Reps to investigate diversion of IDPs Rehabilitation Fund

      Considering the large number of Internally Displaced Persons in the country, the House of Representatives has expressed concern over allegations that donor funds meant for the displaced persons are being diverted.

The resolution of the House was sequel to a motion on matters of urgent public importance sponsored by Rep. Ali Isa during plenary on Thursday.

“Both the Federal Government, local donor groups as well as wealthy individuals have committed funds for the same purposes.

“Worried that despite all the donations, a large number of these IDPs are living in hunger, very deplorable and unhygienic conditions without any rehabilitation in sight.

“There are series of allegations of diversion of the donated funds meant for the well-being and welfare of IDPs,” Isa said.

   He noted that some civil society groups and non-governmental organizations claiming to be working for the interest of the IDPs are doing the contrary.

Another representative, Johnson Agbonayima, described the situation of IDPs as “disheartening and a disgrace to the nation,” adding that corruption must be stopped in the country so that the north east can be rebuilt.

   The House mandated its Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness; Aids, Loans and Debt Management; IDPs and North East Development to jointly investigate the matter.

Scores of camps in different parts of the country accommodate the growing number of internally displaced persons, a large part of whom are from the north eastern part of the country.

The condition of the camps have attracted a lot of financial support from within and outside the country.