CAN, NSCIA under scrutiny over N2.2 billion Edo State hunger palliative

Amid ongoing controversies over the distribution of food aid in Edo State, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) find themselves in the spotlight. Entrusted with N2.2 billion by the state government to help the vulnerable, these religious bodies now face pressing questions about the transparency and effectiveness of their efforts.

Background

The Edo State Government, embroiled in accusations of mismanagement over donated rice, announced that religious organizations were given N2.2 billion to purchase and distribute food items. The funds were allocated to CAN and NSCIA as part of the state’s initiative to alleviate hunger following the removal of fuel subsidies.

The Pledge

Chris Nehikhare, Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, confirmed that the state did not retain any rice for its own use. Instead, he highlighted that the government had entrusted religious bodies with significant funds to ensure fair and effective distribution of food aid.

Questions of Transparency

While the religious bodies are known for transparency, several critical questions arise:
1. How Was the N2.2 Billion Spent?
– Detailed breakdowns of expenditures are needed. How much of the N2.2 billion was spent on purchasing specific food items like garri, yam, plantain, and rice?
2. Distribution Accountability
– What processes were in place to ensure that food items reached the intended beneficiaries? Were there any mechanisms to track and verify the distribution?
3. Administrative Costs
– Were any portions of the funds used for administrative or logistical purposes? If so, how much, and were these expenditures justified?

Potential for Corruption?

The allocation of such a substantial sum naturally leads to suspicions of possible mismanagement or corruption:
– Oversight and Auditing
– Was there any external oversight or independent auditing of how the funds were spent?
– Transparency Reports
– Have the religious bodies provided comprehensive transparency reports to the public or relevant authorities?

As the religious bodies, CAN and NSCIA, navigate these pressing questions, the need for clear, transparent reporting becomes ever more critical.

The public should know how the N2.2 billion was spent and whether the aid reached those in need. Without such transparency, suspicions of corruption will continue to overshadow the noble intentions behind the distribution of food aid in Edo State.