Prof. Attahiru Jega, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has called for a ban on public servants taking traditional titles while in service to reduce corruption in the public sector.
Speaking at an interactive session organized by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) with Chief Executive Officers of public agencies in Abuja, Jega stated that granting traditional titles to public officers serves as an inducement from traditional authorities.
Jega explained, “Taking a traditional title makes public officers prone to corrupt practices and undermines governance, as it creates pressure to indulge in it.”
He stated that public service should be based on trust and responsibility, focusing on using public resources for the common good rather than personal or community gain. “The pressures will keep coming,” he warned, adding that such pressures often derail even the most objective officers from their duties.
He proposed that public servants could receive traditional titles after retirement when there is less risk of pressure to engage in unethical conduct. “If you retire and have genuinely contributed to your community, not by misappropriating public funds, and are then honored, that’s a different matter.”
Jega noted that this pressure affects even high-ranking officials, stating, “You take a title as a permanent secretary or director, and then you are under obligation to the traditional ruler who granted you that title. Demands follow, and over time, it escalates.”
He argued that this practice undermines governance and encourages public servants to use resources for personal rather than public purposes.
Additionally, Jega called for stronger implementation of the whistleblower policy, which provides protection and rewards to individuals who report financial misconduct and other corrupt activities.
“We need to improve the process to encourage people to become whistleblowers,” he said, underscoring the need for regular efforts within public sector organizations to combat corruption.
Jega also urged the ICPC to engage more effectively with youth organizations that could play a role in the anti-corruption fight. He advised the agency to discern genuine youth groups from those merely seeking financial gain.
“You have to separate the wheat from the chaff,” he stated, highlighting the importance of targeting passionate, purpose-driven groups.
In closing, Jega emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of integrity from a young age by supporting anti-corruption clubs in schools.
