Abia inaugurates anti-graft committee to strengthen transparency, accountability

The Abia State Government has inaugurated the Strategy for Integrity, Accountability and Anti-Corruption Steering Committee, with a charge for the members to commence implementation of the state’s anti-corruption framework.

The inauguration is aimed at deepening transparency, accountability and good governance in the state.

While inaugurating the committee in Umuahia, Benson Ojekire, head of service, Abia State, stated that the establishment of the committee demonstrates the government’s commitment to institutionalising integrity and accountability across public service.

Ojeikere noted that members were carefully selected because of their strategic positions and capacity to drive the implementation of the state’s anti-corruption agenda.

According to him, the committee, which is made up largely of permanent secretaries and senior government officials, is expected to provide policy direction, monitor implementation progress, address emerging challenges and ensure that the objectives of the State Strategy for Integrity, Accountability and Anti-Corruption are achieved.

He urged members to discharge their responsibilities with dedication, professionalism and a strong sense of duty, noting that the success of the initiative would strengthen public confidence in government institutions.

He also congratulated members on their appointment and expressed confidence in their ability to advance the course of integrity and accountability in the state.

Ikechukwu Uwanna, attorney general and Commissioner for Justice, Abia State, in his remarks, described corruption as a major challenge confronting public service.

Uwanna, who was represented by Paul Ogunbunka, solicitor general and permanent secretary, Ministry of Justice, stressed that the vision of building a prosperous and accountable Abia State could only be achieved on a foundation of integrity.

According to him, “If we are to take the issue of corruption seriously and build the Abia of our dreams as envisioned by His Excellency, Alex Otti, then we must lay a strong foundation of integrity.

“You cannot build a skyscraper on a weak foundation, and integrity remains the cornerstone of everything this initiative stands for.

Uwanna noted that the validation exercise conducted earlier laid the groundwork for the inauguration and implementation of the anti-corruption framework, urging stakeholders to actively participate in the process.

“We have completed the validation exercise, which paved the way for what we are doing today. Moving forward, I encourage all of us to engage effectively in this process so that we can set a new standard for accountability and transparency in Abia State,” he stated.

He further assured that the committee would be guided by the principles of credibility, collaboration, and citizen-based engagement in carrying out its mandate, assuring that his Ministry would monitor compliance,

He advised on policy and engaged with the public.

Peter Omenka, programme coordinator, Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC), described the steering committee as the “policy compass for integrity and accountability” in Abia State.

He explained that ROLAC is supported by the European Union and implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden.

According to him, the programme is dedicated to strengthening the rule of law, improving access to justice for women, children and persons with disabilities, and promoting transparency and accountability in public institutions.

Omenka noted that Abia State is among the newest beneficiaries of the programme and emphasised the importance of the committee’s oversight role in ensuring effective implementation of the state’s anti-corruption agenda. “Without strong oversight, Abia’s anti-corruption agenda remains a document; it has no life. With your leadership, it becomes action,” he said.

He added that the committee would enhance collaboration among anti-corruption agencies, ministries, departments and agencies, civil society organisations, the media and the private sector, while ensuring that the state’s anti-corruption priorities translate into measurable results.

He commended the head of service for hosting the event and thanked committee members for accepting the responsibility.

The members include: Uchechukwu Kalu, permanent secretary, Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection; Ada Ukandu, permanent secretary, Bureau of Establishment – Office of the Head of Service; Godwin Okezuo, Office of the Secretary to the State Government; Chris Onwuegbu, permanent secretary, Ministry of Information; Paul Ogubunka, solicitor general and permanent secretary, Ministry of Justice; and Okey Ihemanma, permanent secretary, Ministry of Industry and SMEs.

Others include: Ifeyinwa Blossom Uma-Kalu, permanent secretary, Ministry of Health; and Obi-Chianakwalam Elechi Agatha, permanent secretary, Ministry of Finance.