ICPC INAUGURATES NEW ACTU IN FNPH, ENUGU

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has inaugurated a new Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu (FNHE), following the expiration of the tenure of the former Unit in December 2025. Inaugurating the new ACTU team on behalf of the Chairman of the ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, the Assistant Commissioner, ICPC Enugu, Mr. Nuhu Gabriel, said the establishment of the Unit marked a significant step towards fostering integrity, accountability and ethical conduct within the hospital.

He emphasized that transparency and accountability were essential pillars upon which a progressive and morally upright society was built. According to him, corruption undermines institutions by eroding public trust and hindering development. He therefore described the inauguration as a demonstration of the Commission’s commitment to promoting high standards of ethical conduct and good governance.

The ICPC Chairman further explained that the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit was an initiative of the Commission approved by the Federal Government in 2001 and subsequently validated in 2003 and 2016. He noted that the Unit was established in Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to serve as an in-house mechanism for corruption prevention. He added that ACTU members were empowered to perform functions of the Commission within the provisions of the law and the Standing Order establishing the Unit, except for prosecutorial functions.

In her address, the Medical Director of FNHE, Dr. Ngozichukwu Nneka Unaogu, said the inauguration and induction of the new ACTU team was long overdue, attributing the delay to the industrial action embarked upon by hospital staff and other pressing administrative demands. Dr. Unaogu acknowledged the importance of the Unit, noting that she previously served as its Chairperson in the hospital from 2018 to 2023.

The Medical Director disclosed that four of the five members of the newly inaugurated team were returning members, comprising three men and two women. She explained that ACTU members have a three-year tenure, which may be renewed upon expiration. She further stated that the current Chairman of the Unit, Mr. Ejike Ihezue, replaced Mr. Goddian Ukwuije, the immediate past Chairman, who had completed six years in office, representing two terms. Mr. Ukwuije is currently the Head of Nursing Services in the hospital.

The Medical Director assured the new ACTU team of her support, assistance and cooperation in the discharge of its responsibilities.

The inauguration, induction and administration of the Oath of Office to the new members were conducted by Barrister Matthew Mamman, Hon. Chairman and Legal Officer, ICPC Enugu State Chapter. Also, Madam Abugu Nefisa Umeka delivered a paper titled, “Overview of the Standing Order for the Operation of ACTU 2023.” This was followed by an interactive session led by Mr. Douglas Oditan, Coordinator of the Commission.

Members of the Newly Inaugurated ACTU, FNHE Branch are:-

1. Mr. Ejike Ihezue — Chairman
2. Mr. Chike Ucheoma — Secretary
3. Mr. Benson Nwokedi — Member
4. Mrs. Clara Eze — Member
5. Mrs. Nkiru Onyia — Member

The ICPC working materials were also handed over to the Medical Director by the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, represented by Mr. Nuhu Gabriel.

In his vote of thanks, the Chairman of the ACTU, Mr. Ejike Ihezue, expressed appreciation to the ICPC, the Medical Director, Dr. Ngozichukwu Nneka Unaogu, and the Management of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, for finding the members worthy to serve. He pledged that the new team would discharge its responsibilities with utmost diligence, integrity and commitment.

The highlights of the occasion included the administration of the Oath of Office, presentation of working materials and a group photograph involving representatives of the ICPC, hospital management, ACTU members and other participants at the programme.