The Non-Governmental Organizations Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has welcomed the move by government in bringing to light the matter of NGO officials purported to have received funds meant for programs in their own personal capacities.
NGOCC Board Chairperson Marian Munyinda it is the council’s expectation that the Police will pursue the matter impartially and independently.
“Further, it is our belief that such statements from government are adequately backed by facts before being publicized and hence we expect that action by relevant authorities is taken over the matter,” she said
Ms Munyinda said any fraudulent or corrupt acts by any group of individuals are not encouraging – it is a fact that corruption that is perpetuated is a cancer that has adverse negative effects on poverty eradication and must not be tolerated at all.
She said it is therefore imperative that litigation is commenced speedily so that people’s attention is not diverted from real issues.
“As NGOCC we have always stated that the law must be applied fairly and there should be no sacred cows if justice is to prevail. Similarly we expect government to show the same determination and energy in pursuing the fight against corruption within government itself and other public bodies.
“It will not help the general citizenry when the corruption fight is done selectively – this should be a collective effort by all well meaning Zambians at all levels,” she said.
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