From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

 

 

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)/Transparency International (TI) Chapter in Nigeria, has described as worrisome, the recent recovery of N1.85 billion meant for defence procurement by Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC).

In a statement by Executive Director, CISLAC/

Head of Transparency International (TI) Chapter in Nigeria, Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani, said the recent discovery of billions of Naira cash alongside other luxurious items at home of a military contractor, K. Salam Construction Company, has validated its persistent public outcry for transparency and accountability in Defence procurement and spending.

It said the discover was a welcome development especially as the nation’s defence spending has hitherto been buried in absolute secrecy and institutionalised corruption that impede efficient services and nation’s security.

CISLAC/TI Nigeria, reiterated that Defence corruption has done unforgivable damage to political stability, counter-terrorism efforts, socio-economic development and well-being of common Nigerians at all levels.

It therefore called on President Muhammadu Buhari to open an independent and thorough investigation into the issue as uncovered by ICPC to fully dig deep and expose true source and ownership of the recovered assets/items to ensure the perpetrators and their accomplices are judiciously prosecuted and adequately sanctioned.

It also called on Buhari to ensure this and other reported high profile cases are accorded urgent priority to discourage corrupt practices in the Defence and Security sector, while building public confidence and a reputable foundation for incoming administration in 2023.

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It also demanded transparency and accountability in Defence spending and targeted investigation by National Assembly into reported unaccounted spending on weapons.

It further demanded adequate legislative oversight by relevant Committees in the National Assembly into the nation’s Defence and Security procurement and spending to restore efficiency, transparency and accountability into the sector.

CISLAC/IT Nigeria said: “We without doubt observed that the ongoing exposure is not unconnected to other entrenched symptoms of unquantified level of systemic corruption dominating Defence procurement and spending like unaccounted funds as approved for the procurement of weapons and frequent denial by successive Security Chiefs of the existence of weapons.

“Diversion of Defence and Security funds to private pockets through procurement process constitutes a serious threat to Nigeria’s Defence and Security sector and services; and has left our security operatives ill-equipped, poorly-remunerated and demoralised in spite the persistently increased Defence budgetary allocation and spending from 2011 to date.

“Just as the Ministry of Defence’s refusal to make its spending public continues to frustrate effort by Civil Society groups and other well-meaning institutions to track the nation’s investment in the military and allied agencies. “Consequently, Defence personnel and Security operatives are rendered incapacitated from curbing violence, insurgency, banditry and kidnapping.”

CISLAC and IT Nigeria, recalled

that in early 2021, despite the growing concerns and questionable performance of the former Service Chiefs in addressing insecurity followed by calls from well-meaning Nigerians and Civil Society groups on President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly to withdraw and reject their proposed appointment to ambassadorship and confirmations, both arms or government practically demonstrated disobedience, insincerity and lack of political will in anti-corruption fight through their subsequent collective decision that led to appointments of the Service Chiefs in June 2021.

“This includes other numerous high profile cases of corruption that are deliberately left unattended or granted with Presidential pardons; hence, giving a clear indication of lop-sidedness and selective fight against corruption in the public sector.”