By Tony Adibe
The Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN) has ended its 2-day 2023 Presidential Retreat with a task to its members to always uphold and abide by the codes of ethics of the profession, to safeguard human lives and promote better society.
The association gave the task in a communique issued and jointly signed by the APBN President, Mr. Manason Rubainu, and Publicity Secretary, Mr Paul Akporowho, at the conclusion this year’s presidential retreat in Enugu. The communique maintained that the professionals had the responsibility of providing excellent services and advocacy needed by the society to enhance values.
The body stated: “The professionals must be seen as change agent needed by society.” The communique further stated that APBN members should imbibe the generic ingredient of Ethical Professional Practice (EPP) such as practices that are reasonable, responsible, transparent, unbiased, equitable and compliance with the relevant laws.
The basic foundation of all systems is EPP enforcement, and the weak institutions in Nigeria can be strengthened with professionals keeping strictly to codes of ethics of conduct, the communique stated. According to the APBN professionals should be trained and restrained, to remain abreast with the current reality of the profession.
The communique further cautioned members to be mindful of political interference, internal strife and wrangling inimical to the profession. The APBN also said: “It is our admonition that the ultimate purpose of governance is to serve the citizens as they have the right to be served.
“Professionals should change the narrative by creating awareness and challenging the status quo.” The communique also said that mentoring, collaboration, and strategic partnership should be embraced by members for growth and sustainability. It added that all professionals should consider themselves equal partners in the service of society.
