The Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Abdullahi Bello, has disclosed that the bureau has investigated and verified the assets of more than 20 ministers and 30 permanent secretaries. This move is part of efforts to strengthen accountability among public officers. Bello made this statement at an anti-corruption and asset-tracing stakeholders' workshop in Abuja.
The Code of Conduct Bureau has moved beyond merely receiving asset declaration forms to examining declarations, investigating suspected infractions, and prosecuting offenders. According to Bello, the bureau has focused its verification exercise on high-profile public officers, including ministers, permanent secretaries, and health agencies.
The verification process involves inviting public officers to the bureau's office for face-to-face examination of their records. The bureau compares the assets declared at the beginning and end of an official's term to identify any discrepancies. If a difference is found, the bureau investigates and prosecutes the officer.
The Code of Conduct Bureau can commence an investigation before the end of an official's tenure if allegations or intelligence exist. Bello stressed that the bureau does not have to wait for an officer to finish their term before investigating them. The bureau's efforts aim to promote accountability and transparency among public officers.
The Executive Secretary of the Human and Environmental Development Agenda, Arigbabu Sulaimon, said the workshop aimed to strengthen inter-agency collaboration, intelligence sharing, and the role of civil society in combating corruption. The workshop was designed as a technical working session to advance institutional objectives.
Sulaimon called for greater use of the Proceeds of Crime Act and the Code of Conduct Bureau's statutory mechanisms in tracing and recovering illicit assets. He also emphasized the need for greater safeguards to encourage individuals to provide information on corruption and other crimes.
The Code of Conduct Bureau's efforts to probe the assets of high-profile public officers reflect the government's commitment to fighting corruption. The bureau's chairman, Abdullahi Bello, has demonstrated a strong resolve to ensure accountability among public officers. The workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss ways to strengthen anti-corruption efforts.
Key points
- The Code of Conduct Bureau has investigated and verified assets of over 20 ministers and 30 permanent secretaries.
- The bureau has moved beyond receiving asset declaration forms to examining declarations, investigating suspected infractions, and prosecuting offenders.
- The government's efforts aim to promote accountability and transparency among public officers.
