CSOs pass confidence vote on DMO operations

The Conference of Harmonised Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria has said it is impressed with the level of transparency exhibited in the running of the Debt Management Office under the leadership of Ms Patience Oniha.

The CSOs at a media briefing in Abuja, Sunday addressed by executive director of CHSCO, Dr Richard Oduma, explained that the CSOs arrived at the position after it carried out investigation to ascertain the authenticity of corruption allegations levelled against the DMO operations by certain individuals.

The statement said; “Following allegations of corruption against the Debt Management Office (DMO) in August 2020 by some individuals, the Conference of Harmonised Civil Society Organisations mandated its anti corruption committee to investigate and revert to general congress on the matter for appropriate action.”

“Representatives of various organisations were selected to form the independent investigative Committee which reviewed available documents. Forensic experts were also engaged based on the sensitivity of the job and the seriousness of the committee to get to the root of the allegations.”

While giving detailed insights into the investigation, Oduma noted that the committee discovered no evidence of fraud at the Debt Management Office and found no official wanting in conducts suggestive of fraud.

He praised the cooperation of the DMO management, particularly with regards to volunteering documents before the Committee without making attempt to interfere with its investigation.

“As the conscience of the Nigerian masses, we owe our citizens a duty to fact check on allegations that bother on issues of public trust. To this end, we submit as follows:

“That the committee found out that in the past three years, there has been public access to information at the agency more than any other time in the past.

“The committee is categorical that due process has always been followed during procurement and other internal systemic processes according to available record.

“Committee observed that DMO is among the few agencies that operates within its budget regardless of full releases,” Oduma added.

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