Mr. Ekpo Nta, the Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), on Thursday warned political office holders at the local government level across the country to desist from corrupt practices.

Nta gave the warning at the opening ceremony of a training programme on anti-corruption, ethics and integrity organised by the ICPC Anti-Corruption Academy in Abuja.

The programme, organised for chairmen, auditors-general and secretaries of Local Government Service Commissions was to enhance local government administration in the country.

He said that the local governments had over the years, been seen as the most corrupt organ of government, and blamed it on the lack of developed institutional procedure to curb the menace.

Nta said the programme was aimed at enlightening political office holders on local government administration so as to prevent infractions in the course of their duties.

“The idea is to prepare the politicians against falling into traps set by civil servants who had been in the process for a very long time.”

In his remark, Prof. Sola Akinrinade, the Provost, ICPC Anti-Corruption Academy, said that manifest corruption had been observed in the activities of local governments over the years.

Akinrinade said that participants in the workshop represented the supervisory authorities.

“As chairmen of Local Government Service Commission, as Auditors-General of Local Government and Secretaries to the commission, you hold important positions with great responsibility.

“We expect you to lay the ground rules and offer effective monitoring of happenings at the local government level.” (NAN)

•Photo shows Ekpo Nta.

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