Corruption is the root of all crimes – ICPC – Voice of Nigeria

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has stated that corruption is the root of all criminal activities and calls on all Nigerians to fight it together.

The ICPC Chairman, who was honored with a lifetime achievement award for his contributions to combating corruption in the public service at the 2024 National Crimewatch Awards ceremony in Abuja, stressed that corruption poses a serious threat to national security as it undermines stability , undermines the prosperity and sovereignty of a country.

In the presence of the deputy director of the ICPC, Dr. Oluwasina Babasola, he said at the award ceremony: “Under the leadership of Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, the ICPC has made significant progress in just a few months, earning respect and securing important partnerships across Nigeria.”

Dr. Babasola told the gathering, comprising most military and paramilitary officers, that the commission would continue to work towards minimizing corruption and expressed gratitude for the recognition, which he said would encourage further efforts.

The organizer of the event, Mr. Tony Okpe, explained that the awards were aimed at honoring individuals and organizations committed to crime prevention, believing that such recognition promotes dialogue on national security and the pursuit of a safer one society promotes.

Explaining the credibility of the awards, Mr Okpe explained that the selection of recipients was done based on feedback received from independent evaluation questionnaires completed by crime journalists.

Over its 21-year history, the National Crimewatch Awards have earned a prestigious reputation for recognizing exceptional contributions to national security.

This year’s award winners included prominent personalities such as Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police who received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Police Operations and Lt. General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defense Staff, who was honored as the National Crimewatch Man of the year.

The others included Ahmed Abubakar Audi, Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, and Brigadier General. General Mohammed Buba Marwa, Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, was recognized for her lifetime achievements in national security and the fight against drug-related crimes.

Olusola Akintonde