The Concern Nigerian Youths for Good Governance (CNYGG) has defended the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) over recent allegations of financial irregularities, cautioning civil society organisations against turning audit observations into political persecution.
The group made its position known on Saturday in Abuja during a press conference addressed by its National Convener, Amb. Mahmud Abubakar, in response to a report by the Global Integrity Watch (GIW) which raised questions about approximately N1.409 billion in aggregated audit observations linked to the Commission’s expenditure.
According to CNYGG, while it supports transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, it is concerned about what it described as premature public condemnation of public institutions without due process.
An Audit Query is Not a Conviction
In the text of the press conference made available to journalists, CNYGG stated that an audit observation or a request for clarification should not be automatically interpreted as evidence of fraud or misappropriation.
The group said the N1.409 billion figure being circulated must be subjected to careful examination of underlying transactions, management responses and documentary evidence, adding that the figure itself should not be presented as proof that money was stolen.
“An audit observation, financial discrepancy or request for clarification must not automatically be interpreted as evidence of fraud, corruption or misappropriation. The figure itself must not be presented as proof that the money was stolen,” the group said.
CNYGG urged GIW to exercise restraint, professionalism and fairness, stressing that any allegation of financial misconduct must be supported by verifiable evidence and channeled through appropriate investigative and oversight processes.
Due Process and Institutional Stability
The youth group described NiDCOM as a strategic public institution established to engage Nigerians in the diaspora and promote their welfare, noting that its mandate is critical to Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic engagement.
It said the Commission under the leadership of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa deserves the opportunity to respond to legitimate questions through statutory channels without being subjected to media trial.
CNYGG acknowledged NiDCOM’s stated readiness to present relevant records to the National Assembly and the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation when formally required, and encouraged the Commission to continue cooperating with lawful oversight.
“We acknowledge NiDCOM’s publicly stated position that it is prepared to present relevant records to the National Assembly and the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation when formally required,” the statement read.
Call for Transparency from GIW
The group also raised concerns about the need for civil society organisations to operate transparently. It noted reports that GIW’s Executive Director, Comrade Abraham Temitayo Adewoye, has held engagements in London, and said questions about funding, governance and accountability are legitimate.
However, CNYGG clarified that an organisation’s location outside Nigeria does not by itself establish improper conduct, but said GIW should demonstrate credibility and evidence-based advocacy.
The group listed six demands for GIW, including ensuring every public allegation is supported by credible documentation, giving NiDCOM a fair opportunity to respond, referring suspected irregularities to appropriate Nigerian authorities, and avoiding statements that could damage reputations unjustifiably.
Position on Abike Dabiri-Erewa
On the leadership of NiDCOM, CNYGG said it will not support condemnation of any public official based solely on allegations that have not been conclusively established.
“Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa and the management of NiDCOM deserve fairness, due process and the opportunity to respond to the issues raised against the Commission. Our position is not that any public institution should be exempt from scrutiny,” the group stated.
The group concluded by warning against exploiting accountability advocacy for political interests and reaffirmed its commitment to good governance, transparency and rule of law.
“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,” Amb. Abubakar said.
