LCC has powers to probe unexplained wealth: Kalu
PUBLIC servants possessing unexplained wealth that are far beyond their incomes can be reported to the Leadership Code Commission (LCC) for proper investigation.
LCC chairman Solomon Kalu clarified this in the wake of claims certain public servants are enriching themselves through dishonest allocations of government contracts.
“The LCC has the jurisdiction to inquire into cases like this, especially when it involves public servants,” Mr Kalu explained.
“So if members of the public noticed or come across a public servant owning wealth that is far beyond what he or she could earn, they can report that to the LCC.
“Those doing the reporting must also be genuine and truthful.
“They have to provide us the facts and prepare to work along-side our investigators.
“It’s only when we work together that we can stamp out corruption from our system,” Mr Kalu said.
He said making blanket statements on the matter in the media does not make any difference to baseless concerns.
“The LCC cannot initiate any investigation unless someone lodges a report for us to investigate.
“There’s nothing stopping public servants from acquiring wealth, but as servants of the public, they must justify the wealth they own.”
The Sogavare government previously announced intentions to introduce a bill in parliament that deals with unexplained wealth as part of efforts to fight corruption within the government system.
By AATAI JOHN
