mandate to the people of the Niger Delta and that maintaining a corruption-free work environment was essential to achieving that goal.
