Top StoryTrending Story

Hoarding of COVID-19 palliatives: lnvestigate 36 state governments, SERAP petitions ICPC

301

For hoarding COVID-19 palliatives in warehouses in their states,  the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (lCPC) to urgently investigate the 36 state governments.

SERAP’s petition followed reports that some people have discovered and taken away COVID-19 palliatives stored in warehouses in several states.
In a petition to the Chairman of ICPC, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, dated 24 October, 2020, SERAP asked the agency to ensure the prompt and effective prosecution of anyone suspected to be responsible, “if there is relevant and sufficient admissible evidence of hoarding and diversion of the palliatives.”
The petition signed by the Deputy Director, Mr Kolawole Oluwadare, was obtained by Persecondnews on Sunday.
The petition, copied to Professor Itse Sagay, Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), noted :”Some people have reportedly discovered and taken away COVID-19 palliatives stored in warehouses in several states including Cross River, Edo, Ekiti, Kwara, Kaduna, Lagos, Osun, Plateau and Taraba states with some of the people reportedly saying: ‘the food is ours but they are keeping it for themselves.’


“Unless promptly investigated, the allegations of hoarding and diversion would undermine public trust in any efforts to bring the spread of the pandemic under control, exacerbate the negative impact of the crisis, and deny those most in need access to basic necessities of life.



“Tracking, monitoring and ensuring COVID-19 palliatives are timely, effectively, and efficiently distributed to those most in need would improve transparency and accountability, respect for human rights, as well as remove the possibility of political considerations or bribery in the distribution of the palliatives.

“Serious concerns that the alleged hoarding of COVID-19 palliatives in several states and the apparent failure to timely, effectively, efficiently, and transparently distribute the palliatives and other reliefs to the poorest and most vulnerable people have continued to deny many citizens the much-needed support.”


It added: “ICPC should visit the states where COVID-19 palliatives have been discovered in warehouses, and to track and monitor the distribution of palliatives across the 36 states of the country, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to remove the risks of diversion, and ensure that the palliatives get to those most in need, and not used for political or corrupt purposes.”

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Angolan President João Lourenço Takes Helm as African Union Chairperson

Angolan President João Lourenço has been elected as the new chairperson of...

Anambra accident: Cement-laden truck crashes into building, leaving five dead, others injured

A tragic accident occurred at the Area Command Bus Stop in Nnewi,...

Just in: Afenifere leader, 96-year-old Ayo Adebanjo exits

Pa Ayo Adebanjo, leader of Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organization, has died...

FG Launches ‘Power Rangers’ to Protect Power Installations

Nigeria’s Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has announced the inauguration of a...

Breaking: National Assembly passes 54.9trn 2025 budget

The National Assembly has approved a record-breaking N54.9 trillion federal government’s budget...

Nigeria Partners Google to Harness AI for Digital Economic Growth

Nigeria is exploring a strategic partnership with Google to advance artificial intelligence...

NNPCL Chief, Kyari, Unveils Strategic Priorities for Africa’s Sustainable Energy Development

Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum...

Five months after cabinet reshuffle: Tinubu orders ministers to render account of stewardship

President Bola Tinubu has directed his ministers to provide an immediate account...

Just in: CBN Introduces New ATM Transaction Fees Effective March 1

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a review of transaction...

UCH power outage: Minister brokers deal with IBEDC, to restore electricity in 48 hours

Following the Minister of Power, Dr. Adebayo Adelabu’s intervention, the Ibadan Electricity...

VP Shettima Reaffirms Tinubu’s Commitment to Bridging Financial Gaps, Achieving $1trn Economy

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to economic...

Just in: Supreme Court reserves judgments in 4 Rivers political dispute cases

The Supreme Court has reserved its judgments in four separate cases related...

Edo gov. poll tribunal: Gov. Okpebholo closes defence, calls lone witness

Edo Gov. Monday Okpebholo on Monday in Abuja opened and closed his...

NAFDAC cracks down on counterfeit medicines, seizes fake drugs in Anambra market

The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched...

Just in: Alleged terrorism: Justice Nyako adjourns Nnamdi Kanu’s trial indefinitely

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has adjourned the...

N495m debt: Months-long power cut brings UCH Ibadan to grinding halt

The premier world-class University Teaching Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State, is on...

Another Niger State Tanker Explosion: Latest Tragedy Fuels Push for Enhanced Safety Protocols

A catastrophic gas explosion rocked Sabon Wuse in Tafa Local Government Area...

Nigeria introduces hassle-free, contactless passport renewal system for European-based citizens

After its successful implementation in Canada, the Minister of Interior, Mr. Olubunmi...

6-3-3-4 not scrapped, only proposing migration to 12-year compulsory education, Minister clarifies

Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa, has clarified media reports that the federal...

FG announces reforms, plans to replaces JSS, SSS with 12-year basic education model

After 42 years of its introduction into the education system, the Federal...