Leave NGOS Alone, Provide Good Governance, Osu Tells FG

THE Director of Social Communications of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Monsignor Gabriel Osu, has condemned the NGOS Bill, describing it as an unnecessary governmental interference meant to create more bribery avenues for themselves. He advised government to focus on more important matters that are presently confronting the country.

Speaking to Theguardian, he conceded that he was not in support of people using the cover of NGOS to scam people but government has no right to interfere in their affairs.

“It is difficult to trust government with whatever they say because they say one thing and do another. Let them tell us the type of regulations and adjustments they want to see take place and the appropriate authorities that should enforce it. Nobody can start up an NGO without a government license and I believe strongly that this was brought up by a busy-body in government to distract us from the main issues,” he said.

Lamenting that NGOS were supposed to be charitable bodies, but the love of money and greed have made people turn them into money-making ventures, he advised that those failing to do what they were set up to do should be fished out and have their license revoked.

“With this government, it is always one step forward and five steps backward. They know the right thing to do but they will not do it. They should mind the business we elected them to resolve on pressing state matters. I am very sure someone in the corridors of power has a vested interest if not, why should they want to know where NGOS get their money?

“I am sure that any responsible NGO is ready to open their books if asked. These organisations are non-profit and anyone making profit should be punished accordingly. This government wants to reap where it did not sow. The bad ones are there, I am not denying but they are not up to a quarter of the total number. These ones should be investigated and closed down.”