ICPC chairman directs FCSC, 4 other federal EFCC launches probe on syndicate ripping Nigerians off under the guise agencies to reform their systems Page 10 of safeguarding their nomination Over Buhari’s next cabinet Page 15

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CorruptionVOL. 1 NO. 16 REPORTER Monday, May 27th, 2019 www.corruptionreporter.com @corruptionrep [email protected] President Buhari’s fight against corruption driven by political will Page 12 EXCLUSIVE

Femi Gbaja Or Gbajabiamila? One Man, Multiple Identities Real Reason for his suspension by the supreme court of Georgia Different names he has operated under in the United States of America Social security number inconsistencies Date of birth inconstitencies The tax and credit card debts PAGE 4 ...ensuring public accountability CR 2 Monday, May 27th, 2019 Corruption REPORTER Celebrating Chief E. K. Clark at 92 Happy Birthday ...ensuring public accountability CR Corruption Monday, May 27th, 2019 3 REPORTER EDITORIAL 2019 Presidential inauguration: the CorruptionCR journey so far in the REPORTER fight against corruption EDITORIAL TEAM PUBLISHER and the journey ahead Idris Abiodun Usman

fter four attempts at including in high profile cases getting the top job against former governors CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD in Nigeria, President Joshua Dariye of Plateau state Majeed Dahiru Muhammadu Buhari and Jolly Nyame of Taraba wasA elected in March 2015, and state. sworn in on 29th of May 2015, The commission has also in to serve a four year term as the last three years secured the fourth executive president over 700 convictions in EDITOR of Nigeria’s fourth republic. various courts across the Mohammed Basah Muhammadu Buhari had risen country. The Commission had to the very top echelons of also made recoveries running the military in a public service into billions of Naira and other career that saw him serve currencies. as a Governor, Minister and As President Buhari warms GROUP NEWS EDITOR ultimately Head of State of the up to take another oath of Femi Lawson Federal Republic Nigeria. office, for his second term President Muhammadu of four years, there are loose Buhari had built a public ends that he must tie up if reputation for Spartan the urgent task, of ridding discipline and his stated dislike Nigeria of the cankerworm of INT’L CORRESPONDENT for corrupt practices in public corruption and its attendant Willem Vermeer office. effects in failure to deliver President Buhari had laid government services to down the markers, promising citizens, is to be achieved. As that his administration would the President begins his final WEBMASTER focus on three key areas term in office, he stands a Benedict Aguele namely: Security, Economy and chance to cement his legacy the Fight against corruption. and has declared on several In the area of the fight occasions that the war against against corruption, the Buhari corruption will continue administration has made some to be a major plank of his PHOTO EDITOR significant steps with a flurry government. Emmanuel Kenny Bako of arrests and prosecutions The President must also by the anti-graft agencies. The address the issue of his close President had early in the life associates being enmeshed in of his administration declared corruption cases, while also PAGE PLANNER that if Nigeria “does not kill pushing for the anti-graft Xtanlee Uche Echidi corruption, corruption will kill agencies to investigate and Nigeria”. prosecute more diligently, as The administration had well as pushing for relevant met with a number of brick laws in the fight to be amended walls against the fight against where necessary. corruption, which seemed to Nigeria can ill afford to MISSION STATEMENT slow its progress down. continue on the trajectory The anti-corruption fight it has been on, where public was confronted by claims resources are frittered away Where feeble minds of political and ethnic bias by officials at the expense of compromise integrityand against the government of the providing necessary services dignityand refuse to speak day, while the technicalities of to enable our citizens survive the Nigerian judicial system and thrive in a 21st century out, we will lift our voices in also played a part owing economy. defence of Nigeria and its to a combination of lack of the issue of training law people against corruption, thorough investigations, enforcement agencies, to preparation and prosecution handle corruption cases with inpunity, bad governance of cases against suspected a lot more tact and avoid and those who trample the corrupt persons. complaints of human rights laws of our land under their In spite of the loud outcries violations, is also key going against the government, anti- forward as the president feet. graft agencies had secured marches on for another four a number of convictions years. ...ensuring public accountability CR 4 Monday, May 27th, 2019 Corruption COVER REPORTER Exclusive: Social security number inconsistencies • Different names he has operated under in the United States of America • Real reason for his suspension by the supreme court of Georgia • Date of birth inconstitencies • The tax and credit card debts

By Mohammed Basah Georgia’s rule that is punishable him Ms. Hadyatou had averred by life disbarment. His license that she had “never seen him…….. was subsequently suspended and or contacted him”. This news medium has exclusively hasn’t been renewed since. In a book, Fearless: The obtained a Private Investigator’s Two sisters Hadyatou Barry Emergence of a Formidable report, and other supporting and her sister, Ms. Yaye Barry Opposition Leader, by Wale documents, which reveal the were involved in an automobile Okediran, Femi is quoted as true character and person of Hon. accident sometime in December stating his side of the story thus: Femi Gbajabiamila, representing 2001. While Yaye Barry had As soon as I got the letter from Surulere I Federal Constituency hired Femi Gbaja to represent the United States which notified and Majority Leader of the her in a personal injury matter, me of the oversight, I rushed Federal House of Representatives her sister Hadyatou Barry had back to the United states to find of Nigeria. According to the retained a different attorney, out why the money had not been documents obtained exclusively Harry Malka. Curiously in 2002 disbursed, I made sure the client by this media platform, which Femi had settled a claim in the was paid in full and sorted out raises a number of issues that sum of $25,000 on behalf of issues that had arisen as a result border around his conduct while Ms. Hadyatou Barry, who had of this with the state bar. The in the United States of America, neither hired him nor given him book goes further to state that “one thing is sure FEMI GBAJA permission to represent her in “he denied ever being convicted has played around with at least the first place. He collected the or disbarred by the Georgia Bar three different date of births”. $25,000, deposited the money in which gave him a letter to confirm his attorney account, and never that he was in good standing”. The georgia supreme court communicated this development seven teeth an eye and two The Investigative Panel had affair to the said Ms. Hadyatou. He broken legs from the accident found among other things “He took my case without my would later withdraw the funds, and was still going through that Femi “acted wilfully and consent, got my check [for] close his practice and leave the treatment, filed a complaint dishonestly in settling Ms. $25,000.00 from the insurance United States for Nigeria, where against Mr. Gbaja in December, Hadyatou’s case without being company………………without my he contested elections under 2004. In her complaint against retained and without her consent cashed and left”

authority”, and that he “acted and that, as a result, he is subject wilfully and dishonestly in to disbarment”. The court went converting Ms. Hadyatou’s funds further to acknowledge that Femi Gbaja (as he was then to his own use”. The Supreme “in mitigation of his actions known), with Georgia state Bar the banner of the Alliance for Court of Georgia, on its part, Gbaja asserts that he has Number 288330, was found to Democracy (AD), in 2003. submitted that, “Gbaja admits have violated the State Bar of Ms. Hadyatou, who had lost his conduct violated Rile 1.15 (I) Continue on Page 5 ...ensuring public accountability CR Corruption Monday, May 27th, 2019 COVER 5 REPORTER Exclusive: Social security number inconsistencies

From Page 4 the state of Georgia Social security number inconsistencies The investigator’s report cooperated fully with disciplinary states about Gbaja that “he has authorities”, among other actions 13 liens against him for monies which led the court to “conclude owed within the state of Georgia that a 36-month suspension is an and private phone companies”. appropriate sanction”, in lieu of He currently carries tax and disbarment. credit card debt of not less than 8thousand US Dollars in the Identity inconsistencies United States of America. In According to the document made 2015 a case filed against Gbaja available to our reporter, Femi in Gwinnet County, Georgia, for had operated under different a $1,491.94 tax issue from the names from 1988 to 2002 in the year 2007, which as at the time United States of America. He of writing this report he was yet at different times went by the to pay up. Another state tax lien names “Femi Gbaja”, “Monsur was filed against him on 27th Biamila Gbaja”, “Femi G Gbaja”, May 2016 for a 2008 issue in

“Femi G Baja” and “Femi H Gbaja” Fulton Country of Georgia state, among others. He was found in the sum of $1,797.83, which to have used differentSocial Gbaja is yet to settle as at the Security Numbers (SSN) while time of filing this report. Another in the United States, including Civil Case was filed against him the SSN of one Mildred Blakeney in Gwinnett County of Georgia who had died in 1995. by Ford Motor Credit Company Femi had been issued a Social in the sum of $5,190.64, which Security card in 1988 using a Femi is yet to settle as at 2019. the same office in the incoming the liberty to write the relevant Date of Birth of 03/09/1962, Speakership quest 9th Assembly. We are aware of bodies including President while his Date of Birth in Nigeria Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila (now a pending case in a Nigerian Muhammadu Buhari, The All was 25th June, 1962. According Majority Leader of the Federal court by one Phillip Undie, but Progressives Congress (APC) to the Investigator’s report, House of Representatives in only from media reports on Chairman, President of the other Dates of Birth that he had Nigeria), following his failed the matter, calling for him to Nigerian Bar Association among used at different times, include attempt at becoming Speaker be declared unfit to run for the others to put them on notice 03/03/1962 and 03/19/1962. of the House of Representatives Office of Speaker of the House about this findings and we await in the 8th Assembly, has again of Representatives. their further actions on the Taxes and debts owed around thrown his hat in the ring for Corruption Reporter has taken issues raised in this report. ...ensuring public accountability CR 6 Monday, May 27th, 2019 Corruption EFCCNEWS REPORTER Our youths, Nigeria’s biggest treasure – Magu he acting Chairman of the Magu who was represented by the visit was to strengthen the Economic and Financial the Benin Zonal Head, Akaninyene existing relationship between the Crimes Commission, Ezima, said the Commission places EFCC and NYSC in the state. EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, emphasis on the youth in the Anti- “Enlightenment campaign today,T May 23, 2019 stated that Corruption fight because they are on the ills of corruption during the youths remain the country’s the future leaders of the country. Orientation Camp has no doubt biggest treasure. “That is why EFCC carries out gone a long way in reducing the Magu stated this when the Edo sensitization and enlightenment involvement of graduates in State Coordinator of the National campaign on the ills of corruption, economic and financial crimes,” Youth Service Corp, NYSC, economic and financial crimes he said, adding that the NYSC Adebayo Ojo, paid a courtesy visit during NYSC Orientation Camp,” intends to expand such platforms to the Benin Zonal Office of the Ezima said. for a more robust and fruitful Commission in Benin City. Ojo, noted that the essence of collaboration. Court adjourns Ofili-Ajumogobia, Obla’s trial to May 31 ustice Rilwan Aikawa of the of the court to further hear the suit filed official notification to the removal of Federal High Court sitting in against his client by the EFCC. the first defendant as a judge; and by Ikoyi, Lagos, on Thursday, May “My client still remains a judicial Law, she is still a Judge. 23, 2019 adjourned to May officer and is yet to be dismissed as “This document has raised a profound J31, 2019 further hearing in the case a judge by President Muhammadu legal issue that needs to be looked involving Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia Buhari,” he had said. into, in order to satisfy myself and the and Godwin Obla, SAN. However, the prosecution counsel, Court,” he further submitted. The defendants were re-arraigned Rotimi Oyedepo, in his response, had Counsel to the second defendant, on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, on an told the court that the first defendant Ferdinand Obi, SAN, did not oppose 18-count charge bordering on breach is no longer a judicial officer. the application for adjournment, saying of trust, false statement and unlawful Though Oyedepo admitted hethat the first defendant’s counsel had enrichment. was served with the application, he the right to respond. One of the counts reads: “That you, said: “The President of Nigeria, His He, however, informed the court of Hon. Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia and Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, signed his application, challenging the abuse Godwin Obla, SAN, on or about the and dismissed Ofili-Ajumogobia as a of court process. 21st day of May, 2014 in Lagos, within judicial officer on November 27, 2018.” Obi also prayed the court for a the jurisdiction of this Honourable He had further told the court that separate trial, though he added that Court, conspired to indirectly conceal he would provide the court with the the application was not ripe for hearing. the sum of N5, 000,000.00 (Five Million original document that dismissed Ofili- He urged the court, upon hearing the Administration of Criminal Justice Naira) in the Diamond Bank account Ajumogobia as a judge. the application, to rule on it before the Act, ACJA, and will exhume the already of Nigel & Colive Ltd., which sum you Consequently, Justice Aikawa held commencement of trial. buried mischief that the ACJA came to reasonably ought to have known forms that the prosecution should file a In his response, counsel to the amend.” part of proceeds of unlawful act to wit: response to the objection raised by prosecution, Oyedepo, opposed to Responding to the submission of unlawful enrichment.” the defence and put all necessary the adjournment being sought by the the counsel to the second defendant, Another count reads: “That you, Hon. documents before the court at the defence, saying the issue raised by the Oyedepo said: “The counsel is using Justice Rita Ngozi Ofili-Ajumogobia, on next adjourned date (May 23, 2019) first defendant counsel bordered on the this application to slow down the or about the 11th day of July, 2014 in for hearing of preliminary objection. dismissal of the first defendant. expeditious trial of this case.” Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this At today’s sitting, counsel to the He added that he had served on the He, therefore, urged the court to honourable court, indirectly concealed first defendant, Clarke, asked for an defence a certified true copy of the invoke the provision for the expeditious the total sum of N12, 000,000.00 adjournment to enable him respond to document by the Nigerian Judicial hearing of this case as well as the (Twelve Million Naira) in the Diamond the preliminary objection and counter- Council (NJC) stating that Ofili- motions brought up. Bank account of Nigel and Colive Ltd., affidavit by the prosecution. Ajumogobia had been dismissed “The court should consider the ruling opened and operated by you, which sum Clarke also told the court he would from the employment of the Federal alongside the suit and deliver judgment you reasonably ought to have known, need time to respond and study the new Government from November 2018. at the end of this case,” he further urged forms parts proceeds of unlawful act to document served by the prosecution, He, therefore, argued that “further the court. wit: criminal breach of trust.” showing that the first defendant was adjournment only for the hearing Justice Aikawa adjourned the case At the last sitting, counsel to the not a serving Judge when the charge of preliminary objections as to to May 31, 2019 and ordered that the first defendant, Robert Clarke, SAN, was filled, and that she is no longer the status of the first defendant, first defendant’s preliminary objection informed the court that he had filed under the employment of the Federal which will necessitate suspending and the second defendant’s motion of and served on the prosecution an Government of Nigeria. commencement of trial, constitutes a notice be taken on the next adjourned application challenging the jurisdiction ”To my understanding, there was no violent contravention of Section 396 of date. Alleged N2bn fraud: court revokes bail, orders arrest of ex-Gov Babangida Aliyu, Nasir Nasko Justice A. B. Aliyu of the Federal duo for disrespect to court. while he is presently part of judges persons, Mr Osuman Mamma (SAN) High Court in Minna, Niger State The Economic and Financial handling disputes at the Elections was said to have written to the on Thursday, May 23, 2019, revoked Crimes Commission (EFCC) is Petitions Tribunals. court that he was before an election the bail granted to the former Niger prosecuting Babangida Aliyu and The matter was later assigned to petitions tribunal. State Governor Babangida Aliyu Nasko, following their alleged Justice Aliyu who is handling the But the senior advocate reportedly and the former state governorship involvement in about N2billion matter de novo (afresh) while the refused to send a lawyer to represent candidate of the Peoples Democratic money laundering and other hearing notices were issued to the him in court. Party (PDP), Alhaji Umar Gado financial crimes. parties over the fresh arraignment The development prompted the Nasko. The accused persons were formerly of Babangida Aliyu and Nasko. judge to revoke the bail granted to The judge, who was visibly angry arraigned before Justice Bogoro When the matter came up today, the defendants and later ordered over the absence of ex-Governor Yelin where they pleaded not guilty none of the accused persons was the warrant of arrest against the Aliyu and Nasko in court despite to the alleged offence. present in court just as their lawyers accused persons. the issuance of hearing notice, also But Justice Yelin has been were absent. The judge consequently adjourned ordered bench warrant against the transferred to another jurisdiction Lawyer to one of the accused the case till Monday, May 27, 2019. ...ensuring public accountability CR Corruption Monday, May 27th, 2019 EFCC NEWS 7 REPORTER Grass cutting scandal: EFCC presents first witness against Babachir Lawal, others he Economic and Rholavision Engineering around N3.5 million (Three Financial Crimes Ltd was the consultant Million, Five Hundred Commission, for the removal of Thousand Naira), only for EFCC, on invasive plant species consultancy fee which he Wednesday,T May 23, irrigation programme claimed was at 2.5 percent 2019, presented its first and construction of water of the total money and that witness, Hamza Adamu gates along the River the payment voucher was Buwai, as the Commission Kamadugu Yobe River, raised for the payment, opened its case in the which is about 250km but which also went through ongoing trial against awarded the contract to the due process of the the former Secretary to Josmon Technologies for government. the Government of the the alleged clearance of the However, the Prosecution Federation, SGF, Babachir invasive plant species and counsel, Offem Uket, Lawal, and three others, the irrigation programme. prayed the court to tender before Justice Jude the payment vouchers Okeke of a Federal Capital The witness further raised in the name of Territory, FCT, High Court, narrated to the court how he Rholavisio Engineering Ltd Maitama Abuja. knew the companies adding and Josmon Technologies Lawal along with that after the approval of Ltd with the attached his younger brother, the procurement process documents. Hamidu David Lawal; to the companies, that the But counsel to the fifth Suleiman Abubakar; Apeh Consultant, Rholavision defendant, Joseph Uzor, John Monday and two took the contractors, opposed the admissibility companies: Rholavision Josmon Technologies Ltd; of the document, Engineering Ltd., and to the site of the project, alleging that some of the Josmon Technologies were they commenced documents were not the Ltd, were re-arraigned work. original copies, adding that on an amended 10-count Buwai stated that when they are public documents charge bordering on fraud, the project was almost and required to fulfil diversion of funds and completed, Rholavision made to company after the funds at the that time, they section 104 of the Evidence criminal conspiracy to the issued Coalition Certificate approval by the Permanent were paid N225, 000,000 Act. tune of over N500 Million to the government Secretary, Special Services, (Two Hundred and Twenty The prosecution counsel, (Five Hundred Million demanding for payment in the office of theFive Million Naira) only. however, told the court that Naira) only. for the 95% of the job done, National Security Adviser, Explaining further, Buwai the documents are original At the resumed hearing, which was submitted to NSA, which is under the told the court the different adding that the documents the witness, a civil him, as the Accountant for office of the Secretary to processes that the payment being referred to; are servant with the Federal payment. the Government of the vouchers go through before attached to the payment Ministry of Industry, He explained that the Federation. payment are made adding vouchers, which is also the Trade and Investment, documents in the official The witness further told that the payment went original, explaining that Buwai, who was the Head file for payment, includes the court that the contract to the bank account of the said section 104, does of Finance, Presidential Certificate of Corporation, was valued at about N272, Josmon Technolgies Ltd., not apply to this, as it is Initiative For North East, Tax Clearance of the 500,000 (Two Hundred and stressing that payment of a single document in its PINE, attached to the Companies, Registration of Seventy Two Million, Five the consultants was based whole form. Office of the Secretary the companies with Bureau Hundred Thousand Naira), on the performance of the Justice Okeke after to the Government of for Public Procurement, only adding that it was contactors. listening to the arguments the Federation, OSGF, BPP, PENCOM Certificate, based on the 95 per cent He said after the said he is minded to give a told the court that he Industrial Training Fund conclusion agreement that evaluation of the considered ruling as similar was responsible for all Registration and letter for the companies were paid performance of the objections may arise and payments made by PINE the award of contract. the sum of N258, 000,000 contractors, the consultant, adjourned the case for a to contractors, consultants According to him, after (Two Hundred and Fifty Rholavision Engineering considered ruling to June and staff payments. verifying the documents, he Eight Million Naira) but Ltd, was paid 50 percent 17 and 18, 2019, for ruling According to him, requested that payment be based on the paucity of of their fees, which was and continuation of trial. Internet fraudsters bag one year jail term, forfeit N20m Justice M.S. Hassan of the an account belonging to United States of America, intent to gain advantage the Commission and also Federal High Court sitting Duru, who was subsequently USA, one John T. Benn, who for yourselves and thereby prayed that they be convicted in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday, arrested by operatives of the received money in Dollars committed an offenceaccordingly. May 21, 2019, convicted EFCC. and sent to him. contrary to and punishable Delivering judgment, and sentenced Paul Duru His arrest led to the On his part, Daniel had a under section 22 (3) and Justice Hassan convicted and and Edet Efiong Daniel, to apprehension of Daniel. relationship with one Sung (4) of the Cybercrime sentenced the defendants to one year in prison each for Duru was hired by Daniel, Yong Hwa, a Korean and (Prohibition and Prevention one year imprisonment each Internet fraud. a cat fisher, who presented Peter Davito, a Canadian. etc) Act, 2015.” without an option of fine. The convicts were arrested himself as Arbara Williams, The charge reads: “That The defendants pleaded The Judge further ordered in February 2019, following a 27-year-old Caucasian. you, Paul Duru and Edet “guilty” to the charge. the forfeiture of two laptops, a petition received by the A cat fisher is an individual Efiong Daniel, sometime in in view of the plea, two phones, the sum of Commission from a new who uses the Internet, and February 2019, in Lagos, the prosecuting counsel, N17,500,000 belonging generation bank. in particular, online dating within the jurisdiction of Bilikisu Buhari Bala, to Daniel and the sum of The financial institution websites to lure people into this Honourable Court, informed the court of a N2,500,000 belonging allegedly discovered some a scam romance. fraudulently impersonated plea bargain entered into to Duru to the Federal suspicious transactions on Duru had a ‘picker’ in the a white man online with by the defendants with Government. ...ensuring public accountability CR 8 Monday, May 27th, 2019 Corruption OPINION REPORTER Buratai: Africa’s encyclopedia on counter-terrorism

By Steve Jackson insurgents. democracy to be consolidated, the It was the revered Chinese war veteran military must not only play its part but Sun Tsu who echoed that a battle is must also fulfill the constitutional roles Basically, it’s not in the character of won and lost at the preparation stage assigned to them.” most Africans to appreciate merit and of troops. It means careless lacunas at And those thinking Gen. Buratai excellence, but warmly hug mediocrity. the stage of preparation could make the has forgotten about the rescue of the In Nigeria, this tendency is almost a best of armies lose the battle to enemy remaining Chibok schoolgirls and other national plaque. forces so easily. Nigerians still in the captivity of Boko The best hands in public service are But Gen. Buratai is an embodiment of Haram were reminded of it as the Army’s undermined and unfairly criticized, so this art of war. He is not just a fighter topmost priority. It means Boko Haram very sensationally. And it is sparkled of terrorists, but a military scholar factional leader Abubakar Shekau who for laughable and sentimental reasons and expert in terrorism strategies and has been forced underground into the in such region, ethnicity or even religion. tactics. He exudes it; he acts it in the Cameroonian mountains will also not So, performance becomes an ass in the trenches; reels it out to his Special Teams escape the swords of Nigerian Army, eye of the critic, insofar as the target is on Terrorism, at training grounds and with President Buhari’s latest refunding outside his favoured lenses. dazzles the academia in breathtaking of the MNJTF with $100 million. But very many clear-headed Nigerians lectures on terrorism. It is pertinent to recount the history appreciate and applaud the few best Days back, at a lecture, Gen. Buratai of Boko Haram terrorism in the country. performers one can find in the country. delivered at the Centre for Contemporary Nigerians familiar with it since the 2009 Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Security Affairs, Igbinedion University, resurgence and progression would attest leader of counter-insurgency operations, Okada, in Edo state, he reaffirmed his to its ever expanding tentacles. Nigeria Lt. Gen. TY Buratai is a rare breed, worth. also experienced its manifest embryonic performer per excellence and military The lecture titled: “Military and plots to make incursions to the Southern juggernaut. Democratic consolidation in Nigeria, part of the country before the Buhari He speaks and acts with an uncommon Appraisal of the Nigerian Army Counter- Presidency and the emergence of Gen. splendor. It’s doubtful whether Terrorism And Counter-Insurgency Buratai. President Muhammadu Buhari had any Operations,” the Army Chief for the But that Gen. Buratai has defiantly led inkling about the exact quantum of the umpteenth time, proved to Nigerians troops to confine Boko Haram atrocities professional treasures implanted in Gen. that President Buhari made no mistake to the Northeast and specifically to the Buratai when he appointed him in 2015 in appointing him leader of counter- Lake Chad Basin axis and the large to preside over the total dismantling of insurgency operations in Nigeria. Sambisa forest is significant. The heart terrorism and allied insurrections in The Army boss gave rare insights of Sambisa forest-Camp Zero has already Nigeria. into the complex security challenges, been conquered by the Nigerian Army It’s possible that the President himself unknown to many Nigerians. He was and deserving of eulogies. must have been pleasantly shocked or insightfully blunt that insurgency is not And it happened in less than three marveled at the extent of Gen. Buratai’s tackled with boots and guns alone. years. So, when President Buhari dexterity in executing the national It also inherently requires the infusion extended Gen. Buratai’s tenure of assignment assigned him. And surely, of political and security solutions, if office, some Nigerians who cannot and in contrast too, most Nigerians Nigeria plans to secure its democracy discern beyond the periphery staged are oblivious of the complexity and and good governance. Only this can out in dishonest and unpatriotic intricacies of battling and degrading make the country emerge stronger after remonstrations. The remonstrators insurgency. the multiple crises. It was a prophetic jealously overlooked Gen. Buratai’s When you read some withering vision into the future. splendous performance qualifying him commentaries from critics about Gen. Buratai shocked security dons in for retention. Nigerian Army’s warfare with terrorists the academia by releasing what is known But the President, a military tactician in Nigeria, it strikes you instantly of a in Nigerian parlance as “expo,” when he himself, knew exactly the treasures in pathetic gulf in knowledge. It informs gave a link to the success of Nigerian the “wonder boy,” Gen. Buratai in the instantly, these critics are unknowing troops over terrorists. He bellowed, “One trenches. And that’s why President on what it really entails to quench of the silent but radical changes in the Buhari feted him with tenure extension. terrorism. operations was changing the orientation By Gen. Buratai’s depiction, routing To some of these critics, quelling and mind-set of troops from a defensive out insurgency in Nigeria means both terrorism in Nigeria or anywhere in to an offensive posture.” the security and political leaderships the world is akin to a distress call; a To illustrate he is a leader, in touch utmost agreement, which must snowball call inviting the Police to crush armed with the tinges of his assignment, into the endorsement of a common robbers in the neighbourhood. It’s far the Army Chief exposed the leakages agenda. President Buhari and Gen. from such token of assumptions. prolonging the final defeat of terrorism Buratai share same concerns. And it In fact, striking a superiority edge in Nigeria. He does not consider himself explains why life has been animated in on insurgency, like Gen. Buratai and a sit-com Army General, but a field the Northeast currently. his troops have done in Nigeria in less defender of his people and so, quite At the moment in the Northeast, than three years is a hefty task. It’s not conversant with where the problem particularly Maiduguri, the hub of all about the military’s intelligence of lingers in the ongoing clearance Boko Haram terrorism, local and foreign organizing, training and equipping operations by Nigerian troops. journalists, UN officials, philanthropic troops to descend on terrorists. It’s That security is a collectiveorganisations, the Red Cross and special beyond the sound of boots and guns responsibility is an overbeaten cliché. delegations of countries across the or the worth of armoury or even And Gen. Buratai pricked the conscience globe now freely visit and unmolested competence of the field Commanders. of Nigerians and stakeholders to wake by insurgents to ascertain the extent of It demands much more! Those in up to some concealed realities. the defeat of terrorism in Nigeria. doubt should ask America how tough The Army boss was articulate that Interestingly, in spite of the enormous it has been to rout out terrorists in the porous borders, cross-border insurgency, pressure and stress on Gen. Buratai, he Success recorded Middle East in the past 16 years, with and insufficient international support in is not fatigued. He knows he covenanted so far is an thousands of American troops. terms of equipment and large space of with Nigerians upon his appointment as They should research into the history operational environment for troops are COAS and leader of counter-insurgency indication that of terrorism elsewhere, like in Pakistan, the hindrances for a quick extinction of operations to end terrorism anywhere for Nigeria’s Afghanistan, Iran, Britain, Kenya, Boko Haram insurgency. in Nigeria. democracy to be and hordes of other countries around Buratai, the Generalissimo of the He renews this covenant in his heart, consolidated, the the world. It is not an easy task; it is a counter-insurgency operations again every day he wakes up, thinking about military must tedious adventure to battle terrorists. assured Nigerians of triumph over Nigeria. Gen. Buratai knows, Boko not only play its Pre-war strategies and tactics are terrorism. He allayed the fears of Haram terrorists will not have peace part but must very essential. The intelligence of skeptics that with him as direct overseer in this country, until Nigerians first also fulfill the appropriately decoding the shrewd on counter-insurgency, insurgents reclaim their nation to savour the same constitutional strategies and tactics of terrorists, which neither have might nor energy to hold peace. roles assigned to is ever dynamic as well as harvesting it Nigerians hostage again. them to victorious advantage are the real He assured, “Success recorded so – Jonathan is a security expert recipes for victory in the battle against far is an indication that for Nigeria’s based in the USA. ...ensuring public accountability CR Corruption Monday, May 27th, 2019 OPINION 9 REPORTER EFCC: Journey to Jabi, one year after

By Tony Egbulefu That of Air Vice-Marshall Tony Omenyi the Commission on a three-count charge (retd) also fell within this range. He was that bordered on election bribery. committed to a seven years prison time The more cheery news, however, is that On April 10 this year, the Economic and without an option of fine by Justice Nnamdi the ubiquity of the Commission’s operatives Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Dimgba of a Federal High Court, Abuja, on at the polling stations across the country clocked16. By all measures, it has been 16 Thursday, February 28, 2019, having been ensured that the ugly trend which had years of command performance in anti- found guilty of the amended three-count spiraled out of control, only occurred few- corruption fight. It is instructional to recall charges brought against him by the EFCC. and-far-between in this year’s elections. that the success story of the Commission Justice Dimgba, also ordered Huzee Its worth recalling within the period under takes root in a small beginning that started Nigeria Limited, a body corporate, owned review that the Commission leveraged on the in No 15A, Awolowo Road, and 10 Okotie by Omenyi to forfeit N60,000,000 (Sixty opportunity of availability of office space to Eboh Street all in Ikoyi, Lagos and in a one Million Naira) to the federal government. embark on a recruitment drive, increasing its room office apartment in Bureau of Public In the area of recoveries within the period human capital with the full enrolment of 314 Enterprises, BPE, Abuja. on the radar, N11.5billion was recorded Assistant Detective Superintendents and From these crippling environments where in final forfeiture, N133.8billion in non- 183 Assistant Detective Inspectors following the Commission struggled with everything forfeiture recoveries, N8.92billion in direct the completion of their training programme It needed for efficient performance, men deposits, N38.12billion in tax recoveries, in May and January 2018, respectively and and material included, it earned instant N1.82billion in subsidy recoveries, and 293 Assistant Detective Inspectors currently cachet as the nemesis of the corrupt. All the N42billion from banks (third party), totaling undergoing training in Nigeria Defense more good news is that it has sustained and N236billion. Academy, NDA Kaduna. Also brought on improved on this by relentlessly being on These are in addition to recoveries board are 95 support staff who joined the the grind. of various sums in other currencies, Commission in January this year. With all the acclaim the Commission assets,jewelleries (gold) and recoveries With the improved staff strength, the earned in productivity outcomes, it operated for major government agencies including Commission expanded its zonal offices from as tenants in its Abuja offices barring the one NNPCand AMCON. 11to 14 with the establishment of three new at No 5 Fomella Street, Wuse 2,Abuja. To Within the first quarter of the current zonal offices in Makurdi, Sokoto and Ilorin. augment, it rented an adjacent block within year, the Commission has made recoveries All these strides, however, have come with same Fomella, and designated it Block C. which included: N205.9 million in cash, N2.7 added financial worries; especially as revenue Outside the Fomella perimeters, the billion in draft; $310, 718; 13, 500 pounds; allocation from the government in the past Commission scrapped out an office space 700 Euros; N5.6billion direct deposit. two years has progressively tapered. in Presidential Villa, had an additional in Furthermore within the first four months This year, for instance, the Commission Danube Street, Maitama and domiciled its of this year, the Supreme Court of Nigeria will have to grapple with only critical Legal and Asset Forfeiture office in on Friday, March 8, 2019 in a unanimous N3.6billionoverhead allocation that shrank yet another location in Ademola Adetokunbo judgment, it could be recalled, dismissed from N7.3billion, approved in 2018. Street, Wuse 2 close to Exclusive Stores. the appeal of a former first lady, Patience This is grime in the face of increased Mr. Tony Orilade, Acting spokesman of Jonathan, wife of former President Goodluck running cost, occasioned by the addition of the Commission recalls that it was risky Jonathan, against the interim forfeiture three zonal offices, the planned introduction and tiring, coordinating the huge activities order of Federal High Court, Lagos, to the of group staff life insurance ofN650million in the head office from these far apart offices, federal government of $8,400,000 (Eight and huge outlays on generator fuel cost. “especially for an intelligence outfit, which Million Four Hundred Thousand Dollars) Others are: increase in airfares and should be heard, and not seen,” he said. traced to her by the EFCC and believed to proposed 60 per cent increase in the rates May 15th, 2018 brought a change be proceeds of crime. ofduty tour allowance (DTA) payable to staff of narrative with the relocation of the Similarly, on March 14, 2019, the Nigerian on official assignment. Commission to its over N18billion showpiece apex court also dismissed an application by The capital budget allocation was headquarters in Jabi District, Abuja. MrsJonathan, which sought to upturn the also diminished by the Budget Office Aside the 10-flight steel-cladded edifice interim forfeiture order by a Federal High fromN15.196billion in 2018 to is every structure and facility that the Court, Lagos placed on the sum of N2.4 N3.978billion presently. This is amidst Commission had sorely needed. This ranged billion linked to her. challenges such as the Commission’s from a 16.800sqm parking lot for staff and It could also be recalled that the former N2.02billion outstanding liabilities to visitors to turnkey forensic laboratory block, Chief of Defense Staff, late Alex Bade on Julius Berger;N1.5billion cost runs on the luxury gender-separate cell blocks and self- March 4, this year forfeited six choice new head office complex; N0.299billion contained medical block, seated in a five properties and $1,000,000 (One Million liabilities for consultancy on the new head hectare stretch. Dollars) to the federal government, on the office; N0.47billion for purchase of security The path to the new headquarters began in order of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal equipment (ammunition); N1.1billion on 2011, with the foundation laying ceremony. High Court Abuja. furnishing of new head office building. Despite strictures from finances, it was Torein-in the menace of vote buying in Others in this category are: the delivered seven years after, May 15, 2018. 2019 general elections, (a pandemic financial development of the permanent site of The ease in operation the one-stop location crime that polluted the electoral space), the the EFCC Academy, Lafia; renovation of has afforded officers of the Commission Commission came up with a country-wide the old EFCC head office building, Wuse has amply found expression in superlative intervention. 2, Abuja,and the renovation of the Lagos outcomes. Explaining why the Commission needed Zonal Offices (10 Okotie Eboh and 15 The Commission within the first four to step out against vote buying, the Acting AwolowoRoad). months of this year, beat every record it Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, Also begging for financial attention are the has set in convictions within the same time noted that “vote buying is corruption that challenge of managing the huge and growing frame with a staggering 340convictions, is fundamental because if you buy votes, it fixed asset forfeiture base of the Commission establishing strongly that the 315 record follows that you must recoup what you have and inadequate ICT infrastructure. There is convictions it secured between January and spent, when you find your way into office.” presently a zero presence of internet services December 2018 will pale in both figure and Magu’s campaign against vote buying at the new head office and zonal offices, significance, this year. resonated in all the 14 zonal offices of the and in other ICT-related service deliveries, All these strides, Between May 15, 2018 and May 15, Commission, whose heads escalated the which by Magu’s recent disclosure will gulp however, have 2019, which marks the first anniversary message to voters in the 36 states of the a minimum of N800million to put in place come with of its relocation to the new head office, the federation with the common denominator and bring up to acceptable standard. added financial Commission consummated high profile cases that vote buying was not just financial crime, For all the Commission has achieved and worries; and earned convictions, including those of but casts slur on integrity of elections and a the challenges it has faced in its one year of especially two former state governors: Jolly Nyame thief of electoral mandates. relocation, the staff are immensely proud as revenue (Taraba) and Joshua Dariye (Plateau), who While several arrests of culprits were of Magu’s sterling leadership qualities and allocation from both bagged 14 years jail terms each, without made as well as cash seizures, running in happily rejoiced with him as Euro Knowledge options of fine. to millions of naira, the Commission also Group, an illustrious foreign investment the government While the appellate court added a fine of secured the conviction of a Gombe State network, on Tuesday, May 14, honored him in the past over N400 million to Nyame’s sentence, it councilor, Ishiyaku Garba. with “Exemplary Leadership Award 2019 for two years has reduced his jail time to 12 years and that of Justice Sa’ad Mohammed of the State Outstanding Leadership In Public Service.” progressively Dariye to 10. These two convictions were High Court jailed Garba for three months tapered unprecedented watershed in the annals of withN100,000 (Hundred Thousand Naira) – Tony Egbulefu is a staff of the Economic the country’s fight against corruption. option of fine following his arraignment by and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC ...ensuring public accountability CR 10 Monday, May 27th, 2019 Corruption ICPCNEWS REPORTER ICPC chairman directs FCSC, 4 other federal agencies to reform their systems he Chairman of the Independent and review, and citizen engagement as to stem corruption. Corrupt Practices and Other the necessary three-pronged approach to The Acting Director-General of Related Offences Commission combating corruption. PENCOM, Mrs Aisha Dahiru Umar, (ICPC), Prof Bolaji Owasanoye, in He also underscored the imperative of expressed her gratitude to ICPC for Taccordance with the Commission’s powers System Study and Review as an effective carrying out the exercise. She said the under S. 6(b) to direct and supervise corruption prevention strategy in the report would serve as a useful guide for Ministries, Departments and Agencies public service, adding that a review exercise her commission for improved processes, (MDAs) instructed agencies of the Federal on a particular agency could be triggered noting that since the system study and Government to implement reforms by an investigation, petition, request review was conducted, many remedial indicated by the Commission. from the government, the agency itself actions had already been taken to correct Prof Owasanoye was speaking during or a whistleblower report. He therefore the defects identified. the presentation of the reports of directed that the managements of the In his own response, NEPZA Acting system study exercises conducted on organisations implement the quick-fixes Managing Director, Engr. Terhembe the organisations by the Commission. prescribed within three months, while the Nongo, noted that the system study was Leveraging on Section 6 (b,c and d) of long-term issues, especially statute-related a great opportunity for the agency to the Corrupt Practices and Other Related ones, were being addressed. prime itself to achieve its mandate. He Offences Act 2000, which mandates it Prof Owasanoye revealed that the acknowledged that the findings of the to examine the systems and processes Commission may embark on further report were “flawless”, and promised to of government establishments for system studies of the organisations at ensure that all its recommendations were corruption-prone procedures and to direct the expiration of the deadline to monitor adhered to. reforms, the Commission had recently compliance, and that its enforcement On his part, the Executive Director conducted system studies and reviews of powers would be used on officials found (Technical Services) of REA, Mohammed Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC); to have committed infractions or ignored Wasaram, who represented the Managing Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS); Nigeria The reports on the agencies revealed its directives to diminish corruption. Director, Mrs. Damilola Ogunbiyi, said Export Processing Zones Authority some faults and lapses in their systems and The reports were favourably received by that the review had afforded his agency (NEPZA); Rural Electrification Agency processes among which include: capacity the managements of the organisations, and the platform to assess itself as they had (REA); and National Pensions Commission gaps in accounting staff; infractions in they generally indicated their willingness received a copy of the draft report earlier, (NPC). the operation of the public procurement to cooperate with the Commission. and had noted the inadequacies indicated During the exercise ICPC operatives policy, Federal Character Principle and The Comptroller-General of NIS, therein. painstakingly scrutinized the Structure, Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007. Other flaws Muhammed Babandede, commended The representative of the Chairman, Systems and Processes, Culture and had to do with the legislations setting up ICPC for the review exercise, stating FCSC, Bello M. Babura, a Commissioner, Stakeholder Perception of the stated the agencies, operational environments, that scrutiny by an external body always promised to provide ICPC with feedback agencies, and at the conclusion of which personnel recruitment and staffing issues. provided an opportunity for improvement. on his commission’s compliance, noting the Commission presented the reports of The ICPC Chairman drew attention to He gave the service’s commitment to that its Board was new in the saddle but its findings to the top managements of the the mandate of the Commission which effecting the recommendations of the was committed to working with ICPC to organisations during scheduled sessions at combines enforcement, system study report while also outlining many reforms reduce corruption in order to improve its headquarters in Abuja recently. introduced in NIS under his administration processes and service delivery. ACTU, an ally of management in ensuring accountability and transparency in MDAs – ICPC Chairman The Chairman of the Independent the Body of Benchers (BoB) Nigeria which of the legal profession in Nigeria, has the aimed at preventing corruption especially Corrupt Practices and Other Related took place in the Conference Room of the responsibility of showcasing a high level in the public service. Offences Commission (ICPC), Prof. Organisation in Abuja recently. of professionalism, good governance, She reiterated the organization’s Bolaji Owasanoye, has said that the According to him, “ACTU was transparency and accountability in the readiness to cooperate with the Anti- Corruption and Transparency established to serve as an institutional discharge of its mandate. Commission towards achieving the Units (ACTUs) in government Ministries, ethics and anti-corruption instrument He therefore advised the new ACTU objectives of ACTU, and promised to Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are designed to operate as an autonomous members to “live above board, show provide all the necessary support and set up to serve as allies of management in outfit with functional linkages with the sterling examples that informed their impetus needed for the actualization of ensuring accountability and transparency. office of the Chief Executive, to help in appointment, live up to the expectation of this well thought out initiative. Prof. Owasanoye spoke through Mr. fighting corruption and eliminating that trust and more importantly to work In his acceptance speech, the ACTU Abbia Udofia, Director, Corruption corrupt practices in MDAs”. with and support their management to Chairman of the organisation, Barr. Monitoring and Evaluation Department The Chairman noted in his goodwill realize zero tolerance for corruption”. Daniel Tela, promised that his team (CMED) of the Commission at the message that the Body of Benchers which In her welcome address, the Executive would work tirelessly to ensure that the inauguration ceremony of Anti- is the sole organisation responsible for the Secretary, Body of Benchers, Mrs. H.A. aims and objectives of the initiative were Corruption and Transparency Unit of formal call to bar, discipline and regulation Turaki commended ICPC for the initiative met. ICPC arraigns civil servant over N1m employment fraud A civil servant, Elvis Simon Okorenyi, that the latter had been successfully redeploying the victim from the Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud has been arraigned before Justice S. employed in the Federal Civil Service. Ministry of Information and Culture and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, C. Oriji of the High Court of Federal He was also accused of forging a letter to the Ministry of Health, and a forged 2000, Section 363 and punishable under Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, by the of promotion with intent to support Integrated Payroll and Personnel Section 364 of the Penal Code Act, 1990. Independent Corrupt Practices and his claim that the Office of the Head of Information System (IPPIS) registration The accused pleaded “not guilty” on Other Related Offences Commission the Civil Service of the Federation had print-out with the intent to support all counts of the charge against him (ICPC), for allegedly defrauding a job- approved Tavershima’s promotion to the his claim that his details were on the while his counsel, Paul Atayi, filed an seeker, Titus Tavershima, of N1 million. post of Senior Executive Officer. platform. application for bail. Okorenyi, who is a staff of the Federal The charge sheet further revealed According to the charge sheet, the In deciding the application, the trial Ministry of Aviation, is facing a seven- more forgeries by Okorenyi to actions of the accused person were judge granted the suspect bail in the count charge bordering on forgery and authenticate the fake employment contrary to and punishable under sum of N3 million and two sureties giving “fake employment” to a job- including a fake redeployment circular Section 8 (a) (ii) of the Corrupt Practices in like sum, who must be residents of seeker by forging an appointment letter purportedly from the Office of the Head and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, Abuja. with the intent to support his claim of the Civil Service of the Federation, Section 1(1) (a) and punishable under The case was adjourned to 27th July. ...ensuring public accountability CR Corruption Monday, May 27th, 2019 NATIONAL 11 REPORTER NEWS Magu rallies artistes, comedians against internet fraud, calls for collaboration brahim Magu, the up internet fraudsters, I acting Chairman of the strongly urge you all to Economic and Financial join hands with the EFCC Crimes Commission, to promote the culture and IEFCC, has charged Nigerian gospel of hard work with artistes and comedians to dignity”. join the anti-graft agency in Speaking on the the fight against corruption, efforts of the EFCC in its particularly internet fraud, enlightenment efforts and to lend their voices aimed at nurturing young to the Commission’s anti- minds against corruption, corruption fight. Hajiya Aisha Musa-Larai, “You have a very wide Head of Creative and reach, so lend us your Communications, Public voices, please let your works Affairs Department, used propagate and promote the platform to intimate integrity and the right the stakeholders of values,” he said passionately, various programmes of the as he stressed that they Commission targeted at remained key to winning the children and young people. war against internet fraud, “The Commission has and corruption in general. put in place Zero-Tolerance Magu gave the charge on Clubs at various Universities May 22, 2019 during an and Integrity Clubs in both interactive session with primary and secondary artistes, comedians and schools in conjunction with On-Air-Personalities (OAP), the National Youth Service which held at the EFCC Corps,” she said, noting that Headquarters, Jabi, Abuja. sole aim of combating the “Let’s find a way to reduce “there is always intelligence the programmes have gone “I urge you to raise a menace of internet fraud and or stop our teeming youths report that our officers a long way in sensitizing the collective slogan against all other forms of economic from engaging in internet get and investigate before young ones. all forms of criminality and financial crimes. fraud,” he said. effecting a warrant of arrest, She, however, noted that among our youths, He said: “I have always Making reference to and we don’t arrest innocent the call on the artistes and condemn in strong terms, stressed that we cannot the recent prosecution of people”. members of the creative ostentatious living without claim to have the monopoly popular musician, Afeez He noted that the concern industry was a clarion call credible sources of income, of knowledge of how to fight Fashola, aka Naira Marley, for the increasing cases of aimed at further cementing particularly the get-rich-at- corruption at the EFCC. for charges bordering internet fraud, prompted the efforts of the EFCC in its all-cost syndrome among the “We are however, driven on internet fraud, Magu him early in the year, to anti-graft crusade. youths,” he said. by the passion to explore all stressed with great concern constitute a Task Team given Expressing their desire to Stressing the important frontiers that will enable us that the EFCC was not the task to stem the tide of heed the EFCC’s clarion call, status, which the achieve a better society for “chasing” musicians. internet fraud in the country. the artistes and entertainers, Commission attaches our children yet unborn – an He said: “Let me use this “This Task Team has also urged the Commission to members of Nigeria’s egalitarian society and one opportunity to emphasize since swung into action, to help track the activities of entertainment industry, which we all can be proud of.” that we have no issues with and the outcome of what Ministries Departments and Magu called on them to “join He noted that the any member of this very you have is the increasing Agencies, MDAs entrusted hands with the EFCC in this engagement with the important sector of the cases and report of EFCC with funds meant to assist fight against corruption, members of the creative country. operatives rounding up entertainers in their job, because we need you more and entertainment industry, “I have said it in the past internet fraudsters across should be made to account than ever before to change was out of great concern and I will also like to restate, the country,” he added. for it and ensure that they the negative narratives about about the increasing cases that the EFCC does not go He however, noted with get to the recipients of such our country being havens of of “yahoo-yahoo” among after any innocent person. concern that “I don’t like funds, as this is necessary internet fraudsters”. Nigerian youths, and in the Our mandate is to rid Nigeria arresting them, but what can for them not to look in According to him, the EFCC belief that Nigeria’s creative of any form of economic and we do, we have to do our job”. the direction of internet was ready to collaborate with minds was critical to curbing financial crimes, and internet “While I restate our fraudsters, who are more the creative industry in the ugly trend, which has fraud is not excluded.” commitment to continue than willing to provide every way possible, with the given Nigeria a bad image. He further stressed that the intensity of rounding funding for entertainers. APC loses Zamfara as supreme court voids all party’s votes The Supreme Court has highest vote stand elected. elections. their certificates of return Peoples Democratic Party dismissed an appeal A cost of N10 million It had ruled that the high be awarded. (PDP) had scored 189,452 challenging the nullification is awarded against the court “failed to evaluate the A five-man panel of the to emerge second in the of the All Progressives appellant,” the court ruled. evidence before reaching the court by Tanko Muhammad, governorship election. Congress (APC) primary decision.” acting chief Justice of The total registered elections in Zamfara. The appeal was filed by Following the appellate Nigeria, Justice, declared voters in the state stood At its sitting on Friday, Mukhtar Shehu (pictured), court’s ruling, the that the APC did not conduct at 1,717,128 while the the court voided all votes the state governor-elect, Independent National valid primaries in the build- accredited voters were cast for the party during the challenging the judgment Electoral Commission (INEC) up of the elections. 823,294 with 792,938 as general elections at the state of a Sokoko appellate court withheld certificates of The panel, therefore,total valid votes. level, from guber poll to state which nullified the ruling return of the governor-elect ruled the party’s candidates The Independent National assembly. party’s primaries in the state. and that of the lawmakers- cannot be said to have Electoral Commission, The apex court ordered that The court of appeal had set elect. emerged the winner. going by the provision of the runner-up candidate be aside the judgment delivered The party and its candidates the constitution and the sworn in. by the Zamfara high court then filed an appeal seeking Who becomes the electoral law, will declare “Candidate other than allowing the APC to field that the appellate court’s governor-elect? the eventual winner of the the first appellant with the candidates in the 2019 ruling is set aside and that Bello Matawalle of the Zamfara poll. ...ensuring public accountability CR 12 NAT’L NEWS Monday, May 27th, 2019 Corruption REPORTER

SHORTNEWS Supreme court upholds President Buhari’s fight Fayemi’s election against corruption he supreme court has driven by political will upheld the victory of Kayode Fayemi in last Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, corruption effort, if you have year’s governorship Chairman, Independent Corrupt a leadership that voices it, and election.T Practices and Other Related stands firm on that matter, it At its sitting on Friday, the Offences Commission (ICPC) encourages you. court dismissed the appeal says President Muhammadu “However, I am not saying filed by the Peoples Democratic Buhari’s fight against corruption everything is hundred percent Party (PDP) and Kolapo is driven by political will. perfect,” Owasanoye said. Olusola, its governorship Owasanoye told newsmen The chairman debunked candidate, challenging Fayemi’s in Abuja on Thursday: ”the the notion that the Federal victory. government has been able to Government was favouring The Independent National fight corruption to the present persons that defected to the Electoral Commission had level notwithstanding the uphill ruling party, saying that was declared Fayemi winner of the task, cynicism and resistance by untrue. election. the opposition. “This government has been But Olusola challenged his “The government has been criticised that when people jump victory at the tribunal, alleging focused, and the highest and from one party to the ruling that the election was fraught the best part of it is the level of party, then they are clean, but with irregularities. political will,” he said. that is not true. The tribunal, however, struck He noted that with the “A number of the major out his case and ruled that present administration, there convictions that have been done Fayemi was credibly elected was no more record of “grand under this government have governor of the state. corruption” as there was been of ruling party members. It held the PDP could not during the 16 year-rule of the “But people just ignore that, substantiate its allegations proceeded to the supreme appeal on the ground that it opposition. they refuse to admit it. Some with credible evidence. court, asking it to nullify lacked merit. “Before now, people just take of the people who are being The court of appeal sitting in the judgements given by the The panel led by Tanko and move on, but not now. prosecuted are APC members. Abuja also delivered a similar tribunal and the appelate court Muhammad, acting chief Previous governments did “People still float this ruling after the case was filed in Fayemi’s favour. justice of Nigeria, subsequently not priotise corruption and narrative. Indeed no single before it. A five-man panel of the apex ruled that Fayemi was validly anything that a government major PDP person has been The PDP candidate then court, however, dismissed the elected. priotises as its programmes is convicted yet. But yet this what the media and the public narrative is promoted,” he said. talk about. The chairman, however, said “So, it doesn’t necessarily that there was still more to be Emefiele files defamation suit against Uboh, refuses mean that corruption is on the done to tackle the menace. increase presently. “If we don’t deal with to answer pending suit on misappropriation “Under Buhari’s government, corruption, we are going the there is a lot more discussion wrong way. There is no way Godwin Emefiele, governor of Nigeria). on Ministries, Departments and about corruption going on, the we can make progress with of the Central Bank Of Despite obtaining exparte Agencies, MDAs pursuant to the anti-corruption agencies and the corruption,” he said. Nigeria(CBN), has filed a order for the case against Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007. activities they carry out are all He said that a very good defamation suit against George Emiefiele, the apex bank governor “We are a Non-Governmental geared towards finding lasting economic climate and structure Uboh, the chairman of George has yet to answer to the pending and Civil Society Organization solution to the menace. would help deal with corruption Uboh Whistleblowers Network lawsuit and the Senate eventually interested in the way and “If you are leading an anti- to the barest minimum. (GUWN). confirmed Emefiele for a second manner Federal Government The suit is coming on the term in office. funds are being expended at heels of the bail granted George In the lawsuit filed against MDAs pursuant to the Fiscal INEC declares PDP’s Mutawalle Uboh on Friday by the Chief Emefiele by Uboh, a copy of which Responsibility Act, 2007. Magistrate of the Upper Area was sent to SaharaReporters, “We are calling on Nigerians Zamfara governor-elect Court sitting in Zuba, a suburb Uboh had alleged that the CBN on the homeland and in the of the Federal Capital Territory, under the watch of Mr Emefiele Diaspora to ask Emefiele to The Independent National any valid primary election and Abuja. conspired with Nigerian National account for and return $2.5 Electoral Commission (INEC) as such had no candidates for The bail did not materialize, Petroleum Corporation(NNPC) to Billion USD to Treasury Single Saturday declared Bello any of the elections in the however, because no sooner had divert Two billion, Five Hundred Account in line with President Mutawalle of the Peoples state. he been granted bail as regards and Sixty-four Million United Buhari’s TSA policy rolled out in Democratic party as the The court said the votes the Ned Nwoko allegations States Dollars($2,564000000 2015, and security agencies to governor-elect of Zamfara polled by the APC candidates than the police prosecution USD in 2015), money he arrest Emefiele within 72 hrs,” State. in the elections as wasted, pressed another charge, brought claimed was expected to be he said. The declaration cameadding that the party and the by Emefiele, against him.shared through Federal Account Uboh disclosed that he had after Supreme Court Friday candidates with the second Consequently, Uboh was not Allocation Committee(FAAC) in written to Emefiele several times nullified the elections of all highest votes and the spread set free and he has since been January 2016 to the three tiers to explain and disclose to public the candidates of the All in the various elections were remanded in Suleja prison. of government. how the money disappeared Progressives Congress in the valid winners. Meanwhile, Uboh was the first He also alleged that the apex but failed to act, saying he did Zamfara State in the 2019 With the judgment, the APC to file a suit against Emefiele. In bank boss in 2017 alone, under that in the interest of the public general elections. has lost the governorship, a case with the Suit No: FHC/ his watch under-declared and and whistleblowers within The five-man panel led national and state Assemblies ABJ/CS/419/2019 which has under-remitted $760,000,000:00 and beyond the CBN who have by the Acting Chief Justice elections conducted in Uboh as the sole plaintiff and USD exchange gains which furnished his organisation of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Zamfara State to the Godwin Emefiele, The Senate accrued from Bureaux De Change germane information on the Muhammad, the apex court opposition PDP. President, The Senate, Federal (BDCs) to Federation account financial malfeasance perpetrated declared the first runners-up Two factions of the party, Republic of Nigeria and The through Lagos, Kano, Abuja and in the apex bank under the watch in the 2019 general elections led by Senator Kabiru Marafa President Federal Republic of Awka. of Emefiele. in the state as the winners of and Governor Abdulaziz Nigeria as Defendants. Through He further accused the According to him, the CBN all the posts earlier declared Yari, respectively, had locked the suit, filed at the Federal governor of shunning Treasury under Emefiele’s watch in to have been won by the APC horns in a supremacy battle High Court , Abuja, Uboh had Single Account(TSA) policy collusion with NNPC denied and its candidates. over who controls the soul of asked the court to restrain the as rolled out by President the three tiers of government The apex court, in its the party in the state. Their Senate from exercising its ‘ Muhammadu Buhari in 2015. revenue from crude oil and gas verdict, upheld the judgment irreconcilable differences confirmational’ powers in regard He added that they (Whistle- from May 2015 to June 2016 of the Sokoto Division of the denied the party valid primary to the re-appointment of 1st blowers) are interested in how (14 months), but diverted over Court of Appeal to the effect elections for sponsorship of Defendant(Emefiele) by the funds generated by Federal $1.78 billion USD through fake that the APC did not conduct candidates, as required by law. fourth Defendant (the president Government are being expended accounts. ...ensuring public accountability CR Corruption Monday, May 27th, 2019 NAT’L NEWS 13 REPORTER Court convicts former NIMASA DG, Obi over N136million fraud he Economic and The prosecution proved the prosecution called eight Financial Crimes that the convicts converted the witnesses and tendered Commission, EFCC, sum of money, N136million, several documents, which were on Thursday, May 23, belonging to the Agency to their admitted in evidence by the 2019,T secured the conviction personal use on August 5, 2014. court. of a former acting Director- One of the counts reads: At the resumed hearing General, Nigerian Maritime “That you, Callistus Nwabueze today, Justice Olatoregun Administration and Safety Obi and Dismas Alu Adoon, on discharged and acquitted the Agency, NIMASA, Callistus Obi. or about the 5th day of August defendants of the charge of Also convicted was Alu Dimas, 2014, in Lagos within the conspiracy preferred against an aide to Patrick Akpobolokemi, jurisdiction of this Honourable them. a former Director-General of Court, did conspire amongst The Judge, however, NIMASA. They were convicted yourselves to commit an offence convicted them of conversion by Justice Mojisola Olatoregun to wit: Conversion of the sums and money laundering. of the Federal High Court sitting of N111, 000, 000.00 (One The Judge said: “The in Ikoyi. Hundred and Eleven Million prosecution has proved the The duo were arraigned naira) property of NIMASA, charges preferred against you alongside two companies, Grand knowing that the said sums beyond reasonable doubt with Pact Limited and Global Sea were proceeds of stealing, and evident conversion and money Investment, on April 12, 2016 on thereby commited an offence.” laundering of N136million”. an eight-count charge bordering The defendants pleaded not Justice Olatoregun, however, on conspiracy, conversion, and guilty to the charge preferred deferred sentencing to May money laundering to the tune of against them, thereby leading 28, 2019 and ordered that the N136million (One Hundred and to their trial. convicts be remanded in prison Thirty Six Million Naira). In the cause of the trial, custody. AFBA commends EFCC for tackling sacred cows, setting pace in Africa he Economic and copy from you by joining hand Financial Crimes with the EFCC in the fight Commission, EFCC against corruption. on Thursday, May “I always say the best 23,T 2019 received praise for strategy is collaboration. Let taking the anti-corruption us work together because fight to the doorsteps of some people don’t even know hitherto sacred cows in the that corruption is wrong, country and for being the that is why they celebrate “torchlight for the African the corrupt. They don’t ask Continent in the anti- questions. It is a responsibility corruption war.” of every Nigerian to come into The commendation came the fight against corruption. from the president of African It is good that the African Bar Association, AFBA Bar Association is here to Barrister Hannibal Uwaifo, recognize what we are doing while on a courtesy visit to and what we have done,” the Acting Chairman of the Magu said. EFCC,Ibrahim Magu, at the Top EFCC officials who Commission’s headquarters. joined Magu to receive the Uwaifo,who led a delegation included: the delegation of key officials Secretary to the Commission, of the association on the Ola Olukoyode; Head, Human visit,appreciated Magu’s Resources Femi Gbarufu and efforts in ridding the country the Commandant of EFCC of corruption and in setting Heal so appealed to the association for taking time to will sit down here and say Academy, David Tukura. the pace for a corrupt-free Commission to brand and visit the Commission and for you will do it alone. It is Others are: EFCC’s Directors continent of Africa. sponsor an EFCC anti- commending the EFCC in its not possible. No one can of Finance, Mr.Manigi; “I commend the corruption session in its anti-corruption fight. arrogate the knowledge of Director of Operations, Commission for taking the October event and in the “I thank you so much the fight against corruption. Mohammed Umar; Director, fight to the doorsteps of those regional conference of the for taking time to come So we need to mobilize Public Affairs Department, who think they were beyond association, coming up in July to the EFCC and for really everybody, particularly the Osita Nwajah and Director, reach. We also commend the in Bangui, the Gambia. He appreciating our efforts in professionals,” Magu said. Organisational Support, NT Chairman for his bold action further sought collaboration what we are doing. Lawyers He further emphasized Ibrahim. in spreading the fight around between AFBA and the by their profession are the need for collaboration by Members of the AFBA Africa,” Uwaifo said. Commission in the fight human rights activists and calling on all well-meaning delegation included: Ibrahim The president of the against corruption. corruption counters,” the organisations and bodies to Mark, AFBA’s vice president, association who described “We want EFCC to be part Chairman said. collaborate with the EFCC in Major General Y. Ishalangwa the EFCC as“torchlight for of our collaboration in the The EFCC boss reaffirmed the fight against corruption. of the Military and Security the continent in the anti- anti-corruption crusade for that the fight against “Let us talk about how Agencies Forum; Iyom corruption war,” used the which you have dearly put corruption cannot be done by we can partner and work Josephine Anenih(mni), opportunity to invite the your life at stake, because we one person, but that all hands together to improve the lot chairperson, Women’s Commission to the 2019 believe there are alot we will must be on deck. of Nigerians which is very Interest Forum and John AFBA annual conference, learn from,” Uwaifo said. “This job we are doing necessary. We welcome you David Merson, Deputy that will take place in Cairo, In his response, Magu cannot be done in isolation. and we are a willing partner. Country Representative, the Egyptian capital. thanked and appreciated the It is not a job that you All other associations should AFBA Ghana Forum. ...ensuring public accountability CR 14 NAT’L NEWS Monday, May 27th, 2019 Corruption REPORTER Buhari’s anti-corruption campaign below par – Transparency International, CISLAC ew days before his desired goals in the past four and Transparency Monitoring inauguration for years. Unit. a second term in “The recurrent lapses and On public procurement, office, Civil Society loss to the nation in oil and gas Rafsanjani insisted on prompt LegislativeF Advocacy Centre revenue as revealed in a report inauguration of the National (CISLAC) and Transparency by the Nigeria Extractive Procurement Council for International (TI) said Industries Transparency effective coordination and President Muhammadu Initiative (NEITI), which oversight public procurement Buhari’s anti-corruption indicate the poor attitude activities, active participation campaign has yielded little toward the implementation of in procurement monitoring, result. the previous report, the failure bid opening through its Demanding an urgent to pass into law the elusive established Procurement intervention as the new Petroleum Industry Bill, Watch Desk; integrity in cabinet is being anticipated exemplify this,” Rafsanjani the procurement process at a press conference in Abuja said. through transparency, Friday, the chair, Transparency Rafsanjani acknowledged stakeholder participation, International Nigeria and that the administration put accessibility, e-procurement Executive Director, CISLAC, in place the first-ever National system and appropriate Auwal Musa Rafsanjani Anti-Corruption Strategy in oversight and control with said Buhari’s government 2017, it noted that little has full implementation of has not delivered on anti- been done to put the strategy the National Procurement corruption commitments in motion. Act to ensure fairness, made to Nigerians and to the “The last four editions of the non-discrimination and international community. Transparency International’s compliance in the public “Having observed the Corruption Perceptions Index ownership, security reforms, Armed Forces. procurement processes. disturbing trends, events (CPI) are a testament to a slow oil and gas reform and others On the whistleblowing, the To ensure that judicial and occurrences in our dear or even stagnant progress in were marred in loopholes that bodies urged government reform becomes feasible, nation; noting the responses the fight against corruption in jettison the anti-corruption to pass the Whistleblower Rafsanjani said there must from government, groups the last four years with Nigeria crusade. Protection Bill, as a tool for be strict adherence to the and different stakeholders, scoring 27 out of 100 points in Indeed, the group asked sustenance fight againstrules of law by the judicial civil society legislative the 2018 CPI, the same score Buhari to what they described money laundering; ensure arm of government to avoid advocacy centre (CISLAC) and as the 2017 CPI and ranked as “Senseless Security votes, vibrant judicial system for all forms of prejudicial Transparency International 144 as opposed to 148 in the which accounts in total judicious interpretation activities; review of the (TI) states with concern that 2017 CPI. The score means for around N241.2 billion and implementation of controversial quota system corruption remains pervasive that there was no change in annually, a sum that exceeds the legislation; enable as related to its application in Nigeria,” Rafsanjani said. the perception of the state 70 percent of the annual policy environment for to the judiciary, particularly Buhari came into power in of corruption in the country; budget of the Nigeria Police whistle-blowers protection the Supreme Court and to 2015 promising to revamp the Nigeria has not improved in Force. to encourage persistent a lesser extent the Court economy, improve security the international comparison The group equally demand report or information on of Appeal; appointment of and fight corruption. But the in regard to perception of that the President must misconducts and corrupt an independent individual civic society organisations corruption,” Rafsanjani stated. make defence budgets practices; and discourage or person who is not in the said corruption has only He said implementation of more accessible for public continuous victimisations system, such as a retired Chief increased exponentially. key anti-corruption strategies scrutiny; appoint civilian and unjust treatments against Justice of Nigeria, a retired In the oil and gas sector for such as the Freedom of oversight in charge of military whistle-blowers as well as President of the Court of instance, the group said the Information, whistleblower procurement and encourage strengthen whistleblowing Appeal or a respectable and reforms meant to address regime, public procurement, the culture of reporting mechanisms by anti-graft experienced legal practitioner corruption in the extractive judicial reform, educational corruption within the ranks institutions within public as Chairman of the National sector has fallen short of reform, land reform, beneficial and files of the Nigerian offices using Anti-corruption Judicial Council EFCC secures conviction of eight illegal petroleum dealers Justice Fatun Riman of Umana; Asuquo Ita pleaded guilty to a one- litres of petroleum product, government.The defense the Federal High Court, Bassey; Okon Edet count amended charge Automotive Gas Oil, counsel, Wole Ayewumi sitting in Uyo, the Akwa Solomon; Anthony Okon read to them. AGO), stored in 501(Five made an appeal for a light Ibom State capital, on Effiong; Asuquo John The charge reads:Hundred and One) drums, sentence for the convicts Wednesday, May 22, 2019, Esuya; Victor Okon “That you Victor Umana, 300 (Three Hundred)on the grounds that they convicted and sentenced Moses; Bassey EffiongAsuquo Ita Bassey, Okon litres, each loaded in a are married men with no eight illegal dealers in Antai and Vincent Okon Edet Solomon, Anthony wooden boat and thereby prior criminal records and petroleum product to six Antai, were first arraigned Okon Effiong, Asuquocommitted an offencedid not waste the time of months imprisonment by the Commission on John Esuya, Victor Okon contrary to Section 4(1) the court. with N20000 (Twenty May 10, 2019 on three- Moses, Bassey Effiongof the Petroleum Act Cap Justice Riman convicted Thousand Naira) option count charge, bothering Antai and Vincient Okon P10 of the Revised Edition and sentenced them of fine each and a total on conspiracy and illegal Antai on or about the (Laws of the Federation accordingly. forfeiture to the federal dealing in petroleum second day of April, 2019 of Nigeria) 2004 and The convicts were government of 150,300 products. They all pleaded at Uyo, Akwa Ibom State punishable under Section arrested in April by the litres of diesel (automotive not guilty to the charges. within the jurisdiction 4(6) of the same Act.” Nigerian Navy “Forward gas oil, AGO), illegally However, at the of this honourable court, In view of their guilty Operating Base,” Ibaka, conveyed in 501 drums. resumed hearing on without lawful authority plea, the prosecution Mbo Local Government They were prosecuted by Wednesday, the convicts, and appropriate license did counsel Adebayo Soares Area of Akwa Ibom State, Economic and Financial following a plea bargain deal in 150, 300 litres of urged the court to convict and handed over to the Crimes Commission, agreement they reached Automotive Gas Oil, AGO the offenders and order a EFCC on April 8, 2019, for EFCC. with the Commission, (One Hundred and Fifty forfeiture of the petroleum further investigation and The convicts: Victorchanged their plea and Thousand, Three Hundred product to the federal prosecution. ...ensuring public accountability CR Corruption Monday, May 27th, 2019 NAT’L NEWS 15 REPORTER Saraki calls for progress in corruption fight as Federal Audit Service Bill passes enate President institutions – you must fight against corruption; of our agencies not audited of Nigeria, Bukola strengthen the institutions truly it is a bedrock. and do not send audit Saraki has called for that will do it and this is a “I want us to commend reports. It is through this the strengthening Bill that will do that. We all those who have Bill that we will begin to ofS institutions as the hope this time around done this and I hope tackle those issues.” government continues we would be successful Mr. President this time Senator Matthew in its fightagainst and get the assent of Mr. around would assent to Urhoghide representing corruption. President,” Saraki said. this Bill because this is a the Edo South senatorial Saraki made the He called the bill a Bill that will go a long way district presented the remark during plenary bedrock in the fightin helping the government report of the Committee on Wednesday after the against corruption, stating fight corruption. on Public Accounts on the Federal Audit Sevice Bill that the bill tackles issues “As long as the agencies Federal Audit Service Bill, was passed by the senate of non-accountability of are not audited and do 2019. after the third reading. numerous agencies in the not provide audit reports, Senator Ibrahim The senate president Nigerian government. we are just paying lip Gobir seconded that the expressed hope that “Let me thank the service to the fight against Senate has received and President Muhammadu Chairman of the Public corruption. consider the report of Buhari would sign the bill. Accounts and our “There is no way we the Committee on Public “The fight againstcolleagues. This bill is a can say we would make against corruption if we Accounts on the Federal corruption is through very important Bill in the any progress in the fight still have over 200 – 300 Audit Service Bill, 2019. EFCC launches probe on syndicate ripping Nigerians off under the guise of safeguarding their nomination Over Buhari’s next cabinet The Economic andby telephone to confirm acknowledge the receipt contacted on Wednesday, men immediately. Later, Financial Crimes their identity after which of your completed May 8, 2019 by one I received an email that I Commission has the victim is told that they nomination form and to Mrs Blessing Agbana, had been cleared. instituted a probe into had been nominated for also inform you that your purporting to work for He added, “Mr. Roland the activities of a syndicate a cabinet position and is file has moved to the office the Chief of Protocol to Aga, with phone number ripping Nigerians off under informed the information of the National Security the President. 08155884850, called the guise of safeguarding must be kept secret. Adviser for security He gave her phone that he had to go to the their nomination for The potential victim clearance having being number as 0810442229. Senate to get the time President Muhammadu is then asked to send approved by my office. “She then said she for appearance. He called Buhari’s next cabinet. their Curriculum Vitae, “Besides, you are being would forward an email back after the 10am the syndicate had and is then sent a screened for a position address to which I should appointment to request successfully fleeced anomination form bearing among the portfolios urgently forward my that we on the list were number of Nigerians a letterhead and seal of the of the federal executive CV. My true caller check requested to express across all walks of life of ‘Presidency’. council on the directive confirmed that name.appreciation before millions of naira in the A day or two after of the President. This These are the emails: screening. name of “processing fees.” the form is signed and is an official process asovilla.statehouse@ “He said he was going to The anti-graft agency’s returned via email, the to verify nominees for presidency.com or come up with an average action was triggered by a victim receives an email the prospective unity [email protected] of suggestions from the petition, dated May 17, supposedly from the State government. Dr. (Mrs) Blessing Agbana. 20 nominees. He came 2019, sent by one of the House Protocol Office “I crave your indulgence I forwarded my CV, which up with N200, 000 to victims. acknowledging receipt of to kindly contact the was acknowledged. A be paid to this account: It was learnt that the completed form. Chairman, Security nomination form was David U. Benardin, UBA the syndicate forged a The potential victim is Clearance Committee forwarded to me. I 2121106931” letterhead and created then informed in the same Team whose name and completed the form as A retired official of email addresses of letter that their file had contact appear below for above. the Bureau for Public the office of the Vice- moved to the office of the directives bearing in mind “I was asked to check Service Reforms, who was President, National National Security Adviser, that you have 48 hours to my email for a message also approached by the Security Adviser as well as having been approved by be cleared or declined. Mr. indicating that my syndicate, was saved by his the State House Protocol the protocol office. Sunday Iduh (Chairman) nomination had been instincts. Department for this He is then given the — 08104021735.” approved. I contacted Mr. A source familiar with purpose. name and telephone The letter was signed by Sunday Iduh as indicated the case said, “When the syndicate targets number of a member of Senator Lawal Abdullahi on 08104021735. they called him with former and serving the syndicate who is said Kazaure, State Chief “He (Iduh) said I information about his heads of federal and to be the Chairman of the Protocol to the President. needed to pay N30,000 purported nomination state government Security Clearance team Once the victim per security agency as and he needed to follow establishments. for further directives. contacts the so-called administrative charge. I their instructions, he A petition to the EFCC At this point, the victim chairman, the fleecing said that was impossible told them he didn’t by one of the victims is advised to comply with begins. The victim is then since that was a Friday. ask to be nominated, (name withheld), who is a the directives given by asked to provide funds He offered to facilitate and that to ask him for prominent academia from the said chairman within to obtain clearance from if I could quickly pay money for processing one of Nigeria’s leading 48 hours or risk being security agencies as well the N150, 000 into the was inappropriate. The second generation federal dropped from the list. as the Senate. account of Jude Philips, conversation ended there. universities, gave an An excerpt of the letter While narrating his the secretary of the Only God knows how insight into the syndicate’s entitled: ‘Request to Reach ordeal, a victim, who spoke screening committee at many others have fallen mode of operation. the National Security on condition of anonymity FCMB 5706723016. victim and are unwilling A member of the Adviser’s Office (sic) for for fear of his safety as well “I paid and he to take the matter up syndicate normally Clearance’, reads, as not to jeopardise EFCC’s acknowledged receipt and because they are too contacts a potential victim “This is to officially investigations, said he was that he had deployed his embarrassed.” ...ensuring public accountability CR 16 NAT’L NEWS Monday, May 27th, 2019 Corruption REPORTER N500bn social investment scheme has failed in North –Aisha Buhari President Muhammadu somebody from Kano because Mr President; this is what is Buhari’s wife, Aisha, has of the population and political called next level. They didn’t rubbished the N500bn Social impact it made. I have never allow us to participate in Investment Programme of asked how the money is politics but now they have her husband’s administration, being used or is being given started giving us hope that saying that it failed “woefully” out. I met Barrister (one of we can be involved in certain in the North in particular. the President’s aides on SIP) things.” Aisha, who hails from once and he promised me that On the anti-drug Adamawa State, said the for my state (Adamawa), we committee chaired situation in her home state, should get 30,000 women to by a former Military as far as the implementation be given N10,000. Up till now, Administrator of Lagos was concerned, was pathetic. I haven’t heard from him. State, Buba Marwa, the She also cited Kano, a “I don’t want to raise the President’s wife recalled how highly-populated northern alarm that my state does not she practically made herself state, as another example benefit from it, where the SGF a member to ensure that where she believed the (Secretary to the Government things went well. programme failed, despite of the Federation) came from, She added, “I also the huge funds the Federal I kept quiet because I don’t managed to put myself as Government budgeted for it. want people to say that I talk member of the committee The SIP is domiciled in too much. Recently, I saw a and the wife of the Vice- the Office of Vice-President 74-year-old man selling petty President. The wife of the Yemi Osinbajo, but its direct things in Kano, I asked him Vice-President (Dolapo implementation is done by how much is his capital, he Osinbajo) has worked very the Senior Special Assistant told me between N3,000 and well; it took her one year to to the President on Social N4,000. Don’t forget that we go round schools in Abuja Investment, Mrs Maryam have campaigned to give the because of the level of abuse. Uwais. poorest of the poor N5,000 Many girls don’t go to school Mrs Buhari bared her every month. of the northern states do not nets. because they are afraid of feelings on Saturday in “So, I don’t know where get it. My state does not get She noted, “I have heard being raped while returning Abuja during an interactive is the social investment… it. about mosquito nets, Nigeria from school or when their programme she organised Maybe, it worked out in some “How many of you paid its counterpart fund, parents are away. for women at the Presidential states. In my own state, only (women in the hall) get it in $16m. I asked them to give “You know most of Villa. a local government benefited your state? My state did not my own share of the net to their parents are farmers. For instance, she disclosed out of the 22. I didn’t ask what benefit from it.” send it to my village people. The revelation is beyond that though Uwais informed happened and I don’t want to The women responded by I didn’t get it. comment. I asked her to her that 30,000 women would know, but it failed woefully saying that they got nothing “They have spent $16m publicise her discovery but be beneficiaries in Adamawa in Kano, it’s not a good sign in the past four years. in buying mosquito nets, I she didn’t; if she had done State, four years had passed and it’s not a good thing. She argued that did not get it, maybe some so, it would have served as a and there was no evidence “We have a lot of women the method employed people have got it. But I lesson. that the SA kept her word. that do business locally due in implementing the feel that, that’s my personal “Over N12bn has been The President’s wife spoke to the cultural thing in the programme in the North was opinion, $16m is enough released by the President in detail, expressing her North, they are at home faulty, a reason she believed to fumigate mosquitoes in to take care of trauma cases disappointment. doing their business. Some it failed there. Nigeria. That’s my opinion.” across the country. Can you She went on, “Concerning are millionaires, some have “It worked out well in a However, she commended please monitor the money? the N500bn voted for SIP, that thousands of naira, they situation whereby they have the SGF, Mr Boss Mustapha, The ministers are going very was part of 2015 campaigns need the assistance but they market associations but I was for the initiative to include soon and the money is being where they promised to give do not get it. Most northern thinking different methods women in the inauguration released.” out N10,000, feed pupils in women do not belong to any should be used in the North”, programme of her husband On the 2019 polls, she primary schools and give market association. the President’s wife stated. for his second term on May called on the All Progressives N5,000 to the poorest of the “I was expecting the Amid applause from 29. Congress to refund the poor. N500bn to be utilised in women in the hall, Mrs She stated further, “I money female contestants “The SSA to the President different methods in the Buhari also criticised the will also like to use the spent to purchase on Social Investment is a lady North for the aim to be $16m counterpart fund said opportunity to thank the nomination forms since from Kano and I am sure that achieved. I don’t know the to have been used so far on SGF for including women the women ended up being my husband decided to put method they used, but most procurement of mosquito in the inaugural activities of marginalised. MTN confirms EFCC investigation over listing on NSE MTN Nigeria Communications NSE. The News Agency of float of 20 per cent before of MTN, up till now no Plc on Saturday said that it “MTN Nigeria has not been Nigeria (NAN) reports that listing. prospective shareholder can was being investigated by accused of any wrong doing by there have been reports of Sunny Nwosu, Founder, tell you this is what MTN the Economic and Financial the EFCC. scarcity of the shares since Independent Shareholders Nigeria stands for,” Nwosu Crimes Commission (EFCC) “We wish to reiterate that after its listing, which resulted Association of Nigeria (ISAN), said. over listing of its shares on we received all regulatory to alleged price manipulation. in an interview with NAN He said that the exchange the Nigerian Stock Exchange approvals required to list our Consequently, some described the listing as “a had set a bad precedent in (NSE). shares on the NSE, as publicly minority shareholders had fraudulent game.” the market by allowing some A statement posted confirmed by NSE and the decried the inability of retail “Our conclusion as companies to list without on the exchange web site Securities and Exchange investors to have access to the shareholders is that they have meeting the free float signed by MTN Nigeria Commission (SEC). shares since May 16 after the come to play us a game which requirement thereby cresting Communications, Company “As a law abiding and listing. is not far from fraudulent a bad image. Secretary, Uto Ukpanah responsible corporate citizen, They accused capital market game, the nominal value of But the NSE recently said confirmed the investigation. we are cooperating fully with regulators of conniving with MTN shares is not certain. that the total number of The statement said that the authorities. MTN Nigeria Communications “These are areas I think MTN shares in the hands of the company received a ” We are committed to good to allegedly manipulate the SEC should ask NSE questions over 700 Nigerians, who are letter on May 23, from EFCC governance and to abiding by performance of the share price rather than the issue of gifts not promoters, controlling requesting information and the extant laws of the Federal at the exchange. sharing at AGMS and ban of interests, directors, that were documentation related to the Republic of Nigeria,” said the They said that the MTN pre-AGM. unbundled upon listing was listing of our shares on the statement. Nigeria did not meet the free “We are not certain about 1.8 billion. ...ensuring public accountability CR Corruption Monday, May 27th, 2019 17 REPORTER FEATURE Corruption in the Nigerian power sector

By Ebi Dressman

The Nigerian power sector has been faced with several challenges leading to reform initiatives. In spite of the provisions of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act of 2005, the reform is yet to yield desired or anticipated result, largely owing to corruption and impunity of perpetrators, regulatory lapses and policy inconsistencies. The country has also lost more megawatts in the post-privatisation era due to corruption, impunity, vandalisation of gas pipelines, among others. A report titled: “From Darkness to Darkness”, published by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), estimated total financial loss to Nigeria from corruption in the electricity sector, starting from the return to democracy in 1999 to date, as being over N11 trillion of public funds. It also estimated that it may be over N20trillion in the next decade in view of the rate of government’s investment and funding in the power sector, amidst the dwindling fortune and recurrent revenue shortfalls. power sector are contained in part two of required for their operations for varied The 64-page report by SERAP traced how the report. The report identified the power reasons, and have resorted to difference corruption has been institutionalised in sector in Nigeria as standing next to oil and means of survival, ranging from borrowing, the power sector. The organisation revealed gas in proximity to corruption , in view of taking advantage of government subsidies, how Nigerians are being made to pay for the overwhelming evidence of institutional deferring payments, over-billing paying electricity not consumed as a result of high improprieties in the sector and more for customers, reluctance to install pre-paid level of corruption that has pervaded the the fact that electricity is the most widely meters and other corrupt means. sector. It further revealed the fact that lack used form of energy in the country. The report also revealed that members of knowledge and recognition of socio- According to the report, the structural of staff functions fell prey to corruption economic rights have continued to rob arrangement under the current electricity due to politicians’ interference in routine Nigerians of major requirement that is key regime makes for the perpetration of personnel decisions such as recruitment, to socio-economic development. institutionalised corruption due to over- transfer, promotion, and disciplinary Aside from the Executive Summary centralised governance arrangement. action. The group also found out that on various corruption cases and This further justifies the arguments for petty corruption in the electricity sector recommendations laid out in 16 pages of decentralised electricity governance has become a recurring phenomenon and the report, there are eight chapters, which systems. it has eroded the work culture of the utility addressed topical issues bordering on According to SERAP, corruption in the sector through extortion or harassment of corruption. Each chapter is very thorough sector manifested through fraud, moral consumers among other illegal dealings. in its approach to corruption that has turpitude, misappropriation of funds, Although SERAP was not able to back its become endemic in the power sector over acquisition of illegal wealth and offering, findings with reliable data, it contended the last 18 years. giving, soliciting or acceptance of an that rough estimates by industry experts Although SERAP made concerted effort inducement or reward that may influence showed that the amount involved in the to establish the nature of corruption in the the actions taken by any authority, its so-called petty corruption was significant. power sector, not all the cases listed could members or officers. Part three of SERAP’s report revealed be established due to lack of documents to Its findings also revealed that the power how corruption thrived under the various back them up. sector has a history of corporate fraud and Power Ministers between 1999 and 2015. Part one of the report showcased the financial malfeasance ranging from theft, The report revealed that policy fact that Nigerian power sector has been false accounting, bribery and corruption, inconsistencies had fueled corruption and faced with several reform initiatives due deception, collusion, and taking advantage ineptitude in the power sector. Except to the nature of the Nigerian state, which of deficiencies in the regulatory system. for the late Chief Bola Ige and Rilwan is characterised by a confluence of factors. The group further identified other types Lanre Babalola, whose tenure were not It noted that economic interests, political of corruption in the sector, which includes accused of corruption. The tenure of other forces, capitalists’ entities and other power or electricity theft by end-users, who four ministers, according to the report, bureaucratic institutions determined consume power and circumvent billing or were alleged to have been involved in Its findings also and influenced the nature of the power tap into electricity from a Disco illegally monumental corruption, running into revealed that sector in Nigeria. It said these absurdities without paying bills for such electricity billions of naira and several millions of the power sector manifest vividly in crippling the much- consumption. dollars. While the research was unable has a history of hyped electricity sector reforms in the This form of corruption is rampant to locate any documents, reports or any corporate fraud country. This, it said, was the reason among low-income electricity consumers official or unofficial document alleging and financial the power sector reforms in the country in Nigeria. corruption on the part of the late Chief malfeasance under the Electric Power Sector Reform According to the report, more than Ige and Babalola while they served as the ranging from Act of 2005 is yet to yield desired or the one-tenth of Nigerian households and Minister of Power and Steel, the same theft, false anticipated results, owing largely to companies pay one form of bribes or cannot be said of other ministers. accounting, corruption, regulatory lapses and policy another for electricity services. Theft SERAP’s report also looked at the bribery and inconsistencies. of electricity, it noted, thrives with dispositions, achievements and failures on Even though almost any form of energy, the support of utility staff, consumers the part of past Ministers of Power from corruption, from tides, flowing water, wind, waves, labour union leaders, political leaders, 1999 to 2015 with a view to ascertaining deception, steam, and water rising from geysers bureaucrats, and high-level utility officials. whether the problems are the sector itself collusion, and sunlight, among others, occurring in Almost every operation in the Nigeria in terms of its nature or complexities and taking nature, can be converted into electricity, it electricity sector is vulnerable to theft, or inherent greed, incompetence and advantage of is a settled matter that the importance of be it generation, transmission, or corruption attitudinal dispositions of the deficiencies in energy to the country led to the ineluctable distribution,”the report said. Nigerian political class/actors. the regulatory need for the reform. It also noted that it happened because In the second part of the report were system The organisation’s preliminary, general the DISCOs have been unable to adequately findings and the nature of corruption in the bill or collect minimum amount of revenue Continue on Page 18 ...ensuring public accountability CR 18 FEATURE Monday, May 27th, 2019 Corruption REPORTER Corruption in the Nigerian power sector

From Page 17 of the rapporteurs, neither the Federal Government, the NERC nor the DISCOs reported but outstanding cases of had taken steps to reverse the tariff. corruption in the power sector under the There were other celebrated cases of period covered either by Commissioners corruption in the power sector, including of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory that of the diversion of public fund for Commission (NERC) or officials of the the purchase of 47 SUVs allegedly bought Ministry of Power and Steel. In all, a total by a former Permanent Secretary of the of eleven cases of corruption were reported Power and Steel Ministry for the campaign by SERAP with the most outstanding organisation of former President Goodluck of them being the outrageous salaries Jonathan, the alleged misappropriation received by some members of the Abuja of money meant for Rural Electrification DISCO. Agency (REA) by a former Senate According to SERAP’s findings, a major Committee chairman on power and his labour crisis had unfolded at the Abuja House of Representative counterpart, Electricity Disco over an alleged fraudulent among other undocumented corruption allocation of outrageous salaries and in the sector. perks to a few officials while a privileged The report identified other problems of few drew as high as N36 million a month the sector to include low power generation, from the public liability company that is increased tariff without corresponding operating on deficit, majority of equally increase in power supply, a distorted qualified and even more critical members electricity market, poor gas supply and of staff absorbed from the previous vandalism of gas pipelines. government-owned Power Holding There were also challenges in the Company of Nigeria, PHCN, allegedly creation of new electricity markets, lack received peanuts. of proper regulation of Gencos and Discos, After PHCN’s privatisation, the lack of competition, lack of capacity government retained substantial stakes building and insufficient technical experts in the distribution companies, including “Not all the salary actually gets into their the NERC on its decision that it wanted in the industry”, among others. the Abuja DISCO, which means the (contract staff’s) pockets,” Mr. Okaisabor to increase the electricity tariff. The suit Based on its findings, SERAP no doubt, government is entitled to part of the explained. instituted against them for the intended has provided grounds why Nigerians profit. But this must happen only after “The contracting firm has some personal act at the Federal High Court sitting in should not be made to pay the price for the operation cost of the company, arrangement to get part of the money Lagos, presided over by Justice M. B corruption in the electricity sector and comprising overhead and personnel cost, paid to them as salaries by the company. Idris. But while the action was pending in the major reason for the darkness in are deducted. The practice is that the contracting firm Court and a subsisting restraining order which the nation has been plunged. To Surprisingly, for about four years, the gets the money from the company and was obtained against them. Despite the ensure this, the organisation devoted company recorded only losses instead pays the staff. Most of the names found pendency of the suit, NERC still went the last four chapters of the report to while at the same time paid outrageous on the company’s payroll are either non- ahead and increased the electricity tariff. providing appropriate and well thought- salaries to a select few. existent or belong to persons who work In his judgment, Justice Mohammed out recommendations and what needed The research, in respect of this particular directly for Madam’s (Ms. Mark-Ojie) Idris had annulled the increment in to be done by the government, Attorney- case, revealed a situation where the highest other companies”. electricity tarrif by NERC and DISCOs. General of the Federation (AGF) and paid director takes home N36 million “The staff said the special arrangement The Judge described NERC’s action Minister of Justice and different anti- a month, while a staff with Ordinary must have been in connection with as procedurally ultra vires, irrational, corruption organisations to reverse the National Diploma (OND), takes home as allegations that at least 60 per cent of irregular and illegal. Justice Idris, while situation and makes the power sector work high as N1.9 million monthly. the salaries credited to most of the high relying on Sections 31, 32 and 76 of the for us in Nigeria; where possible, with The selected few earn jumbo perks, earners on the company’s payroll every Electricity Power Sector Reform Act detailed documents to back its allegation majority of the key staff retained from month goes to Ms. Mark-Ojie. (EPSRA) 2005, held that, “NERC acted of corruption against certain individuals PHCN are paid between N50, 000 to N150, “Some of the names on the AEDC outside the powers conferred on it by the and organizations. 000. payroll, which raised eyebrows were Act and failed to follow the prescribed SERAP also provided the government Further findings by the organisation those of two contract staff hired in 2014 procedure. and other related partners with a workable revealed for instance, that apart from and posted to the Lokoja District office. Justice Idris had also held that the tariff report, detailing the rot in the electricity discriminatory salaries paid to about They include Akanku Olusegun, a National increase from July 1, 2015 was done in sector, but most importantly, made useful 3,658 workers on the company’s payroll Diploma holder in Electrical, and Higher breach of the status quo order. The Judge recommendations to the office of the in 2013, the partly-publicly owned AEDC National Diploma (HND) (in view), who is also declared that the NERC’s action was AGF, the Federal Ministry of Justice and was also allegedly engaged in consulting paid N823,764 per month.“ clearly hasty, reckless and irresponsible. appropriate agencies such as the EFCC, the house of fraud and corruption. Adesulu Adebayo, another National “This country is in a democracy where the ICPC on what cases should be revisited and Diploma holder in Electrical in the same rule of law shall prevail over impunity investigated to ensure that those who stole According to the report: office, who takes home N764,097.60 or whimsical desires. Anything to the from the sector does not escape justice. “research reveals monumental fraud salary every month. contrary will be an invitation to anarchy. It The report also contained and corruption in the company’s payroll Curiously, several of their colleagues in is the law that what is done officially must recommendations to state governments, traceable to an agency, TBS Consulting, various district offices with either similar be done in accordance to the law,”he said. citing items 13 and 14 of the Second hired to handle staff recruitment in qualifications or superior university The judge declared that “the increment Schedule, Part II, Concurrent Legislative 2014. TBS consulting was hired by the degrees of many years’ standing, are paid in electricity tariff, which took effect after List, on what they should do to ensure Executive Director, Human Resources a paltry N50,000. the institution of this action and while a that residents of their states enjoyed and Corporate Affairs, Tolulope Mark-Ojie. “Ms. Mosunmola brought in from TBS restraining order is subsisting is hereby uninterrupted power supply. Ms. Mark-Ojie hired Yusuf Mosunmola, Consulting, remains one of the highest declared illegal and same is hereby set But all these recommendations and one of the directors and a key member of paid officials, who pockets a whopping aside”. initiatives of SERAP to government, the the TBS consulting management team, N1.84 million pay every month. This He also directed the NERC to reverse to AGF and anti-corruption agencies, will as Head, Organisational Development & is in addition to the N27million and the status quo while restraining it from come to nought unless the government Learning for AEDC, and then allowed her another N10 million paid to her as further increasing electricity tariff. and all relevant agencies, the DISCOs to continue to function simultaneously in furniture allowance and accommodation Similarly, following SERAP’s and Gencos play their respective roles to both positions. respectively, aside from the obvious intervention, two United Nation’s special ensure that sanity is restored to the power challenge of conflict of interests by rapporteurs had ruled in November 2013 sector and that those who put the nation According to SERAP: working for AEDC and TBS Consulting against the increase in electricity tarrif into darkness through corrupt activities “A director revealed in a document simultaneously,” the report alleged. in a joint letter of concern sent to the do not escape justice. that all the contract staff recruited by Another segment investigated was the government of former President Goodluck To say the least, the report is well- TBS Consulting for AEDC had “special attempt of the NERC, being the regulators, Jonathan and to the effect that “access researched, well-documented and well- arrangements” with Ms. Mark-Ojie on to increase electricity tariff while a suit to electricity is a significant problem in written, thus making it easy for the how the salary penned against their names seeking to refrain the act was pending at Nigeria”, and raised eight questions for government and anti-corruption agencies would be split. the Federal High Court. the government to answer within 60 days.” to know what to follow and should be According to findings, a consumer right But in spite of these landmark done to save the electricity sector and the Quoting: activist, Toluwani Yemi Adebiyi had sued judgments of the court and the decision economy. ...ensuring public accountability CR Corruption Monday, May 27th, 2019 19 REPORTER FOREIGN BRIEF It’s been the honour of my life’ FIFA bans South Sudan official – Theresa May resigns as PM for 10 years for heresa May says she will step “I negotiated the terms of our exit. I down as the British Prime have done everything I can to convince corruption Minister on June 7, 2019. MPs to back that deal. Sadly I have not FIFA, the international Making her resignation been able to do so. football governing body, Tspeech, the second female prime minister “It is a matter of deep regret that I has banned South Sudanese of the UK said: “It is now clear to me that have not been able to deliver Brexit. My official Chabur Goc Alei for it is in the best interest of the UK for a successor will have to find a consensus. 10 years for corruption, the new PM to lead that effort”. Consensus will only be possible if those organisation said on Friday. “I am today announcing that I will on both sides of the debate ‘compromise’.” Alei was also fined 500,000 resign as Conservative leader on Friday The leader of the Conservative Party Swiss francs (499,200 dollars) 7 June. I have agreed with the party said it has been the honour of her life to for having “misappropriated” chairman that the process for electing serve as prime minister, breaking down in funds from FIFA’s grants to a new leader will begin in the following tears as she uttered those words. the South Sudanese football week.” “Our politics may be under strain but federation (SSFA), of which Delivering her speech in front of there is so much that is good about this he was president, in 2014 and Number 10 Downing Street, May said: country, so much to be proud of,” May 2015. “Ever since I first stepped through the said. Alei was also found guilty door behind me as PM I have striven to “I will shortly leave the job that it has of having “offered gifts or make the UK work not just for a privileged been the honour of my life to hold.” benefits” in violation of FIFA’s few but for everyone and to honour the Theresa May succeeded David Cameron code of ethics. result of the referendum. in July 2016 after the Brexit vote. Trump extends his corruption into the intelligence agencies Because this is the Donald Trump [Australia] that the Trump Campaign era, the news that the president has had received indications from the “repeatedly urged” the Army Corps of Russian government that it could Engineers to give a lucrative contract assist the campaign through the to a GOP donor and frequent Fox anonymous release of information News guest is only the second most that could be damaging to Hillary scandalous story of the day. The most Clinton,” and the Australians informed scandalous is this one: the FBI. President Trump has granted Barr is not trying to learn more Attorney General William P. Barr about whether there was something “full and complete authority” to fishy about that investigation. He’s declassify government secrets, issuing looking for information that can a memorandum late Thursday that then be selectively declassified in orders U.S. intelligence agencies to order to help Trump and undermine cooperate promptly with Barr’s audit his perceived enemies. If that involves of the investigation into Russia’s compromising sensitive intelligence, election interference in 2016. he won’t hesitate for a moment. The president’s move gives Barr We can be pretty sure of what’s broad powers to unveil carefully going to happen. Barr will scour guarded intelligence secrets about every record he can to learn as the Russia investigation, which the much as possible about the Russia attorney general requested to allow investigation. Whenever he comes him to quickly carry out his review, across something that can be spun to according to the memo. make the FBI or anyone Trump has Barr’s “investigation” is nothing decided is his enemy look bad, he’ll put but a propaganda exercise, an effort it in the “Declassify” pile. Then he’ll to provide ballast to the lunatic idea One official, who spoke on the be someone who is only too happy to release it all to the public and hold a that there should never have been condition of anonymity to discuss deceive the public, mislead Congress, news conference where he suggests any investigation at all into Russia’s classified matters, said previously go on Fox News to spin on the that there was a conspiracy to take attempts to help Trump get elected that Mr. Barr wanted to know more president’s behalf, and generally act as down Trump. The president will then president. But we have to be clear about what foreign assets the C.I.A. though the only purpose of his office take to Twitter to proclaim that he about just how shocking this order had in Russia in 2016 and what those is to cover up for Trump. The idea that was indeed the victim of a vile witch from Trump is. informants were telling the agency this political hack would conduct any hunt that has at last been exposed. The executive order notabout how President Vladimir V. investigation related to this president The news media, in possession of only only gives Barr permission to Putin of Russia sought to meddle in with any other goal in mind is, at this the materials Barr has chosen to give “declassify, downgrade, or direct the 2016 election. point, not even worth discussing. them, will struggle to avoid amplifying the declassification or downgrading Needless to say, the identity of Which is why it’s so important to and reinforcing Barr’s claims. of information or intelligence” to foreign assets is one of the most emphasize that his investigation is In case you were wondering what whatever degree he likes, but also sensitive categories of information a propaganda exercise. Its purpose is happens when an infinitely corrupt orders the leaders of every intelligence intelligence agencies hold. If we had not to discover some unknown truth, president decides to use the powers agency to give him whatever he wants. a different attorney general, you because despite what Trump and Barr of the federal government for his own If he wants to declassify something might say, “Well, surely he’ll exercise have said, we know exactly how the self-interest with the help of lackeys and they object, tough luck for them. the utmost care in what he reveals to Russia investigation began. It began, he has installed to protect him, this is The New York Times reports that the public.” But with virtually every as the Mueller report states, when it. Now just wait until he tells Barr to this is “likely to irk the intelligence action Barr has taken and statement Trump aide George “Papadopoulos go after the Democratic nominee for community”: he has made, he has shown himself to suggested to a representative of president. ...ensuring public accountability CR 20 FOREIGN NEWS Monday, May 27th, 2019 Corruption REPORTER South Africa’s deputy president, accused of corruption, faces uncertain future outh Africa’s deputy Mcebisi Ndletyana, a political president, David Mabuza, scientist at the University of who has long been dogged by Johannesburg, said: “For now, the accusations of corruption, announcement is positive for the abruptlyS postponed the ceremony country and for good governance. to swear him in as a lawmaker on But it’s too early to tell whether it’s Wednesday, casting doubt on his good politically or not.” future as the country’s second in Mr. Ramaphosa, who is still command. struggling to unify the African Just two hours before recently National Congress behind him, elected legislators were due to be appointed Mr. Mabuza as his sworn in at the National Assembly, deputy after becoming president the governing African National in February 2018. A longtime Congress released a statement saying ally of Mr. Zuma, Mr. Mabuza that Mr. Mabuza had requested switched sides at the last minute a delay in his case. The party said at the A.N.C.’s internal election that he wanted first to respond to in December 2017, handing Mr. an internal report “in which he Ramaphosa a narrow victory to is alleged to have prejudiced the become party leader and, eventually, integrity of the A.N.C. and brought the country’s president. the organization into disrepute.” Mr. Mabuza’s role in Mr. Mr. Mabuza has decided “to follow Ramaphosa’s ascendancy has been the dictates of his conscience and a cloud over the president. postpone his swearing in,” added the Mr. Mabuza was the subject of an statement, which was attributed to investigative article in The New York President Cyril Ramaphosa. Times in August that described his The announcement — coming The deputy president has usually of wrongdoing in a long-running rise in Mpumalanga, for decades two days after Mr. Mabuza publicly succeeded the president to become government inquiry into state one of the most corrupt provinces expressed confidence that he would the nation’s leader — a tradition corruption, including close allies in South Africa. return as Mr. Ramaphosa’s No. 2 — that had positioned Mr. Mabuza of Mr. Ramaphosa, were sworn in Using public funds, especially could amount to the first significant to eventually take over from Mr. on Wednesday, but two of them those earmarked for education, Mr. shake-up inside the African National Ramaphosa. had withdrawn their names from Mabuza and his allies built one of the Congress since the general election Mr. Ramaphosa has been under the A.N.C.’s parliamentary list a most powerful political machines in this month. The party held on to increasing pressure to clean up his day earlier. One of the two, Malusi the country, turning Mpumalanga — power but, reeling from widespread party. During the prelude to Election Gigaba, is a former finance minister a small province in the east of the voter disillusionment about endemic Day, the A.N.C.’s own integrity who was found guilty of lying under country with little economic clout corruption, won its lowest share of commission recommended that oath to Parliament and was a close — into the A.N.C.’s second-biggest the national vote since the end of many senior figures implicated in ally of Jacob Zuma, the scandal- voting bloc at the party election that apartheid in 1994. acts of corruption — including Mr. tainted former president who propelled Mr. Ramaphosa to the In South Africa, the president Mabuza — be stricken off the party’s resigned last year. presidency. chooses the deputy president candidate list. On Monday — following days of In a letter to The Times, Mr. and other cabinet members Party leaders, wanting to speculation in the local news media Mabuza wrote: “I abhor corruption.” from among the members of the avoid internal warfare during that Mr. Ramaphosa would replace The article fueled widespread debates National Assembly. Mr. Ramaphosa the campaign, said that they Mr. Mabuza as South Africa’s deputy in Parliament and in the news is expected to announce those would consider the commission’s president — Mr. Mabuza dismissed media over Mr. Mabuza’s fitness to selections next week, and it is recommendations only after the the reports. serve as deputy president, but Mr. unclear what would happen if Mr. election. “All the speculations are wrong,” he Ramaphosa has made no public Mabuza were not in the assembly Most of the lawmakers accused told reporters. comment. by then. FIFA to put ‘corruption’ back into ethics code FIFA is restoring the offense of corruption cases against The updated code also of “corruption” to its code soccer officials in recent years, introduces more stringent of ethics, almost one year including criminal prosecutions rules over who can sit on the after facing criticism over the and jail sentences. ethics committees which symbolic removal of the term. FIFA said “corruption” investigate and rule on cases. AP has seen a proposal that was removed for “reasons of The latest ethics case verdict will be presented to the FIFA language clarity,” but president was announced by FIFA on Council meeting next month Gianni Infantino later blamed Friday, banishing the former showing section 27 will become a “misunderstanding” for the president of South Sudan’s “Bribery and corruption,” revision which didn’t change soccer federation from the rather than the heading just the nature of offenses that can game. being “Bribery.” be prosecuted. Chabur Goc Alei was banned The eye-catching adjustment The about-turn on the need for 10 years and fined 500,000 to the code last June that for “corruption” to be in the Swiss francs ($499,000) for removed “corruption” from code is due to be completed misappropriating funds from the English version turned when FIFA Council members his federation’s annual grant into an uneasy episode for approve amendments at a from Zurich, and development a governing body trying to meeting in Paris in two weeks’ project money in 2014 and clean up its image after a wave time. 2015. Speech

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