Follow Us on Google
Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has urged members of the state’s Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission to discharge their duties with integrity, impartiality and strict adherence to the law.
The governor gave the charge during the inauguration of the commission’s board at the Government House in Abakaliki, warning members against allowing personal or political interests to influence their work.
Nwifuru said the fight against corruption required sincerity, diligence and objectivity, noting that those involved in the process must remain committed despite possible resistance.
“Corruption will always fight back whenever you confront it. However, if you maintain a sincere, focused, diligent, and objective approach, you will leave little to no room for corrupt practices to thrive,” he said.
The governor also urged the board to look beyond financial misconduct in its efforts to promote accountability in the state’s public service.
He identified administrative misconduct, abuse of office, preferential treatment and manipulation of official procedures as other forms of corruption that undermine public institutions.
“Corruption is not limited to financial misappropriation alone. Administrative misconduct, abuse of office, preferential treatment, manipulation of official procedures, and irregular postings or promotions without due process are all potent forms of corruption that destroy the public service,” Nwifuru stated.
Other News
The commission, established under a 2023 state law, is responsible for promoting accountability, investigating administrative injustice and scrutinising the activities of ministries, departments, agencies and parastatals.
Nwifuru said the agency would help address gaps in government oversight by examining complaints from residents and recommending reforms to improve public service delivery.
He acknowledged that it was difficult for any governor to monitor every government activity or identify all administrative lapses without an independent oversight body.
The governor consequently assured the board of his administration’s support and pledged not to interfere with its statutory responsibilities.
He said the commission must be allowed to investigate wrongdoing without fear, favour or pressure, including cases involving officials or activities close to the government.
“For an anti-corruption agency to succeed, it must be allowed to function without fear, favour, or executive pressure,” he said.
“You have my full backing to execute your statutory mandate without interference—even when activities close to government come under scrutiny,” Nwifuru added.
