From Isaac Ojo Awka
The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has expressed her determination to enforce compliance of asset declaration by public office holders.
Chairman of CCB, Dr. Abdullahi Bello Usman stated this in Awka, during a 2-day Rule of Law and Anti-corruption (ROLAC 2) capacity building workshop on the On-line Assets Declaration System.
The engagement themed, “Improving the Effectiveness of Anti-corruption Processes and Reforms” was organized by Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) in collaboration with CCB.
The chairman of CCB who was represented by Head, Education Department, Koyonda Edward described assets declaration as not just a statutory obligation but a moral imperative.
According to him, asset declaration remained the bedrock of ethical governance which today’s reality could not ignore.
He however regretted that corruption remained one of the most formidable obstacles to nation’s development, which he said erodes public trust, stifles economic growth and perpetuates inequality.
He said, “The CCB, as a corner of Nigeria’s integrity framework, recognises that declaration of assets is not just a statutory obligation but a moral imperative. It is the bedrock of ethical governance. We cannot ignore the reality of our time.
“Manual systems are susceptible to inefficiently, opacity and abuse. This is why the transition to digital Assets Declaration Platform is not just an upgrade but a revolution.
“By leveraging technology we eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, reduce human interference and create an acceptable trail that deters malfeasance. This system will empower public officials to declare Assets seamlessly while enabling real-time monitoring by shareholders.
CBC applauded CSJ and ROLAC for their invaluable collaboration, generous funding and unwavering commitment to ensuring compliance.
Lead Director, Center for Social Justice (CSJ), Eze Onyekpere, Legal Practitioner and Lead Director of CSJ and John Sheshi, Head ICT, Code of Conduct Bureau(CCB) presented papers at the workshop.
The CSJ Cluster Coordinator for Anambra State, Madam Ugochi Ehiahuruike in an interactive session with journalists at the end of the workshop said that the occasion availed the participants opportunities to learn the imperatives of online asset declaration system.
