The leadership of the Policy Advocacy and Integrity Network Nigeria, has urged President Bola Tinubu to shelve the planned dissolution of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
This, is even as they appraised the new administration of its policies and programmes since coming into office.
In a statement issued Sunday by its Executive Director, Mr. Joshua Mesele, noted that during the meeting, the wisdom of the administration was commended in making decisions that have positively impacted the country’s economic base, especially after the official removal of the hydra-headed fuel subsidy regime, which had been burdening the country’s economy.
He noted that the administration’s dissolution of most boards and their executive leadership of parastatals, Commissions and agencies, was commended, just as the constitution of new ones is being keenly awaited.
He, however, said the pronouncement of dissolution by Mr. President ought not affect PACs whose establishment requires concurrent approval of the Senate.
Mesele said: “One such PAC that ought not be affected is the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), as the fight against corruption is of a genuine concern, and we as members of the Civil Society have a duty to safeguard and protect the integrity and independence of such government institutions whose activities should remain wholesome at their management levels.
“After a careful review of the establishment Act, it is abundantly clear that the procedure for dissolving the board when it becomes absolutely necessary, will be in accordance with the provision of Section 3(8) and 3 (10) of the ICPC Act 2000 which states that the Chairman or any member of the commission may be removed from office by the President, acting on an address supported by a two-thirds (2/3) majority in the Senate, in the case of inability to discharge their functions due to infirmity of mind or body, any other cause, or misconduct.
“Therefore, we call on the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to ensure that the dissolution by the President does not affect all boards, whose independence is to be protected the rule of law, and by international best practice. The ICPC Board should be spared in this context.”
Mesele stressed that the administration of Tinubu has shown enormous respect for the rule of law.