The Independent Corrupt Practices And Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, says it is currently prosecuting 524 public officers in 278 cases across the country on corruption charges.

Chairman of the commission, Ekpo Nta, said this on Tuesday in Kaduna at the opening of a three-day workshop on anti corruption organised for local government officials in Kaduna State.

Nta who was represented by the kaduna State ICPC Coordinator, Balarabe Mohammed, said the workshop was organised as part of the commission’s public education programme to encourage local council officials to do the right thing.

He advised local council officials who are closest to the people to be models of integrity and live good legacies behind.

“It is imperative to imbibe zero tolerance for corruption as well as equip one self with the requisite skill and knowledge to carry the fight against corruption to the grass roots,” Nta said.

He continued: “I suggest you conduct regular monitoring and deal promptly with infractions of processes and procedures. Trouble shoot hot spots and regularly institute preventive action in high risk areas by your selves, so as to ward-off the prowling eyes of anti graft agencies.”

Governor Mukhtar Yero, in his address to the workshop, said the workshop was organised to increase productivity and enhance financial management at the local government level.

Yero who was represented by the secretary to the state government, Hamza Danmahawayi, said the forum would guide local officials to develop the required integrity to earn public trust.

Speaking on behalf of participants at the event, the chairman of Chikun Local Government, Aliyu Waziri, pledged to utilise the lessons learnt to advance the cause of local administration.