Nigeria cannot achieve peace without defeating corruption – ICPC Chairman

The Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Adamu-Aliyu SAN, says Nigeria cannot achieve lasting peace if corruption is not effectively tackled.

Our correspondent reports that Adamu-Aliyu made the remark on Tuesday while addressing members of the Students’ Anti Corruption Club of Yahaya Abdulkarim Girls Day Secondary School, Sokoto.

According to him, we cannot have a peaceful society if we allow corruption to flourish.
He urged teachers to inculcate good morals in young people and lead by example, describing them as critical to shaping the nation’s future.

The Chairman also urged the teachers to try their very best and build the children to be strong, courageous and resilient.
“We should educate them that, whenever they see something that is wrong, they should report.

“Show them good conduct and make sure that you lead by example.

“Children easily emulate whatever we do and tend to perceive it as a right thing,” he added.

Adamu-Aliyu further advised the students to read hard and shun examination malpractices noting that they will one day be in the position of authority.

He also stressed that we cannot fight corruption through arrest, investigation or prosecution.

“We need to tackle both structural and behavioural problems in our fight against corruption.

“Therefore we must start with our children by teaching them honesty, discipline and punctuality because they are the future leaders of this country,” he added.

He inspired the students by reminding them that the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, is an alumnus of the school.

“I learnt that, Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa is one of the school alumni, so there is no limit to what you can achieve”.

He further encouraged the students, saying that they did not have to come from a wealthy family to become leaders in the country, noting that he was raised in a poor family.

“I am not from a rich family, but I became a lawyer, served as an Attorney General, and now I am the Chairman of the ICPC.

“So there is no limit to what you can achieve in the future if you study hard and respect your teachers and elders,” he said.

In her remarks, the Principal of the School, Mrs Murjanatu Muhammad, thanked the Chairman for choosing their school for his first visit, describing it as a rare privilege.

Muhammad said that the management would uphold his advice and continue to instill integrity and good character in the students.