Mr Ekpo Nta, the Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has identified corruption as the major cause of underdevelopment, unemployment and poverty in the country.
Nta made the remarks on Monday in Katsina at a one-day anti-corruption sensitisation workshop organised by the commission for members of the Katsina House of Assembly.
"It is sad that with all the opportunities and resources available in our nation, there is still under-development, massive unemployment and pervasive poverty; the root cause of all these is corruption that has almost become a culture", he said.
Nta, who was represented by Alhaji Abdullahi Ado Bayero, said that ICPC was determined to use all legitimate means to stop the ugly trend through mobilisation, persuasion and vigorous law enforcement.
Nta said that the workshop was designed to broaden the knowledge of lawmakers on their oversight functions and ensure accountability and transparency in budget implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
The chairman also urged the judiciary to partner with ICPC to eradicate all forms of corruption.
The Speaker of Katsina Assembly, Alhaji Yau Gwajo-gwajo, assured that the legislature would continue to partner with the executive arm and other anti-corruption agencies in the fight against corruption.
Gwajo-gwajo said that corruption was prohibited by Islam and Christianity and urged Nigerians to shun all forms of corruption and other societal vices.
Gov. Ibrahim Shema, who was represented by the Head of Service, Alhaji Muhammad Lawal Aliyu, urged the lawmakers to assist government to fight corruption.
Shema also urged the civil servants to follow the due process in all their official functions. NAN
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