The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Nuruddeen A. Rafindadi, FNSE, has said that the collaboration between the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) was a welcome development.
The MD said, ”Having partnered ACTU in time past at other levels of engagement, FERMA was ready and willing to provide the necessary environment for further partnership with ICPC.
Engr. Rafindadi said this recently at the occasion of the Inauguration/Induction of FERMA Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit at FERMA headquarters in Abuja. He said that the Agency’s mandate and contractual dealings have placed the Agency in a unique position. Adding, the MD said that partnering with ICPC was very important as it’s laws are strong protection for the Agency. Affirming the value the Agency places on the existence and mandate of ICPC, Rafindadi urged the members of FERMA ACTU to function within the professional ambience provided by the mandate, hoping that the collaboration will be beneficial to both parties and Nigeria in general.
The Hon. Chairman, ICPC, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, (SAN), who was ably represented by Olayinka A. Ayebayo, in a goodwill message earlier, said, the essence of establishing ACTU in the agency was “to serve as an in-house mechanism for corruption prevention within the Agency in line with global best practices of building strong institutions and entrenching good governance in the fight against corruption.”
The Chairman said, among other things, “the Unit is expected to effectively carry out its assigned functions which includes conducting systems study and review of processes and procedures with a view to making appropriate recommendations to block corruption loopholes.”
Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye however said, that ACTU was not set up as a parallel authority to the Management, enjoining the members to work closely with the Management to build a reputable organization.
The Oath of Allegiance was administered by Bimpe Abodurin (Esq.) after the certification of members/representatives of FERMA ACTU team by the MD/CEO.
Responding, the Chairman, FERMA ACTU, Richard Clark (Esq.) said it was an honour to be nominated to serve in the capacity that they have been called. Seeking for the support of stakeholders to enable the team succeed, he said, the team was not out to witch hunt any one or office.
Mr. Clark further encouraged his team members to serve unconditionally as they pledged to perform in the manner permitted by the rules of ACTU.
Maryam M. Sanusi (Mrs.)
Deputy Director (Information)
