President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday inaugurated Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello as the new Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).
The swearing-in ceremony took place prior to the commencement of the FEC meeting, with President Tinubu highlighting the importance of the CCB’s mandate in fostering accountability and transparency within the public service.
The CCB plays a pivotal role in the Federal Government's anti-corruption efforts by ensuring that public servants adhere to asset ownership and declaration regulations.
In his remarks, Dr. Bello expressed his gratitude to the President for the appointment and pledged to uphold the Bureau’s integrity-focused mission.
He emphasized the critical need for robust systems and institutions to address corruption, noting its global prevalence but stressing the importance of tackling the issue within Nigeria.
“I am deeply honored by this appointment and will commit myself fully to the enormous responsibility ahead,” Bello stated.
He reiterated the Bureau’s central role in ensuring public officials maintain ethical standards, stating, "Our focus will be on integrity, accountability, and the effective implementation of the Bureau's mandate."
He added “I want to assure Mr. President and the people of Nigeria that I will do my best to make sure that I deal with this huge task that is ahead of me.
“Like you mentioned, Code of Conduct Bureau is the foremost anti-corruption agency, the first anti-corruption agency in Nigeria and I intend to deliver on the mandates of the Bureau.
“It’s all about making sure that people, public servants, behave with integrity, they avoid corruption, no conflict of interests.”
Dr. Bello, a forensic accounting expert from Gombe State, holds a doctorate in forensic accounting and has extensive experience working with key anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
His appointment as Chairman was recently confirmed by the Senate.
Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello was appointed Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) on March 28, 2024, succeeding Prof. Isah Mohammed, who had been appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in November 2018.
Bello expressed confidence in Nigeria’s existing systems and institutions to combat corruption and emphasized his intention to harness technology as a tool to promote integrity and prevent corrupt practices.
