The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) on Tuesday handed over an ambulance to a community in Yabo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The vehicle was apprehended by ICPC officials through the Constituency and
Executive Project Tracking Initiative (CEPTI) by the commission.
The ICPC Resident Commissioner in charge of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states, Mr Garba Tukur-Idris, presented the vehicle to Chairman of Yabo Local Government Area, Muhammad Abubakar.
Tukur-Idris said the vehicle was part of a health clinic project embarked by the then member representing Yabo/Shagari Federal
Constituency in Sokoto State, Alhaji Abubakar Danbukari.
He noted that during the ICPC tracking exercise, the ambulance was traced in the lawmaker’s apartment, adding that the vehicle and its accessories were intact at the commission’s office since then and all necessary investigations have been completed.
The ICPC resident commissioner said “the ambulance is hereby handed over to the community for onward use by the citizens.
“I urge the council authority, healthcare workers and community members to ensure judicial use of the vehicle.”
He explained that CEPTI had saved the country hundreds of millions of naira in the process through various phases, explaining that
“some uncompleted projects not only deprive Nigerians of basic amenities and infrastructure, but also pose security risks.”
He underlined the importance of the private sector in monitoring the implementation of constituency projects in the country, saying
“completed projects are major dividends of democracy, which foster growth and development at the grassroots.
“However, lack of accountability in execution of projects is a red flag of systemic corruption that shortchanges the electorate and deprives them of beneficial social systems that should be readily available.
“The private sector has a major role to play in identifying and preventing corruption in projects execution.”
He appreciated the increased impact of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), NGOs and other stakeholders in the private sector and sought for more support.
Responding after receiving the vehicle, the Yabo local government boss expressed gratitude to the commission on its prompt response to public complains.
He commended ICPC for the commitment against all forms of corrupt activities and assured judicious use of the vehicle.
NAN
