Fight Against Corruption Should not become a Campaign against Public Institutions- CNYGG Defends NiDCOM

Oru Leonard 

The Concern Nigerian Youths for Good Governance (CNYGG), has defended the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) amid allegations concerning its financial expenditure, cautioning Global Integrity Watch (GIW) against what it described as premature public accusations and possible political interference.

The group, in a press statement signed by its National Convener, Amb. Mahmud Abubakar, said that while transparency and accountability in public institutions remained essential, unresolved audit observations should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of fraud or misappropriation.

CNYGG’s reaction follows reported concerns by GIW over approximately ₦1.409 billion in aggregated audit observations involving the Commission.

The group stressed that the figure should not be presented as proof that public funds had been stolen without a thorough examination of the transactions, management responses and supporting documentary evidence.

“An audit observation, financial discrepancy or request for clarification must not automatically be interpreted as evidence of fraud, corruption or misappropriation,” the statement said.

It urged GIW and other civil society organisations to exercise restraint, professionalism and fairness in their public engagements, insisting that allegations of financial misconduct must be substantiated by verifiable evidence and subjected to appropriate investigative procedures.

The group described NiDCOM as an important public institution responsible for engaging Nigerians in the diaspora, promoting their welfare and strengthening their contributions to national development.

It maintained that the Commission, under the leadership of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, should be allowed to address legitimate questions through established statutory channels rather than being subjected to premature public condemnation.

CNYGG also acknowledged NiDCOM’s publicly stated position that it was prepared to present relevant records to the National Assembly and the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation when formally required.

The organisation encouraged the Commission to cooperate fully with lawful oversight processes and provide the necessary explanations and supporting documents to resolve any outstanding audit observations.

It equally urged GIW to distinguish between matters requiring clarification and established wrongdoing, noting that fairness demands that all sides be heard before conclusions are reached.

The group expressed concern over the possibility that anti-corruption campaigns could be exploited by individuals or interests seeking to discredit public officeholders or undermine government institutions for political reasons.

It cautioned GIW against allowing its platform to be used, directly or indirectly, as an instrument of political vendetta against NiDCOM, its leadership or other public institutions.

CNYGG also raised questions about GIW’s institutional presence, funding transparency, governance arrangements and accountability, citing reports that the organisation’s Executive Director, Comrade Abraham Temitayo Adewoye, had held executive engagements in London.

However, the group clarified that an organisation’s location outside Nigeria does not, in itself, establish wrongdoing or political manipulation.

Instead, it called on GIW to demonstrate the credibility of its operations, the integrity of its methods and the evidence supporting its public allegations.

The group further urged the organisation to provide relevant information about its governance and funding arrangements where appropriate, stressing that accountability advocates should also uphold transparency in their own operations.

CNYGG maintained that the fight against corruption should not become a campaign against public institutions, arguing that accountability and institutional stability could coexist.

According to the group, Nigeria needs strong public institutions that can be scrutinised fairly, investigated lawfully and strengthened through evidence-based reforms.

It acknowledged the important role of civil society organisations in promoting good governance but warned that such responsibilities must be exercised without sensationalism or disregard for the presumption of innocence.

The organisation outlined six principles it said GIW should follow in its engagements with public institutions.

These include ensuring that public allegations are supported by credible documentation, giving NiDCOM a fair opportunity to respond, referring suspected financial irregularities to appropriate investigative authorities and clearly distinguishing between audit observations, unresolved queries, allegations and established findings.

CNYGG also urged GIW to avoid campaigns that could unjustifiably damage the reputations of individuals or institutions and to demonstrate transparency in its funding, governance and operations.

It said the same standards should apply to every public institution, regardless of the individuals occupying positions of authority.

Group Backs Dabiri-Erewa, Calls for Due Process

Reaffirming its position on NiDCOM and its leadership, CNYGG said it would not support the condemnation of any public official solely on the basis of allegations that had not been conclusively established by the appropriate authorities.

The group maintained that Dabiri-Erewa and the Commission’s management deserved fairness, due process and an opportunity to respond to the issues raised.

It clarified, however, that its position did not mean public institutions should be exempt from scrutiny.

Rather, it insisted that scrutiny must be evidence-based, impartial and conducted in accordance with the law.

“If questions remain concerning public expenditure, they should be answered with documents, explanations and the findings of competent authorities—not resolved through media trials, political insinuations or the deliberate circulation of unverified claims,” the statement added.

CNYGG Warns Against Unsubstantiated Allegations

In its final appeal, the organisation called on GIW to maintain professionalism and impartiality in its engagements with Nigerian public institutions.

It warned against exploiting legitimate demands for accountability to advance political interests, intimidate public officials or create unjustified distrust in government agencies.

The group said GIW must demonstrate that its activities were driven by evidence and the public interest rather than appearing selective, politically motivated or directed at predetermined targets.

CNYGG reiterated its commitment to good governance, transparency, institutional integrity and the protection of public institutions from what it described as unjustified attacks.

It urged NiDCOM to continue discharging its mandate diligently while cooperating with lawful oversight processes, and called on GIW to pursue its accountability objectives with fairness and respect for due process.

“Let the evidence speak. Let the appropriate authorities do their work. Let no organisation, individual or political interest place itself above the principles of fairness and the rule of law,” Abubakar stated.