,,,,Calls For Accountability in Disbursement of Intervention Funds.
By Goodluck B Ikiebe in Abuja.
Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society has commiserated with the government and people of Borno State after the deaths and displacements that followed the severe flooding of Maiduguri and Jere local government of the state after the collapse of the Alau Dam.
A statement by the Communication Officer, Hajia Rafat Salami, prays that Allah (SWT) grants the status of martyrdom to those who died and eases the affairs of millions of persons directly affected by the floodings and who are struggling to return to their normal lives.
According to Premium-Times report as of 20th Sept 2024, Borno State Government says for the past two weeks of the unfortunate situation, the Federal Government and other concerned stakeholders, generous individuals, and organizations have made pledges, donations, and contributed funds worth N12, 000,000,000.
This includes non-cash donation of relief materials such as (Food, Medical and other essentials items) aimed at providing the much-needed support for the flood victims.
“As a Faith-Based Organization (FBO), we want to stress the importance of accountability, transparency, and the efficient distribution of funds to ensure that victims receive timely and sufficient support.
“This is essential in light of past instances where certain individuals have mismanaged funds intended for similar situations”, the organization noted.
It added, “To prevent a recurrence, we urge His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Umar Zulum’s administration, to ensure proper oversight and management.
“Given the above, Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society calls for the following:
” Swift Action: We urge the state Government, all relevant authorities, and stakeholders to expedite the process of releasing and disbursing the funds raised to meet the urgent needs of the displaced and affected families.
” Transparency and Accountability: The funds must be managed with the highest level of transparency and accountability to ensure that every contribution is used efficiently to address the immediate relief efforts, including food, shelter, and medical support for the victims.
“We recommend that the state government collaborate with private organizations, NGOs, the Nigerian military, and other relevant stakeholders in the distribution of funds and non-cash relief items.
” We want to remind those in authority of the directive from Allah in Quran 16 vs 90 in which Allah says “Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded”.
” Collaboration: We encourage further collaboration between government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community leaders to coordinate a holistic approach to flood relief. This includes assessing the long-term recovery needs of the affected communities and planning sustainable rebuilding efforts.
“The State Government should set up an Independent Committee for Damages, Evaluation, and Rebuilding. This involves evaluating the damaged infrastructure, identifying the long-term recovery needs of the affected communities, and developing plans for sustainable rebuilding efforts
” It is important to also investigate the factors that led to the previous misappropriation of intervention funds, as a deterrent to future occurrences.
“The Society thanked and appreciated Governor Babagana Zulum for his resilience, steadfast leadership, and unwavering determination.
“Al-Habibiyyah extends heartfelt gratitude to all those who have generously contributed to this cause. Your donations are a testament to the spirit of compassion and solidarity within our community. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected.
“As an organization, dedicated to serving humanity, we remain committed to standing by the people of Borno during this challenging time.
“We pledge our continued support and urge all concerned parties to act swiftly and compassionately in delivering relief to those in need,” the organization said.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
