Jonathan Appoints Interim Chairman For ICPC

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Tuesday in Abuja asked a member of the Board of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Mr. Ekpo Una Owo Nta to act as the Commission's Chairman until issues which have arisen over the nomination and confirmation of a new Chairman are resolved.

Speaking after Mr. Nta and four other new members of the ICPC Board took their oaths of office at the Presidential Villa, President Jonathan said that the swearing-in of Mr. Francis Ugochukwu Elechi whose nomination as ICPC Chairman was confirmed by the Senate had been put on hold because of certain disturbing reports.

"We are going to look into the reports we have received because we do not want to do anything that will bring a stain to a sensitive organization like the ICPC," the President said.

Restating  his Administration's determination  to curb the debilitating effects of corruption on national development, President Jonathan said that due care would be taken to ensure that only the most appropriate  individuals are appointed to positions of influence and authority in the country's anti-corruption agencies.

"Until the monster called corruption is dealt with, we will not assume our rightful place in the comity of nations," the President.

He therefore urged members of the new ICPC Board to collaborate effectively with the EFCC in the prosecution of the national war against corruption.

Responding on behalf of other members of the ICPC Board who were sworn-in today, Mr. Nta thanked the President for giving them the opportunity to serve the nation, assuring him that they will do their best to carry the war against corruption forward.