The Traffic

Senate investigates ICPC’s compliance with federal character

The Senate has actually commended the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for its exemplary compliance with federal character principles, rather than investigating non-compliance. The Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs praised ICPC's commitment to fairness, equity, and national representation in its appointments and promotions.

By Rhalialt Arhuoizah 

*Key Highlights of ICPC's Compliance:*

- *Staff Distribution:* ICPC has 1,163 staff members, distributed across the six geopolitical zones as follows :
    - *North Central:* 19%
    - *North West:* 19%
    - *North East:* 16%
    - *South South:* 16%
    - *South West:* 16%
    - *South East:* 14%
- *Leadership Structure:* The Commission has ten directors, with nine serving in substantive capacity and one in acting capacity, equitably distributed across the zones.
- *Transparency and Accountability:* ICPC's transparent and inclusive practices were commended by the Senate Committee, with Senator Allwell Onyesoh describing the Commission's model as "worthy of emulation".

In contrast, the Senate has initiated a separate investigation into alleged federal character violations by other government agencies, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the National Pension Commission. This probe aims to ensure compliance with Sections 14(3) and 14(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandate fair representation and equitable distribution of national appointments and infrastructure projects across all regions .