THE NATION
COVID-19 not an opportunity to loot, ICPC tells MDAs, public officers

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has warned Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), involved in the management of Coronavirus disease, against abuse of procurement process.
The commission warned public officers against inflation and padding of cost of items being procured during this period, stressing that the COVID-19 pandemic should not be exploited for personal gains in any sector of the economy.
The statement read: “As the nation reels from the effect of COVID-19, ICPC wishes to caution against an increase in risky behaviour hinged on critical desire to respond to COVID-19.
“From past experience, national emergencies, and pandemics instigate the need for proactive measures driven by local or national exigency such as the times that we are in. However, bearing in mind that the stark reality of the inadequacy and the vulnerability of our health system cannot be separated from the negative effects and impact of persistent corruption in past years of the locusts, we caution against the exigency of the times resulting in further undermining the credibility and stability of Nigeria’s health system including the well being of those who operate therein and the citizens to be catered for.
“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 and delivery of government palliatives for the poorest of the poor.
“Others are the implementation of policies to address critical economic vulnerabilities such as assistance to SME; poverty alleviation programmes; improvement in education and promotion of agriculture, among others.”
-
THE NEWS3 days ago
Buhari’s aide, Lauretta Onochie backs Fulani herdsmen
-
THE NEWS2 days ago
‘It’s a lie’, Pastor Faith Edeko rubbishes romance tale with Apostle Johnson Suleman
-
THE NEWS3 days ago
BREAKING: Chelsea fires Frank Lampard after 18 months in charge
-
THE NATION3 days ago
Nigeria Immigration spokesperson kidnapped in Edo
-
THE NEWS3 days ago
Nigeria records 964 new COVID-19 cases, total now 121,566 with 1,504 deaths
-
THE NEWS1 day ago
Ripples as Buhari appoints sacked commander who ‘flopped’ against Boko Haram as new army chief
-
OPINION3 days ago
N-power: Sadiya Umar Farouq delivers a fitting exit strategy, By Dapo Bruce
-
BUSINESS3 days ago
FCMB continues promoting SMEs, extends financial support to over 15,000 women