By MaryAnn Chukwuma :
The Anambra State Government in collaboration with the European Union Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme has organised meetings to review the operation and achievements of the Anti-Corruption Committee in the first phase.
The Anti-Corruption one week long meeting held at Finotel hotel, Awka is geared toward appraising the functionality and modalities with which the Anti-Corruption Committee members performed, their achievements and ways to better serve so as to have a more transparent and government devoid of corrupt practices.
In her opening remark, the Anambra State Head of Service (HOS), Barr. Okwy Igwegbe, called on the participants and members of the anti-corruption committee in the various MDAs to take note of the gaps in the first phase which spanned for four years.
The HOS, who was ably represented by the Administrator-General/Public Prosecutor Anambra State, Thessy Obuekwe, advised the ACC to ensure that the aim for the collaboration is not defeated bearing in mind that they were the hub of this synergy against corruption, highlighting the need for proactiveness in identifying loopholes and impending misnomer which appears as a misconduct or corrupt practice.
The Civil Service boss, however, urged that they ensure to work with the Anti-Corruption Secretariat which is the provided way to call erring parties to order and sanction if need be. She further told the Anti-Corruption Committee whom she described as the foot soldiers to ensure that they are not seen witch hunting and confrontational but to always maintain due process and the rule of law.
The State Project Coordinator, Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption programme, Mrs. Josephine Onah in her welcome address thanked the members of the government, the Anti-Corruption Committee and other members of RoLAC for participating in the second phase of the Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC 2).
She noted that this second phase is captured by a document, the Anambra State Anti-Corruption Strategy, which was designed to better implement the activities and functions of Anti-Corruption Committee in the state.
Onah noted that the document gives live to strategies designed to better bridge the gaps experienced in the first phase while ensuring that better results are achieved in this second phase.
The State Coordinator highlighted that the RoLAC is operational in 36 countries with the aim of helping governments achieve good governance which will benefit the masses.
On her part, the Lead Consultant for RoLAC and Anti Corruption Strategy, Dr. Ada Igboekwe called on participants to put in their best so as to achieve the aim of the course which will translate into accountability, transparency and equity in government for better governance.
Igboekwe, then, commended the government for showing sufficient will power and openness in curbing corrupt practices among its workers for better governance.
*Mary Ann is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State