The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, like its counterpart, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, has always been in the news for one reason or the other in its fight against corruption, especially when high-profile subjects were involved.Recently, the ICPC found itself in a different kind of news over an attempt to get the National Assembly to merge it with the EFCC through a bill sponsored by a senator.Though laboriously pursued, the bill failed to impress the hallowed Housean indication of the understanding and appreciation of the achievements and challenges of the ICPC by the majority of the senators. The matter has since been laid to rest. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge the wisdom demonstrated by the Upper House amidst what seemed an orchestrated campaign to subsume the ICPC to the EFCC for reasons that could never have helped the anti-corruption cause in the country.Over the years, the ICPC had demonstrated strong commitment to its mandate with all sense of responsibility. The commission has secured notable convictions in various sectors and has indeed stamped its imprint in the minds of Nigerians as a symbol of the anti-corruption crusade. However, the ICPC has also, occasionally, come under criticisms by people who believe that it is not hard enough on suspects and as such could not instill fear in the minds of corruption-inclined persons. The failed move in the Senate could have stemmed from this perception. But how far can this argument go'ICPC does not sensationalise its arrests as many people would like it to. Except on a few occasions where suspects tried to resist arrest, the commissions operatives have been quite civil in their operations. The commission also does not give undue publicity to its investigation and prosecution of suspects in a manner akin to trying them in the court of public opinion. But it goes through all the due processes as stipulated by law and when convictions are secured, it publicises them for public awareness and to deter criminally minded persons who may have been planning or are already engaged in corrupt practices but not yet caught. Is anything wrong with this style' Does it make the ICPC less effective'What those who find the ICPC style disagreeable have failed to understand is that the maturity and civility with which it conducts its operations are the norm and the globally accepted standard. A suspect has rights, even while being investigated or prosecuted. He is only to be considered guilty after due process had been followed through painstaking investigation and diligent prosecution and conviction by a competent court of law. The style of the ICPC should not be mistaken for lack of drive or incompetence.The ICPC is an important public institution because of the sensitivity of its mandate and the direct bearing it has on national development and economic stability. It is natural, therefore, for its activities to generate public interest. It is not out of place for Nigerians to assess its performance, but those who want to should do so objectively and without sentiments.Corruption is a cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabric of the nation for decades. It pervades every sphere of national life in both the public and private sectors. It has stunted and continues to stunt the nations growth and development. It cannot be eradicated suddenly. The ICPC has always given prompt attention to cases of corruption reported to it, following up with in-depth investigation and then prosecution where there is substantial evidence to do so.The Commission has secured several convictions over the years. These convictions have gone a long way to serve as deterrent to potential scammers and fraudulent persons. Yet, there are challenges in its operations which, if surmounted, would make it achieve more.One of such challenges is the slowness of the judicial process when cases are being prosecuted. This is due to the congestion of cases in the regular courts where corruption cases are also treated. If ongoing moves to have government create special courts for corruption and other related crimes are successful, it would really help the ICPC to be more effective through the speedy dispensation of its cases.Another major problem faced by the ICPC is the process of initiating cases involving corrupt practices. The ICPC, like the EFCC, depends largely on petitions and reports from the public to initiate investigations into such cases. Sadly, most cases of corruption are never reported formally, even though people talk about them unofficially. Yet they blame government for not doing something. Nigerians need to support the anti-corruption cause by reporting cases of corrupt practices to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.Yet another challenge is underfunding. The annual funding of the ICPC is too low for its operations, which cover the whole country. The Commission operates on a tight budget (N2bn annually). Consequently, it cannot afford an adequate financial and human capital layout it requires for its vast responsibilities across the country. Recently, the secretary of ICPC, Mr. Elvis Oglafa disclosed at the 4th National Conference on Anti-Corruption and Financial crimes in Abuja that the Commission has 530 operatives covering a country of 150 million people. And its per capita budget is a meagre equivalent of 0.3 US cent. How can the Commission effectively fight corruption with such inadequate resources'Against this background, the achievements recorded by the ICPC over the years can be better appreciated. These achievements were largely due to the resourcefulness of the successive chairmen of the Commission and their teams.Emphasis on proactive measures remains the hallmark of the new phase of the anticorruption war. Through regular system study and review of the operations of government ministries, departments and agencies, the ICPC maintains proactive measures to check corrupt practices in these establishments.The ICPC has been trying its best to fulfill its mandate, but there will always be room for improvement in the face of new realities and challenges. Fortunately, the new Chairman of the Commission, by his excellent track record in past assignments and vast wealth of experience, is suitably positioned to keep it focused. With the necessary support and encouragement from the government, he will surely take the commission to the next level.Olamiti is Resident Media Consultant with the ICPC.
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