Abia Inaugurates Anti-Corruption Steering Committee, Orders Immediate Implementation of Integrity Strategy

The Abia State Government has inaugurated the State Strategy for Integrity, Accountability and Anti-Corruption Steering Committee, directing members to commence the immediate implementation of the state’s comprehensive anti-corruption framework.

The committee was inaugurated on Wednesday at the Government House in Umuahia by the Head of Service, Mr. Benson Ojeikere, who described the initiative as a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to institutionalising integrity, accountability, and transparency across the public service.

Ojeikere said members of the committee were carefully selected based on their strategic positions and proven capacity to drive the state’s anti-corruption agenda. The committee, comprising mainly permanent secretaries and senior government officials, is expected to provide policy direction, monitor implementation progress, address challenges, and ensure that the objectives of the strategy are achieved.

He urged members to carry out their responsibilities with dedication, professionalism, and a strong sense of duty.

According to him, the success of the initiative would strengthen public confidence in government institutions, improve service delivery, and further promote transparency in governance. He expressed optimism that the committee would significantly advance integrity and accountability in Abia State.

Speaking at the event, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna (SAN), represented by the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Paul Ogubunka, described corruption as one of the biggest obstacles to effective public service.

He stated that the vision of a prosperous and accountable Abia State, as envisioned by Governor Alex Otti, can only be achieved on a solid foundation of integrity.

Uwanna noted that the validation exercise for the strategy had been completed and called on all stakeholders to actively participate in the implementation process to establish new standards for accountability and transparency in the state.

Earlier, the State Programme Coordinator of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme, Mr. Peter Omenka, described the steering committee as the policy compass for integrity and accountability in Abia State.

He explained that the programme is designed to strengthen the rule of law, improve access to justice for women, children, and persons with disabilities, and promote transparency in public institutions.

According to Omenka, the committee’s oversight role is critical to translating the anti-corruption strategy from policy into concrete action and measurable outcomes.

The inauguration is widely regarded as an important step toward deepening good governance, promoting transparency, and rebuilding public trust in government institutions across Abia State.