President Bola Tinubu has bowed to opinion of Femi Falana, human rights lawyer, by approving the appointment of a new management team for the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The President approved Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, ICPC, who is a Northerner and Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu, Secretary to the Commission, ICPC pending confirmation of the new appointees by the Nigerian Senate.
Falana had faulted appointment of the Chairmen of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) from the same geopolitical zone.
Also read: Falana Faults appointment of EFCC, ICPC Bosses from one Zone
Recall that on October 12, 2023, President Bola Tinubu appointed Mr Ola Olukoyede as the new EFCC boss while Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye (SAN) has been the ICPC Chairman since 2019. Both men hail from the South West geopolitical region.
A statement released by presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelali, said the new Chairman of the ICPC is nominated for confirmation by the Nigerian Senate, following the President’s approval of the outgoing Chairman’s request to proceed on pre-end of tenure leave beginning on November 4, 2023, ahead of the expiration of his tenure on February 3, 2024.
The position of Secretary to the Commission does not require Senate confirmation and, therefore, by the directive of the President, the appointment of Mr. Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu as Secretary of the Commission takes immediate effect.
‘’Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu has embarked upon many far-reaching reforms as the Attorney General of Jigawa State since September 2019 and holds Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate degrees in Law. He was also named as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria-designate in October 2023.
Mr. Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu is a lawyer with over 30 years of experience and has served meritoriously in the public service as a Member of the Rivers State Judicial Service Commission and Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of Port Harcourt City Local Government Council,” the statement read.
Ngelali said the President implores the new management team of the ICPC to always be above board as they discharge their duties without fear or favour concerning all matters before them.
