By Luminous Jannamike
ABUJA — Concern Nigerian Youths for Good Governance (CNYGG) has called for caution in interpreting audit observations involving the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), saying such queries should not be treated as conclusive evidence of corruption or financial misconduct.
The group made the call in response to concerns surrounding reported audit observations involving fund, stressing that the issues require proper examination and responses from the relevant authorities before any conclusions are drawn.
In a statement by its National Convener, Amb. Mahmud Abubakar, CNYGG said NiDCOM, led by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, should be given the opportunity to address any queries through established oversight and accountability procedures.
“An audit observation, financial discrepancy or request for clarification must not automatically be interpreted as evidence of fraud, corruption or misappropriation,” the group said.
CNYGG urged NiDCOM to cooperate with the National Assembly and the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation to ensure that any outstanding issues are addressed in accordance with established procedures.
The group also called for claims concerning the commission’s financial records to be assessed on the basis of verifiable documentation and findings from the appropriate authorities.
On the role of Global Integrity Watch (GIW) in raising accountability concerns, CNYGG said public discussions of audit matters should distinguish between issues requiring clarification and findings that establish wrongdoing.
The group also called for transparency regarding GIW’s funding and governance arrangements, citing reports of executive engagements in London involving its Executive Director, Comrade Abraham Temitayo Adewoye.
It acknowledged that operating or conducting engagements outside Nigeria did not, in itself, establish any wrongdoing, and called for any questions about the organisation to be addressed through verifiable information.
CNYGG said its position was not intended to shield public officials or institutions from scrutiny but to ensure that accountability processes remained evidence-based and fair to all parties
It added that unresolved audit observations should be examined through the appropriate channels, with relevant institutions given the opportunity to provide explanations before conclusions are reached.
“The fight against corruption must be genuine, consistent and impartial. It must protect the Nigerian people, strengthen institutions and uphold the rule of law,” the group said
