By Samuel Ogude
A non- governmental organization, Community Empowerment and Development Initiative (CEDI) has called for a stronger Anti-Corruption law and Transparency in the award of contracts in Delta State, most especially in the State’s Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC).
The organization made this known at a press briefing in Warri, being part of the activities to commemorate the International Anti-Corruption Day 2023.
In her address, the Executive Director of CEDI, Onose Martha said “Corruption remains the bane of development at the local and global levels, noting that one in five people worldwide still faces bribery in public services and 124 countries, and no significant improvement has been made in shunning corruption,” which according to her, calls for collective action to fight it (corruption) if significant progress must be made in humanity.
According to her, CEDI, an organisation which is a member of the ANEEJ Anti-Corruption Cluster with support from Palladium USAID SCALE PROJECT used the international Anti-Corruption Day (I ACD 2023) as opportunity for Delta State, Nigerians and the world at large to reflect on and reinforce commitment towards collective action to prevent and address this monster at all levels.
She said, “As this year’s IACD coincides with the 20th Anniversary of the United Nations Convention against Corruption”.
The organization urges the government to develop and implement state Anti-Corruption strategies in the award of contracts, especially in DESOPADEC..
According to her, recent events in the state calls for the need for greater accountability and transparency in the way contracts are awarded in DESOPADEC, saying, “It is important government takes action to address this concerns to show its commitment in fighting corruption.”
She added, “We, the undersigned and civil society organizations and concerned citizens are urgently appealing to the state government to strengthen its Anti-Corruption Law and ensure greater transparency in the award of contracts in the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC).”
She said, “The organization, among other things, calls on the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to establish an independent monitoring body to monitor the activities of DESOPADEC especially in the award of contracts,” adding that, the body should be composed of respected individuals with proven track records of integrity and probity; implement a public notice system that would require DESOPADEC to publish details of all contracts awarded in a widely available and accessible format to enable citizens to monitor the process and ensure that contracts are awarded fairly and without favouritism; institute automated tracking system to monitor expenditure to ensure compliance with approved budgets.
“This would give room for timely identification of any irregularities or the mismanagement of funds and there should be whistle-blower protection policy to encourage employees and stakeholders to report any observed malpractice or wrong doing without fear of attack,” she added.
The organization urged the government to act quickly in this regard in order to restore faith in the integrity of the state’s institutions