Coronavirus: We’ll prosecute health officials who divert funds, says ICPC

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has warned government and health officials against diverting resources earmarked for the fight against coronavirus.

In a statement on Tuesday, Rasheedat Okoduwa, ICPC spokeswoman, said such acts under the guise of emergency response will not be tolerated.

She urged the officials to follow procurement laws and “observe social distancing from corruption” as they carry out their responsibilities.

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

“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.

“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.

“It 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.”