Don’t allow politicians use you to launder Nigeria’s wealth – Rep member tells estate surveyors
…637 inducted as professional estate surveyors, valuers
By Ogaga Ariemu
Member, House of Representatives, representing Karu, Keffi and Kokona Federal Constituency of Nasarawa State, ESV (Hon) Gaza Gbefwi has cautioned 637 newly inducted associate professional members of Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) not to allow themselves to be used by corrupt politicians to launder Nigeria’s weath through properties, real estate.
Gbefwi, who was the Chairman of 2021 NIESV induction ceremony held recently in Abuja tasked the members to shun unprofessional conducts.
The Federal lawmaker urged the new inductees to always be honest and confidential as required by the institution and the profession.
According to him, “You are expected to be trustful and honest at all times. When a property is given to you for sale or rent, you aren’t to increase or reduce the price for personal gain.When rent are paid to you, you are to inform the client immediately and remit the same. It is not for you to help the client invest the money without his consent.
“Confidentiality breeds trust. If you cannot keep your transaction confidential no one will trust you talk less of doing business with you.
“Now you must be careful, we must not be safe haven for corruption. It is unfortunate that corrupt officials now use properties to lauder their money and our common wealth. You must remember that you have the moral body to uphold our moral principles to the highest standards,” he said.
Meanwhile, the president of the Institution ESV Emmanuel Okas Wike in his remarks tasked the new inductees to bring to bear their wealth experiences to transform the industry.
ESV Wike said for the inductees to succeed they most adhere to discipline and commitment which is the hallmark of every profession.
In his words, “We are inducting our new professional member, one of the thing a professional need is character and knowledge.
“The trust of the matter is that we are bringing professionals, who we can verge for. We have found them worthy in character and competence practice for us to admit them into the professional level.
“Note that you are the symbol of the spirit and aspirations of a continuously evolving profession, symbol of our collective aspirations to stand tall and conquer. Upon this induction and conferment of Professional Membership, I charge you to be an excellent ambassador of the Institution, with obligation to pursue and actualize the Vision, Aims and Objectives of the Noble Profession.
“Discipline and good conduct is the hallmark of every Professional body. I urge you to abide by the rules and regulations of the Institution as contained in our Constitution and Code of Ethics. Be guided in all your dealings by the motto of the Institution “Honesty and Devotion.”
Similarly, the Guest speaker of the event, ESV Kene Onuora charged industees to utilize the ethics of the profession in their dealings.
While speaking on the theme, “Making of The Estate Surveyor and Valuer: Ethical Principles and Practice Standards,” ESV Kene advised surveyors to always maintain high standards and principles at all times.
On their part, the inductees pledged to be professional in their practices, contributions to National development.
