Screenshot
The Delta State Government has called on public officers to strictly adhere to the asset declaration requirements of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), emphasizing that compliance is essential for transparency, accountability and ethical conduct in public service.
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, gave the charge during a sensitization meeting organized by the Code of Conduct Bureau for Officers in the Ministry of Information.
The Commissioner who was represented at the event by the Functioning Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Mrs. Stella Macaulay commended the CCB for its sustained efforts in promoting integrity among public officers through enlightenment and regulatory enforcement. He stressed that just as there are rules guiding participation in sporting activities, civil servants are equally bound by established regulations upon accepting their appointments.
He noted that adherence to laid-down rules of service is not only a statutory obligation but also a safeguard against avoidable sanctions, adding that “compliance is always easier and better than facing the consequences of violations.”
The Commissioner further urged all officers to ensure timely completion and submission of their asset declaration forms, stating that the deadline for submission is one month from the date of the sensitization meeting. He emphasized the need for accuracy and thoroughness in filling the forms to avoid running afoul of the law.
He also encouraged participants to extend the knowledge gained to their colleagues who were not present at the session, in order to ensure widespread compliance across the Ministry.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Usman Bello, who was represented by Deputy Director, Kenneth Atubasi, explained that the programme was designed as a two-fold exercise. According to him, it combines an enlightenment campaign with practical guidance on how to properly complete the newly redesigned assets and liabilities declaration form (Form CCB 1).
He reiterated that the CCB, established under the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), is mandated to enforce ethical standards in public service. The Bureau oversees compliance with provisions outlined in the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution, including mandatory declaration of assets, verification of submissions, investigation of breaches, and referral of cases to the appropriate tribunal.
The Bureau, he added, plays a critical role in promoting integrity, preventing corruption, and strengthening public trust in government institutions.
Participants at the meeting were guided through the process of accurately completing Form CCB 1, which requires public officers to declare their assets, liabilities, income, and other interests in line with the provisions of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act. There was time for question and answers where officers present were given the opportunity to ask questions with a view to getting clarity.
The sensitization programme forms part of ongoing efforts by the Delta State Government and relevant regulatory bodies to reinforce ethical compliance and accountability in the public service.
