Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, Chairman Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says Nigerians must change their behaviors for the country to change to the level they desire.
The ICPC Chairman said this on Tuesday in Minna at a workshop on National Ethics and Integrity Policy, organised for stakeholders in the North Central zone.
The stakeholders included the Civil Society, faith based organizations, community associations, media, youth groups, professional bodies and representatives of the Organised Private Sector.
“The law and order approach to the fight against corruption alone is not enough to get rid of the menace from the society.
“With the present realities facing the nation, if we do not change our behaviors, we may not be able to bring about the changes that we desire to better our society.
“The ideal behavior for citizens is that they should respect the laws of the land, keep their words, do their duty with diligence.
“Respect and value other human beings, not get involved in stealing from government, cheating others or any form of deception.”
Owasanoye who was represented by the Niger Resident Anti Corruption Commissioner, Mr Zayyana Dan-Musa, however said, “unfortunately, many people are far from the ideal”.
He therefore said the vast majority of Nigerians must make intentional efforts to turn around negative behaviors to positive ones through the inclusion of positive values.
The ICPC chairman charged the stakeholders to spread the information and message of positive behavioral change to all Nigerians.
He said that the workshop would integrate researches with practical engagements to bring about positive behavioral change in the society.
Owasanoye said that the ICPC had organised training programs to build the capacity of public servants and the general public to be able to tackle corruption within their areas of operation.
Earlier, Dan-Musa who was represented by Mr Baba Shuib, ICPC, Head of Public Enlightenment and Education in the state, enjoined the participants to pass the anti-corruption message to the public.
He said it was important for Nigerians to ensure integrity, transparency and accountability in their public and private lives, for the country to progress.
“These are the foundations of good governance and the panacea to the scourge of corruption which is undermining the socio-economic growth of our country,” he said.
Also contributing, Bishop Martin Uzoukwu, the Catholic Bishop of Minna Diocese, appealed to Nigerians to collaborate with the ICPC and other stakeholders to tackle corruption in the country.
Uzoukwu who was represented by Fr John Linus, his Personal Assistant, pledged that the Church would continue to inculcate good morals in its followers.
Similarly, Dr Idris Suleiman, a lecturer and Imam of Justice Fati Abubakar Institute of Legal and Administrative Studies, Minna said they would continue to encourage the people to change their behaviors for the good of the society.
