‘It’s a form of corruption’ — ICPC says sexual gratification attracts 7-year jail term

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has condemned sexual harassment in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

Clifford Oparaodu, the secretary of the commission, spoke on Thursday at a sensitisation workshop on sexual harassment in tertiary institutions.

Oparaodu noted that sexual harassment is a form of corruption.

The ICPC secretary added that the fear of stigmatisation and victimisation have further repressed the voices of the victims

“Sexual harassment is a form of corruption. It is a deviation from the norm for an official to use his/her office or position to demand, receive, obtain or attempt to obtain any form of sexual gratification for him to perform his duties,” he said.

“Ideally, official duties ought to be carried out with integrity, good conscience and diligence without the expectation of any unlawful benefit.

Quoting section 8 of the ICPC act, Oparaodu said: “Any person who corruptly asks for, receives or obtains any property or benefit of any kind for himself or any other person; is guilty of an offence of official corruption and is liable to imprisonment for seven years.

“It is pertinent to note that unlawful benefits are not always pecuniary and it is disheartening that sexual gratification has become a form of ‘illegal tender’ in many institutions.

“Staff members have been found to use their office to demand and receive sexual benefits from other staff and students in exchange for good grades or other favours.

“This is in order to avoid dire consequences and denial of benefits to which they may ordinarily even be entitled.

“The culture of silence has allowed sexual harassment thrive but ICPC is working relentlessly to ensure that with sensitization and appropriate policy implementation, this culture would gradually change.”

Oparaodu said that ICPC is committed and determined to stop the menace of sexual harassment by creating a specialised unit with a focus on the prevention of sexual harassment in tertiary and secondary institutions.