Audit Query Is Not Conviction: Youth Group Defends NiDCOM, Warns GIW Against Media Trial Over N1.4bn Claim

The Concern Nigerian Youths for Good Governance, CNYGG, has defended the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, over recent allegations by Global Integrity Watch, GIW, concerning reported audit observations and expenditure linked to the Commission.

In a press statement signed by its National Convener, Amb. Mahmud Abubakar, the group said it observed with serious concern the public scrutiny directed at NiDCOM by GIW and cautioned against turning accountability advocacy into political persecution and reputational damage.

CNYGG said while it supports transparency, accountability and responsible management of public resources, an audit observation or request for clarification must not be automatically interpreted as evidence of fraud, corruption or misappropriation.

The group noted that GIW’s reported concerns involving approximately N1.409 billion in aggregated audit observations require careful examination of underlying transactions, management responses and documentary evidence. The figure itself must not be presented as proof that money was stolen.

The youth group urged GIW to exercise restraint, professionalism and fairness in its public communications, adding that any allegation of financial misconduct must be supported by verifiable evidence and subjected to appropriate investigative processes.

On institutional accountability, CNYGG stated that NiDCOM is a public institution established to engage Nigerians in the diaspora, promote their welfare and strengthen their contribution to national development. It said the Commission under the leadership of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa deserves the opportunity to address legitimate questions through statutory channels without premature public condemnation.

The group acknowledged NiDCOM’s public 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. It encouraged the Commission to continue cooperating with lawful oversight and to provide necessary explanations to resolve outstanding audit observations.

CNYGG also cautioned GIW against allowing its platform to be used as an instrument of political vendetta against NiDCOM and its leadership. The group said reports that GIW’s Executive Director, Comrade Abraham Temitayo Adewoye, has held executive engagements in London raises questions about the organisation’s institutional presence, funding transparency and governance arrangements.

However, the group clarified that an organisation’s location outside Nigeria does not by itself establish improper conduct. It asked GIW to demonstrate credibility of its operations, integrity of its methods and evidence underpinning its public allegations.

According to CNYGG, Nigeria’s institutions must not become convenient targets for campaigns whose claims cannot withstand independent scrutiny. The group stressed that the fight against corruption must not become a fight against institutions.

The group urged GIW to ensure every public allegation is supported by credible documentation, give NiDCOM fair opportunity to respond before drawing conclusions, refer suspected irregularities to appropriate oversight authorities, distinguish clearly between audit observations and established findings, avoid statements that could unjustifiably damage reputations, and demonstrate transparency in its own operations and funding.

On its position regarding Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa and NiDCOM, CNYGG said it will not support condemnation of any public official based solely on allegations not conclusively established by appropriate authorities. It said scrutiny must be evidence-based, impartial and in accordance with the law.

In its final warning, CNYGG called on GIW to exercise professionalism and impartiality and warned against exploiting accountability demands to advance political interests or create unjustified public distrust in government agencies.

The group reiterated its commitment to good governance, transparency, institutional integrity and protection of public institutions from unjustified attacks, while urging that evidence should speak and appropriate authorities be allowed to do their work.