The Code of Conduct Bureau has warned military personnel against non-compliance with the assets declaration law which it said was compulsory for anyone in public office.

The bureau’s Director, Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement, Abuja, Mr Zephaniah Bulus, made this known at a workshop organised for officers and men of the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Ibadan, on compliance with assets declaration.

Bulus said it was compulsory for everybody in public service, including those in the executive, legislature and judiciary, to declare their assets every four years, saying this would enhance the fight against corruption and ensure the development of the country.

He said, “There is no pardon for anybody found guilty by the Code of Conduct Bureau. There is no prerogative of mercy. It is the only offence whereby the convicted person cannot be pardoned by anybody.”

Bulus further explained that public servants, including military personnel, were not allowed to hold foreign accounts, though those on foreign missions could operate them but were expected to close such accounts and declare them when they returned to the country.

“We have categories of officers who are allowed to operate foreign accounts. We have people in foreign missions and they will have to operate foreign accounts but when they return to the country, they are expected to close those accounts and declare them,” he added.

The Director, Code of Conduct Bureau, Oyo State, Mr Moses Atolagbe, said the bureau was the foremost anti-corruption agency created and recognised by the Nigerian Constitution.

He said, “All public officers are compelled to make written declarations of assets and liabilities, and submit such declarations to the Code of Conduct Bureau. Therefore, compliance with assets declaration by the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army will promote transparency and accountability in the service, achieving one of the goals of the present administration to eradicate corruption and corrupt practices in public office.”

The Director, Procurement, Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Department of Army Standard and Evaluation, Major General Ayobami Ibikunle, said the workshop would ensure that officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army complied with the law on assets declaration in line with the anti-corruption war of the Federal Government.

Ibikunle said, “The training demonstrates and underscores the Chief of Army Staff’s commitment to the culture of entrenchment, responsiveness, probity, prudence and accountability of the Nigerian Army.

“The Nigerian Army is conscious of the fact that this training is coming at a time when the collective will, commitment and professionalism of the Nigerian Army is being tested by security situations affecting our country.”

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