The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has enlisted clerics in the fight against graft.
Muslim and Christian scholars were invited to attend the programme in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital. The Executive Secretary, Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. Ebi Belepeigha; Secretary-General, Central Mosque, Opolo, Abdulmumin Idris and Chief Imam, Central Mosque, Opolo, Musa Mohamad were present at the event.
The Chief Imam, Yenagoa, Central Mosque, Mohammad Sadanu, led the Muslim community to the lecture.
It was also a gathering of kings. King Diete-Spiff, the King of Twon Brass and Chairman, Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council brought other crowns to the occasion.
King George Lawson of Emeyal Kingdom; King Bubaraye Dakolo, Ekpetiama; King Mozi Agara, Kolokuma/Opokuma; King Jonathan Kubor, Bassan and King Joshua Igbagara were all part of the anti-corruption lectures.
The Chairman, ICPC, Abdullahi Bako, said religious leaders were chosen for the workshop because they are important channels to carry the anti-corruption message to the grassroots. With already established congregations, Bako, whose address was delivered by ICPC Commissioner in charge of Rivers and Bayelsa states, Mr. Alexander Chukwurah, said religious leaders were in the best position to inculcate good values to their members.
“The message we need to pass to the public and your adherents is that the war against corruption seeks to enthrone integrity, honesty, transparency and accountability. These are the foundations of good governance and the panacea to the scourge of corruption, which is undermining the socio-economic growth of the country”, he said.
The chairman observed a dangerous trend. He said while corruption is publicly practised in offices and places of business, integrity is under the radar, practised secretly because those who insist on doing things the right ways are endangered species and are constantly threatened by those who regard them as enemies to their dirty deals.
He said the commission adopted enforcement, prevention and public education strategies as a holistic approach to combating corruption.
The chairman explained that as part of the public enlightenment strategy, religious leaders were selected for the forum to enable them understand provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.
He said the enlightenment would also enable religious leaders to appreciate their roles in the anti-corruption fight and receive insight on how to network with the commission. He said the forum was also a platform to pool ideas on the best way forward for the anti-corruption crusade.
In fact, a lecture entitled, “Religion as Engine Room of Building and Promoting Moral Values: the ICPC Perspective”, brought out the roles of religious leaders. The lecturer, Mrs. Ese Okwong, using various citations from the holy books demonstrated the dangers of stealing and other corrupt practices. She pointed out that adherents of religions are always loyal and obedient to their clerics.