The United Nation’ (UN) Deputy Secretary General, Amina Mohammed, has revealed why COVID-19 funds were diverted in some countries.
Mohammed on Wednesday, June 2 blamed the diversion on inadequate oversight and transparency.
The representative asserted this at the UN-General Assembly Special Session on Corruption (UNGASS) at UN headquarters in New York.
The theme is “Challenges and Measures to Prevent and Combat Corruption and Strengthen International Cooperation’’.
NAN reports that Mohammed noted that the UN System Common Position on Corruption, which coordinates support for member states, sets out measures for integration of anti-corruption processes nationally and locally.
She said social protests had sent a clear message that people would not tolerate cynical, corrupt practices, adding that corruption disproportionately impacts women, limiting their access to public resources, information and decision-making.
“They are demanding transformation of legal, political, economic and social structures that have long been indifferent to accountability and transparency.
“It fosters organised crime and the exploitation of natural resources” Mohammed said.
The UN charged countries to restore public trust by taking concrete actions to eliminate corruption.
NAN reports that the Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, will present Nigeria’s position at the Special Session.
