The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, in conjunction with the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, has organised a two-day sensitisation workshop for the officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces on asset declaration.
DAILY NIGERIAN reports that the 2-day workshop was attended by top military officers from the Nigerian Army, Navy and the Air Force.
In his opening remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Abayomi Olonisakin, stated that the sensitisation became necessary in view of the need to comply with the provisions of the code of conduct to deliver a transparent stewardship.
According to him, the workshop is timely, especially for Military Commanders who draw funds from government coffers and are responsible for public funds at their disposal.
Mr Olonisakin further harped on accountability in public offices, which he said was a veritable tool in the fight against corruption.
According to him, officers who hold positions of responsibility must also be accountable and transparent in their day to day activities.
He enjoined the participants to see the workshop as an opportunity to acquire sufficient knowledge on assets declaration, financial code of conduct and other requirements of the CCB.
Full compliance, he asserted, would assist public officials to cut down waste and ensure judicious utilization of public funds.
Mr Olonisakin, therefore, urged military officers to take advantage of the training to “thoroughly understand the requirements for assets declaration” and pass on the knowledge to their subordinates in their various departments, formations and units.
In his remarks, the Chairman CCB, Prof. Isah Mohammed, said the workshop part of the preventive measures the Bureau undertakes to sensitise public officers on the Code of Conduct, as contained in part 1 of the Fifth Schedule of 1999 Constitution.
According to him, “when top public functionaries of government are well informed and abide by the codes, the need for the application of punitive measures would be minimised, if not eliminated.”
He commended the CDS for the workshop, expressing his optimism that the workshop would further boost the existing cordial relationship between the Bureau and the Defence Headquarters.
The Bureau, Prof Isah said, has the power to issue and receive Assets Declaration Form, examine the declaration, retain custody of the Form and receive complaints about non-compliance as well as prosecuting defaulters.
