At a recent pivotal gathering held in Asaba, Delta State, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Bayelsa State, Biriyai Dambo, SAN, delivered a passionate and unscripted goodwill message that emphasized the urgent need for institutional integrity, practical collaboration, and regional cooperation in tackling corruption across Nigeria’s South-South region.
Speaking during a high-level meeting between the Chairmen of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), and Attorneys General of the South-South states, Dambo began on a cordial note:
“Abdulahi Usman Bello, Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, when I saw you…, I knew this collaboration had reached another level—so you are welcome.”
While admitting that he had not prepared a formal speech, Dambo chose to “be very practical,” highlighting the power of collaboration among chief law officers and federal anti-corruption agencies.
“As Attorneys General, we must ensure the rule of law is upheld. If we are not bold enough to advise our governors on the true position of the law, then we become prone to corruption ourselves,” he said.
He stressed that the theme of the meeting, “Institutional Integrity and Regional Cooperation: The Role of the Attorney General in Advancing a Corruption-Free South-South”, was not only timely but fundamental in driving genuine reforms.
Reflecting on his appointment as Attorney General in August 2020, Dambo recalled the paranoia that gripped state ministries upon any mention of EFCC or ICPC.
“I want to tell this country… people were just running helter-skelter. They said EFCC had come. But since the paradigm shift on September 24, 2024, things have changed. We no longer see ICPC, EFCC, and CCB as enemies.”
He cited practical reforms initiated in Bayelsa State under his leadership, including a new legal drafting policy mandating that no state agreement is valid without the Ministry of Justice seal.
“Today, cases involving the state have dropped by about 80%. If ICPC or EFCC comes and your document lacks the seal, the governor will say, ‘You’re on your own.’ That’s what transparency looks like.”
Dambo also addressed challenges posed by rogue elements within anti-corruption agencies:
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“We have quiet and wonderful officers, but there are bad eggs too. Some come in waves—one group finishes and another comes again, claiming to investigate the same issues. That’s why I decided to use the instrumentality of the law to protect the state.”
He advocated for the creation of state-level anti-corruption agencies that would work in harmony with federal bodies, especially given the growing complexity following local government autonomy.
“In places like Bayelsa, you have to enter the creeks and the seas. The federal agencies can’t be everywhere, but state institutions can bridge that gap.”
Dambo closed his message with a strong declaration of support for the federal anti-corruption bodies:
“Bayelsa State is ready to cooperate fully. Any culprit found wanting will be brought to your attention. Corruption is a hydra-headed problem—we must confront it together.”
“When our guest speaker said that Nigeria was once the second most corrupt country in the world, it was a sober reminder. United we stand; disunited we fall.”
The meeting was attended by top justice officials, with the ICPC Chairman, CCB Chairman, and Attorneys General from across the South-South region in attendance, signaling a renewed wave of collaboration to build a more accountable, corruption-resistant Nigeria.