News
Group Calls On Nigerian Government To Ensure Accountability And Transparency In Management Of Donated Funds
Published
2 years agoon
By
Kennedy Igwe
A coalition of civil society organisations has called on the Nigerian Government to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of over N30 billion naira donated by groups, institutions and well-meaning individuals to help cushion the effect of the lock-down to prevent the spread of coronavirus pandemic.
A coalition of the Centre for Democracy and Development, Women Advocacy Research and Documentation Centre, Journalists for Democratic Rights, Civil Society Network Against Corruption, HURIDAC, Green Peoples Environmental Network, Nigerian Human Rights Community, COPEAIDS Foundation, a health-concern rights group, Civil Society Coalition for Mandate Protection, HELP Center for Development, on Thursday said no one should be encouraged to profit from human misery.
The statement reads, “We appreciate all contributors and donors in the emergency funds and materials in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
“The best that can happen is accountability. No one should be encouraged to profit from the current human misery.
“We urge all government MDAs (ministries, department and agencies) and special task force to uphold procurement and operational standards and policies in awards and payments of services and distribution of materials.”
The coalition however called for strict monitoring and evaluation of the disbursed funds by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to ensure that it is used for public good.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Forum of Nigeria has also asked government at all levels to ensure that donations made towards tackling COVID-19 are spent judiciously.
The forum, in a statement by Ahmad Daku, its national chairman, lauded the intervention and donations of the government and individuals which it described as “strategic moves to cushion the pains of Nigerians.”
Describing the situation as a matter of life and death, the forum said it is a period when sacrifices have to be made.
It called on the federal government to “fulfill its promise of establishing testing centres to conduct test, provide adequate ventilators and medical supplies at least one in every geo-political regions.”
The Islamic Forum: “The outbreak of COVID-19, popularly known as coronavirus, has brought global economy on its knees as countries fight to keep their citizens alive.
“The Islamic Forum of Nigeria is convinced that there are no specific vaccines or treatments for COVID-19, at this time. However, there are many ongoing clinical trials evaluating potential treatments to contain and stop the transmission, as has been shown in China and some other countries. Preventive measures are in place to drastically scale up responses on the virus. These include, restricting travelling, limiting exposure to the environment, constant hand wash by all, cleanliness and relevant drugs. Others are stay at home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and follow the directions of health authority.
“The global economy has also been hit by the downturn of economic fundamentals resulting in quantum losses in revenue as well as restructuring of fiscal budgets. Drop in oil price, less demand in energy, losses of jobs, restrictions on traveling, limiting exposure to environment, social interactions etc have negatively affected all streams of development.
“The outpouring of support by wealthy men and organisations to support the fight the against the virus in Nigeria is heartwarming. The Senate pronouncement and other Government appointees to donate part of their monthly salaries are indeed positive gestures.
“However, Organizations are advised to ensure they sensitise and educate their workers on compliance with Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) guidelines and provide requisite facilities and supplies for the prevention of the disease in line with extant guidelines of the NCDC. These efforts must be guided, systematic and professional.
“The Islamic Forum of Nigeria is not unaware that efforts by both the Federal and State Governments to contain the spread of the deadly virus will cause much hardship and inconvenience to many citizens, but it’s a period of sacrifices that must be done as a matter of life and death.
“The Forum calls on the Federal Government, as a matter of urgency, to fulfill its promise of establishing testing centres to conduct test, provide adequate ventilators and medical supplies at least one in every geo-political regions.
“Finally, the Muslim Ummah are called upon to demonstrate understanding and support as no action is directed towards any harm. We urge the authorities concerned to judiciously use the donations received by spirited individuals and organizations, and any erring actions on disbursement and accountability should be punished according to the law of the land. As we intensify prayers for Allah’s intervention, we should not forget our valued tradition to support those who are vulnerable within the communities by helping them with whatever possible to manage their affairs.”

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE


As A Nation, We Cannot Afford To Fail This New Year, Says Jonathan
Share Former President Goodluck Jonathan says Nigeria cannot afford to fail in 2021, Channels Television reports. In his New Year message...


Take Care Of Nigerian Youths Else They’ll Rise Against Your Govt – Mbaka Warns Buhari
Share Ejike Mbaka, a Catholic priest and spiritual director of Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Nigeria (AMEN), has warned President Muhammadu Buhari to...


Resign Honourably, Gov Tambuwal Tells Service Chiefs Over Insecurity
Share Aminu Tambuwal, Sokoto State Governor, has asked service chiefs to honourably resign from their office due to the worsening security...


There’re Curses For People Who Criticise Men Of God, Says Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
Share Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, founder and President of LoveWorld Incorporated, commonly known as Christ Embassy, says there are curses for those...


Meet Your Targets Or Get Sanctioned – Buhari Warns Revenue Generating Agencies
Share President Muhammadu Buhari has issued a stern warning to revenue generating agencies in the country to either meet their targets...


BREAKING: President Buhari To Make New Year Nationwide Broadcast On Friday
Share President Muhammadu Buhari will make a New Year broadcast to the nation tomorrow Friday, January 1, 2021 at 7am. Garba...

As A Nation, We Cannot Afford To Fail This New Year, Says Jonathan

Take Care Of Nigerian Youths Else They’ll Rise Against Your Govt – Mbaka Warns Buhari

Resign Honourably, Gov Tambuwal Tells Service Chiefs Over Insecurity

There’re Curses For People Who Criticise Men Of God, Says Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

Meet Your Targets Or Get Sanctioned – Buhari Warns Revenue Generating Agencies

BREAKING: President Buhari To Make New Year Nationwide Broadcast On Friday

Joe Biden Names Nigerian-American, Osaremen Okolo As COVID-19 Advisor

JUST IN: Buhari Signs 2021 N13.58trn Budget Into Law

Why FG’s Planned $400bn COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation May Be A Waste – Shehu Sani

It’s Only In Nigeria You Can’t Speak Against Govt And Go Free – PFN Backs Bishop Kukah’s Christmas Message

Ihedioha’s strong ally wanted for wire fraud by FBI in the US

Atiku, PDP’s Comments On Fuel Subsidy Removal, Height Of Hypocrisy – APC

EXCLUSIVE: How doctor sedated, raped married patient in Sokoto

China Reports Another New Virus, Kills 1 In Yunnan Province

UPDATED: 22 New COVID-19 Cases Recorded In Nigeria, Total Now 276

Bethel Amadi, ex-Nigerian House of Reps member dies at 55

Dino Melaye Says Covid-19 Is A Time To Reflect, Return To God

Lady Gaga confirms her engagement to Christian Carino
President Buhari To Embark On Private Visit To London After Economic Forum In Saudi Arabia
