The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) in conjunction with the Centre for Juvenile Delinquency (CJD), has tasked stakeholders in the country explore the whistle blower policy in exposing the corruption associated with budget process.

A guest lecturer who spoke on fundamentals of budget process, Dr. Bala Suleiman Dalhat, made this known on Wednesday during a capacity training for stakeholders on engagement with budget process organized by ICPC, funded by the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP at the Development Exchange Centre, office, DEC in Bauchi.

He explained that the essence of the training was to enlighten stakeholders, particularly at the grassroot on the budget process of the country in order for them to monitor, participate and hold budget officers accountable for the timely passage and implementation of the budget.

“Many people are ignorant of what the budget is all about and its process. When we become fully enlightened and engaged in the budget process of our states and nation,challenges of budget process such as delay in implementation, corruption, bureaucracy and manipulation of budget figures will be reduced to the bearest minimum” “Most times, people blame budget officers for lack of implementation and are always calling for review of the budget, but when there is awareness of the concept of budgeting, process and lapses,there will be less shifting of blames to specific individuals on delay of budget passage and implementation”

He said The Assistant superintendent ICPC, Bauchi office, Mohammed Baba stated that every stakeholder in the country have a responsibility to participate in the monitoring of the budget process of their locality, stressing that such a commitment will help in addressing challenges associated with budget implementation.

He called on stakeholders to expose any corrupt cases associated with the budget process of their locality, stressing that ICPC will carry out punitive measures on offenders.