UN International Anti- Corruption Day: Aneke Sues for Collective Fight Against Corruption

Ikenna Orioha

The Acting Chairman, Imo- River Basin Authority, Dr Ben Aneke has sued for collective fight against corruption for the society to continue to move forward.

He disclosed this in an interview with journalists, at the Freedom Square, Owerri, on Monday, during the 2019 United Nations International Anti- Corruption Day Commemoration.

Aneke stated that when individuals, religious bodies, politicians, public office holders, students and law enforcement agents, traditional rulers and foreigners alike collectively wage war against corruption, the society would be better for all and sundry to live in and enjoy life as God has designed.

Aneke hailed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, for marking the World Anti- Corruption Day in Imo State, urging ICPC and other anti graft agencies to “engage people from time to time through seminar in order to enlighten them more on the dangers of bribery and corruption. With us working together we can fight corruption to standstill. All persons, whether civilian, military or police need reorientation to enable us progress prosperously and effectively”.

The Boss of Imo- River Basin Authority, who added that the significance of the UN International Anti- Corruption Day seminar was bent on plying individual and collective roles to making the country free from endemic of corruption, indulged authorities on the need to often mobilize, engage and sensitize journalists and other citizens against the menace.

Aneke noted that the Imo- River Basin Authority follows due process in the award of contracts to eligible contractors for timely and effective completion of projects.

Dr Ben Aneke, Acting Chairman, Imo- River Basin Authority

He remarked that “there are processes awarding contracts to valid contractors by the Imo- River Basin Authority. By the time project is awarded to the lowest bidder. Firstly, we give letter of award of contract after validation of contract documents and projects given out are roundly supervised by the authority. And the parastatal is always committed to join in the fight against corruption.

Earlier, in his address, Chairman, ICPC, Prof Bolaji Owasanoye who was represented by the Imo State Commander, Mr Udensi Arua, harped that fight against corruption “can succeed if fought at all levels. When we cease to pay lip service to the fight against corruption, change our corrupt way of doing things and effectively embrace integrity, transparency and accountability as our way of life, we shall move forward”.

ICPC while highlighting “United Against Corruption”, as the theme of the 2019 World Anti- Corruption Day Commemoration, appealed to all to join hands to build a better society that would be free of bribery and corruption.

ICPC members, Acting Chairman, Imo- River Basin Authority, Dr Ben Aneke including corps members during the 2019 World Anti- Corruption Day, held recently in Owerri, Imo State capital.

Some members of ICPC, some public office holders, Corps Members whose Community Development Service is ICPC including journalists attended the event and advised federal government to intensify efforts as to nip the scourge of the society to the board, saying no corrupt public officeholders should be spared from being tried in the Court of Law, describing corruption as canker worm that endangers society and retards development.

…©️News Corner.