Meaningful engagement can reduce corruption - ICPC

By Qudirat Hakeem-Apanpa - 03.11.2009

THE Head, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in Oyo and Ogun zone, Mr. Olukile Olusesan, has said corruption could be reduced if the larger percentage of Nigerians is meaningfully engaged.

According to him, “if money meant for the provision of social amenities are not diverted, crime, a societal problem, would be eradicated with time.”

Mr. Olusesan was speaking on Monday at the Bodija office of the ICPC while playing host to defence and crime reporters in Oyo State.

He said journalists should monitor corrupt cases in the court so that such cases would not be swept under the carpet.

Olusesan, however, commended the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Mr. Baba Bolanta, for combating and reducing crime in the state since his assumption of office.

Responding, chairman of the defence and crime reporters, Mr. Lawrence Olisa, called on the Federal Government to provide funds for all the agencies that were working towards eradicating crime and corruption in the country.

According to him, members of staff of such agencies would not be tempted if they were adequately remunerated.

He promised the support of the journalists in the state in ensuring that the ICPC reduced corruption to the barest minimum in Oyo State.