The Abia State Government has inaugurated the state’s Strategy for Integrity, Accountability and Anti-Corruption Steering Committee, with a charge to its members to immediately commence implementation of the state’s anti-corruption framework.
The committee, according to the state government, was formed to deepen transparency, accountability and good governance across the public sector of the state.
Inaugurating the committee in Umuahia on Wednesday, the Abia State Head of Service, Mr Benson Ojeikere, mandated the committee to ensure integrity and accountability across the public service.
Ojeikere noted that the members are expected to provide policy direction, monitor implementation progress, address emerging challenges and ensure that the objectives of the committee are achieved.
In his speech, the Abia State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN, represented by the Abia State Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Paul Ogubunka, described corruption as a major challenge confronting the public service in the country.
Earlier, the Abia State Programme Coordinator of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, Mr Peter Omenka, said the steering committee would collaborate with anti-corruption agencies, civil society organisations, ministries and MDAs to advance the anti-corruption drive in Abia State.
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 Abia State government institutions.
Abia inaugurates accountability, anti-corruption steering committee