The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has expressed its readiness to collaborate with Kwara State government, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and National Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), on anti-corruption war.
Mohammed Baba Ibrahim, the Chairman of ICAN Ilorin and District Society, stated this at his Investiture/Award Dinner held recently at Banquet Hall, Ilorin.
According to Ibrahim, the move will complement anti-corruption efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari administration and minimise fraud activities within the state civil service.
“We intend to collaborate with the Public Account Committee of the Kwara State House of Assembly, EFCC and NFIU to organise a continuous workshops for our members and other heads of Accounts from the local governments and State service on how to combat financial crime,” he said.
According to him, ”Any member found wanting in misappropriating public fund or abetting politicians in financial crime, if reported to the Institute would be made to face the Investigating panel of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.
“However, if he is found guilty, the panel would send him to face the disciplinary tribunal for proper hearing and thereafter, he would be blackmailed, while his/her certificate would be withdrawn and his/her name would be published in the National dailies.”
Ibrahim disclosed that as part of his agenda, Ilorin and District Society will embark on ‘Catch Them Young Programme’ where the Secondary School Students will be sensitised, encouraged, and exposed to the rudiment of the profession, and most especially on a way to become chattered Accountant.
In his address, the Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq solicited for citizen’s support in the administration drive to tackle corruption and ensure prudent management of resources.
Abdulrazaq, who was represented by his deputy, Kayode Alabi revealed that the state government will use available resources to build infrastructure, improve health sector, uplift standard of education, rather than spending public fund to satisfy few people.
The governor called on members of the Institute and the people of the state to join its campaign for a regime of prudent management of public resources as the government would not spend a kobo on anything except it serves the interest of the overwhelming majority.
SIKIRAT SHEHU, Ilorin
