EU, UNODC Back CCT on Code of Ethics, Practice Directions

By Bennett Oghifo
 

The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) with support from the European Union funded “Support to Anti-corruption in Nigeria” Project implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is holding a two-day roundtable consultative process to develop ‘Practice Directions and a Code of Ethics’ to address the challenge of delays of trials before it and improve integrity amongst its staff.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Sylvester Tunde Atere, Outreach and Communications Officer, United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC), Abuja.

The statement said the development of these two policy documents are contained in the strategic plan of the CCT. The two-day event, which holds July 11-12 in Abuja, will also feature the handover of books to the Tribunal by the project.

Code of Conduct Tribunal has since its inception been using several rules of procedure including the Code of Conduct Tribunal Rules of Procedure, supplemented by the Criminal Procedure Code Act and the Penal Code Act, which have now been repealed. Some procedural challenges have been encountered by the Tribunal which have affected it proceedings, resulting in delays in the disposal of cases.

Developing a Code of Ethics for the Tribunal is aimed at promoting efficient administration and good governance; creating a culture of accountability, openness and transparency in implementing its mandate. The Tribunal was established in 1989 and is empowered by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to adjudicate over cases emanating from violation of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.

Also, the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) with support from the European Union funded “Support to Anti-corruption in Nigeria” Project implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is holding a 3-day roundtable consultative process to finalise the draft “Promotion of Administrative Justice Regulation”. The 3-day event will hold July 12-14 at the Bolton White Hotel, Abuja.

The “Promotion of Administrative Justice Regulation” is expected to guide government administrative procedures in such a way as to promote timeliness, transparency and administrative review in the conduct of government business. When completed the regulations is expected to be issued by the President of Nigeria or Head of Service of the Federation.

During the roundtable, a medium term strategic plan will also be developed for the Commission to set new goals and how to achieve them. PCC recently celebrated its 40th year of delivering ombudsman services to Nigerians. The Commission’s mandate include: the promotion of effectiveness and efficiency in both public and private sectors through the investigation and resolution of complaints against Federal, States, Local Governments, Public Corporations and Private Organisations and their officials.