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COVID-19 funds: Practice social distancing from corruption, ICPC warns

Ademola Adeshina

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) has warned government and emergency officials not to divert Coronavirus funds or engage in sharp practices with it.

ICPC’s spokesperson, Mrs. Rasheedat Okoduwa, urged public officials also to practice social distancing from corruption or face the consequences.

She lamented that government officials had, in the past, even diverted funds meant for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

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Her words, “Emergency response is not immune to corruption risks. As the threat to national livelihood increases, so do the vulnerabilities to dishonesty.

“Corrupt public and private sector individuals will again test the nation’s anti-corruption architecture and commitment to integrity. It has happened before and may happen again.

“We have seen corruption in past responses to managing the needs of internally displaced persons, treatment of persons affected by natural disasters or acts of God; delivery of government palliatives for the poorest of the poor and implementation of policies to address critical economic vulnerabilities such as assistance to SMEs; poverty alleviation programmes; improvement in education, promotion of agriculture etc.”

While commending the gallant role being played by all those currently involved in responding to COVID-19, ICPC scribe said procurement processes must be respected.

She advised public officials to be mindful of corruption risks inherent in emergency procurement, endeavour to get necessary approvals even in emergency situations, ensure due diligence, avoid neglecting post quarantine management and regulatory controls, and take note of financial control regulations and limits.

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According to Okoduwa, engaging in conflict of interest, nepotism, padding, inflated costs and other risky behaviour in the name of emergency response would not be tolerated

“This advisory is not finger pointing at the health sector or its leaders and others in government and outside government who have sacrificially and admirably led our response to COVID-19 thus far.

“This is an opportunity for reflection and warning to all Nigerians at national and sub-national levels that it is wise to remember that keeping safe distancing from post-pandemic corruption investigation in any sector of the economy is as important as safe social distancing to prevent COVID-19,” she advised.

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