PRESS STATEMENT: PROMOTING ACCOUNTABILITY TO KEEP NIGERIANS SAFE
Tuesday 31st March, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Defeating a pandemic requires a lot of commitment, expertise and support of all kinds. Availability of adequate financial resources is critical to defeating the scourge. It has been extremely encouraging to hear of a plethora of donations being made available from diverse sources. However there is an urgent need to ensure maximum transparency.
Election Monitor recommends the following:
Many private companies, religious organizations, individuals and even some agencies have donated and are still donating to helping the ensure that Nigerians are kept safe. Election Monitor strongly commends all those who have supported in cash and/or kind so far. However it is extremely important that contributions are transparently managed and accounted for. Therefore Election Monitor recommends that a webpage/website be developed within 48 hours to show all funds and material items that have been received nationwide towards defeating the epidemic and supporting the most vulnerable in the society. Subsequently the website should be updated daily to reflect new donations.
It is important for all funds to be used specifically for the purposes they have been donated for.
All funds should be received centrally (national fund) and those who want specific interventions in certain states can make this known so that the funds can be channeled to the desired states and target beneficiary (ies) of the donor.
The webpage/website should also list the names of donors (organization and/or individual’s name) and the amounts each has donated and the date the donation was made.
There is a need for follow the money public finances monitoring methods and tools to be used to provide an independent monitoring of the funds collection and disbursement.
Each bank in the country should open a bank account dedicated specially for this purpose and these accounts should be published in online and traditional media consistently to ensure that anyone can make donations from anywhere (even in the diaspora).
The anti-graft agencies should ensure that anyone who diverts, misappropriates, misuses funds etc meant to tackle the pandemic or alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians is held accountable to the full extent of The Nigerian Law.
We strongly believe that the love and concern being shown by Nigerians from all over the country and beyond is awesome and clearly shows that we are capable of surmounting the challenges posed by this disease.
Election Monitor also recommends the following:
It’s recommended that government reverse the restriction/cessation of movement in some states and the Federal Capital Territory immediately.
Government is urged to significantly increase preventive actions to keep Nigerians safe.
The people must also ensure that they observe social distancing as much as possible as well as washing of hands and other important hygienic actions.
Security agencies must not harass or intimidate citizens.
Markets and businesses etc should open immediately.
If there are any approved funds for the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Centre for Disease Control that are not yet cash-backed, then such funds should be released immediately.
Government could find an amount to credit all Nigerians who have a Bank Verification Number (BVN). This will enable citizens’ use the money as they wish and will also save attenuation that may arise from engaging suppliers to purchase food and basic living items for the people.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Nigeria shall prevail!
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Signed
Abiodun Ajijola
National Coordinator
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