Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has said it is compulsory for public office holders to declare assets.

The governor, who received a delegation of the newly-posted state Director, Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Mr. Abel Sunday, who visited him at the Government Lodge in Aba, told public office holders that it is not only proper, but also mandatory to declare their assets before they begin to function in their official capacities.

Ikpeazu, who directed the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and relevant officers to ensure that every public officer complies with the constitutional obligation for assets declaration, said, henceforth, no public office holder will be sworn in unless there is evidence that such individual has declared his assets.

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The governor, however, implored the Code of Conduct Bureau to play the role of an enabler by finding ways of encouraging individuals to willingly declare their assets through capacity building, seminars, etc.

He said despite serving as a watchdog, the CCB should go about its duty with a friendly disposition, in order not to scare people away, noting that he understands the important role of the bureau in holding public officers accountable.

Sunday said he came to visit the governor and seek his collaboration to fight corruption in the state and Nigeria.

He said while some public office holders in the state have declared their assets, others are yet to do so, stressing that the constitution enjoins them to declare their assets before assuming office and afterwards.

The CCB boss assured the governor of the commitment of his office to cooperate with the state government “in ensuring that public officers do the correct thing under our laws.”