Industrial Court Collaborates With ICPC, Inaugurates Anti-Corruption Transparency Unit

In line with the commitment of the National Industrial Court to win the war against any form of corruption, the Hon. President, Hon. Justice Benedict Kanyip, OFR on Monday 24th October 2022 led the Judges, top Management Staff, and Staff to witness the inauguration of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the Court by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit was established by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) as one of the implementation mechanisms for its Mandate on prohibition and prevention of corruption, especially in the Public Service.

The Units are established in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of government and operate as autonomous outfits with functional linkages with the office of the Chief Executives of the MDAs.

While declaring the commitment of the Court on zero tolerance to corruption, Justice Kanyip stated that anti-corruption has been an attribute of the judges of the Court, and over the years, the Court has sanctioned many Employers, CEOs, Government agencies, and parastatals on the termination of staff on the basis of whistle-blowing, that the essence of the inauguration is to put the court in firm footage as an institution of government keying into the anti-corruption crusade of the Federal Government.

“CR, I want to make it public, they have my permission to access all the books and records wherever they are. They don’t need specific authorization from me. If they come to your office and say they want a particular record, give them access.

“I’m giving them that permission in front of ICPC so that you don’t come back tomorrow and say it’s the president. As far as the Unit is concerned, they have the free hand to do their work in line with the parameters the ICPC will give them. I urged you all to give them the support.” Justice Kanyip

In his remark, the Chairman of the ICPC ably represented by Barrister Abia Udofia commended the Hon. President for the kind words and assurances that only a few CEO can conveniently express support for the unit as he has demonstrated in public and that shows transparency.

While appreciating the Court for making the inauguration a success, the ICPC Chairman reiterated that it is the duty of the Management of the MDAs to ensure that ACTUs are fully established and supported to carry out their assigned duties, urged all members of staff to cooperate with the Unit to achieve a corruption free organization.

In his speech, the Unit Chairman, Isa Aminu Esq promised to live up to the expectation and assured that the unit would not deter from its responsibilities.