ICPC doing a wonderful job N450m Fraud: EFCC re-arraigns ex – public complaints boss Page 11 minister, Wakil, four others Page 6

...ensuring public accountability CR

CorruptionVOL. 1 NO. 20 REPORTER Monday, June 24th, 2019 www.corruptionreporter.com @corruptionrep [email protected] Battle for ministerial appointments rages as president prepares final list Page 15

The criteria Buhari must adhere to selecting ministers for his 2nd term administration PAGE 4

OPINION Page 7 Governor Ganduje says Page 13 Dealing with head armed robbers, not money- counts in Civil Service eating gorilla, stole $22,000 ...ensuring public accountability CR Monday, June 24th, 2019 Corruption 2 REPORTER ...ensuring public accountability CR Corruption Monday, June 24th, 2019 3 REPORTER EDITORIAL Nigeria’s significant Diaspora: A key resource bloc that government CorruptionCR must explore for nation building REPORTER EDITORIAL TEAM igeria assistance to the diaspora matters”, provides country. appointed as its PUBLISHER one of the This massive export Chairman, and Idris Abiodun Usman largest pool has also come at a cost has been working ofN migrants to other to the country as the assiduously to connect countries of the world, remittances figure Nigeria to a more with the Nigerian fails to capture the formidable Diaspora. CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD diaspora estimated to productivity and tax The government of Majeed Dahiru be in the region of 5 contributions of these President Muhammadu to 15 million people Nigerians to their host Buhari had floated spread across virtually countries. the first ever Nigerian every continent of the The Diaspora has Diaspora bond, to EDITOR world. been an economic give members of the Mohammed Basah Large swathes of block that Nigeria Nigerian Diaspora Nigerians can be found has never really opportunity to invest in countries such as the harnessed in a formal securely in their home United Kingdom, South way to develop the country and it was GROUP NEWS EDITOR Africa, United States country, the way other subscribed fully at Femi Lawson of America among countries’ citizens in 300million Dollars. others, with London’s Diaspora tend to retain As the president Peckham referred to as a close affinity to their commences his second a mini-Lagos owing to homelands. term, the Nigerian INT’L CORRESPONDENT the preponderance of Beyond unstructured diaspora is a key Willem Vermeer immigrants from Lagos remittances, there constituency that there. is a need to tap into must be explored and The Nigerian Diaspora this knowledge and mined to create an is also known for resource pool to even more prosperous WEBMASTER their excellence in run our national Nigeria that created Benedict Aguele all walks of life in institutions and drive opportunities for all different countries of investments into our her citizens. the world. According country. Rather than seeking PHOTO EDITOR to the 2010 census of A situation where so called “expatriates” Emmanuel Kenny Bako the USA, Nigerians about 40% of trained for jobs that our are the most educated medical doctors in countrymen are doing ethnic group, with the Nigeria, where there with great aplomb highest percentage is already an acute in other climes, the PAGE PLANNER of University shortage of medical government of the day Xtanlee Uche Echidi degree holders of all doctors, does not must seek out these African immigrants portend well for the ones and give them having average country and calls for prominent roles to play household income of a paradigm shift in in the emerging Nigeria $94thousand. government priorities within the fourth MISSION STATEMENT The Nigerian to arrest this drain. industrial revolution Diaspora, which The National that is well underway. was described by Assembly had in 2017 Our Diaspora has Where feeble minds Andrew Nevin, Chief passed a Bill for a shown time and again compromise integrityand Economist of Price Diaspora Commission, that Nigeria is more dignityand refuse to speak Waterhouse Cooper which was promptly than an oil exporting out, we will lift our voices in (PWC), as “Nigeria’s signed into law by country and there is no defence of Nigeria and its biggest export”, in then Acting President better time than now people against corruption, 2018 made remittances Yemi Osinbajo. The that we are trying to inpunity, bad governance of $25billion, a sum Commission would banish the wastefulness that was about 83% later see Hon. Abike of the past, to use them and those who trample the of the Federal budget Dabiri-Erewa, who to create opportunities laws of our land under their and about 8times the described it as “a for our massive feet. Official Development one stop agency for population. ...ensuring public accountability CR 4 Monday, June 24th, 2019 Corruption COVER REPORTER The criteria Buhari must adhere to selecting ministers for his 2nd term administration aving won the last consume what we produce”. More general election and than ever, we need people who been sworn in for a can drive the president’s vision to second four year tenure, fulfilment. andH having gotten the issue of the leadership of the legislative arm of Youth and women government out of the way, the next In his first term, President Buhari major task confronting President had appointed just three women to Muhammadu Buhari and the ruling his cabinet, but gave key positions All Progressives Congress (APC) is of Finance and Environment to the selection and constitution of a Aisha Mohammed (who went on to competent cabinet that will deliver become Deputy Secretary General on the aspirations of Nigerians who of the United Nations) and Kemi turned out in their number s to cast Adeosun respectively. Both had their votes. performed creditably, as Adeosun Nigeria has been through some steered Nigeria out of a major stormy weather in th4 last four economic recession and stabilized years, with the president working the states at a crisis point when assiduously to entrench a new way payment of salaries had become of looking at government business an uphill task for them not to talk that is a departure from the past of infrastructural development. when there was little delineation Amina Mohammed drove the between public resources and advocacy for the implementation private interests. While the of the UNEP Report on pollution administration scored a lot of points in Ogoni land, which led to the on the anticorruption front with launch of the cleanup of Ogoni and the adoption of the Treasury Single the establishment of the framework Account (TSA) public accounting for its implementation. system, among other measures to The next cabinet requires a higher track government expenditure as dosage of such star performers for well as the prosecution of many gender balance and more dividends who had in the past been perceived to the Nigerian people. The as untouchables in Nigeria. government also needs a lot more One area the President did not get of youthful vigour and creativity to the right policy leadership support deliver on the peculiar challenges to deliver more of his promises to before the nation today. Having Nigerians was in the quality of his sanitized the system, the next level cabinet, which underwhelmed in should incorporate more of the a lot of respects. The cabinet was younger generations, who will carry dominated by core politicians and on the legacy after the generation struggled in a lot of respects such president is no more. as the infamous certificate saga Nigerians, under the pretense of Beyond the mere academic exercise that consumed the former Minister helping to push their nominations of choosing from each state, the Global worldview of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, among through the gamut of security President has a responsibility of The global economic and geopolitical others. clearances that must be obtained for hunting for people in all the states of space is undergoing serious tectonic their nominations to scale through”. the federation who are trust worthy, shifts and the ministers Nigeria Next level This week the news has been and share his worldview, to drive his needs at this time are those with The President’s reelection campaign awash with stories about ongoing agenda for the people. a globalized worldview, who are was encapsulated in the mantra “consultations”, by President able to understand the times and “Next Level”, which essentially Muhammadu Buhari, with leaders Competence prepare Nigeria to effectively with outlined his plan to consolidate on of the APC across the states to seek Nigeria is not lacking in qualified a new world. The world today the areas he had made impact in the their input into the composition of men and women to drive even is driven by Information and first term “Change” government. The his cabinet. the most complex systems in the Communications Technology, “Next Level” would require a solid To achieve this cabinet, the world, as has been proven by our with traditional industries being cabinet that will provide leadership President must look beyond the people who have excelled in so disrupted and dislocated in ways in key sectors of the economy to regular pool of political jobbers many different fields for decades that many couldn’t have imagined ensure the critical infrastructure who see ministerial and other all over the world. President Buhari less than a decade ago. In the last and environment is provided for appointments as “job for the must give competence major decade, the United states of America the average Nigerian to thrive even boys” or compensation for their consideration in selecting members was a major purchaser of Nigerian when they do not have government “loyalty” to the cause of the party of his cabinet to put Nigeria, where it crude oil, but today she is not only connections which has created an or the president. In nominating rightly belongs, at the top echelons the largest producer of crude in economy of influence peddling and his cabinet, bearing in mind the of the comity of nations. Progress the world owing to the Shale oil patronage. current situation in the country and has been made, with huge savings boom, in the next year it will begin With the elections done and the need to take the country to the made on wasteful spending in areas exporting crude to countries such dusted, many Nigerians, according “next level”, there are some criteria such as salaries and joint venture as India that have become the new to reports, have begun the high the President must consider. cash calls in the oil sector among destination for Nigerian crude sales. level lobbying and canvassing for other, but to move these a couple The next set of ministers must nomination into the new cabinet. Constitution of notches in ways that have more show capacity to understand the key Last month the Economic and The 1999 constitution (as amended) meaning to the ordinary Nigerian. drivers of the global economic and Financial Crimes Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, The next class of ministers Nigeria political undercurrents and steer the (EFCC), had begun investigating which is the source of the president’s needs are men and women with ship of the country in the direction a syndicate that was in the act of powers to nominate ministers proven track record of performance of major players, with inclusive fleecing unsuspecting Nigerianfor confirmation by the National in the fields of the portfolios they growth for Nigerians. President VIPs under the guise of securing Assembly, makes clear that will be assigned in the cabinet. Buhari has made clear to Nigerians nominations for them in the new “President shall appoint at least one Nigeria needs people with strong that he will sustain his fight against cabinet. The syndicate, according Minister from each State, who shall leadership ability, who will engage corruption and those of the elite to sources close to the investigation, be an indigene of such State” and and secure the buy-in of Nigerians class that have held Nigeria back “had been in operation since that such person so nominated “is to help drive the president’s agenda from taking her place in the comity April and had defrauded over 200 qualified for election as a member for a Nigeria where, in his own of nations. of the House of Representatives”. words “we grow what we eat and ...ensuring public accountability CR Corruption Monday, June 24th, 2019 5 REPORTER EFCCNEWS Olukoyede tasks EFCC staff on hard work, diligence he Secretary to the he paid an unscheduled visit to the Mr Olukoyede further implored the staff and to assure them of the Economic and Financial Kaduna Zonal Office of the EFCC. members of staff to shun corrupt management’s interest concerning Crimes Commission, EFCC, He urged the staff to redouble practices, stating that “the their welfare. Olanipekun Olukoyede, has their efforts in the fight against Commission will not tolerate any In his response, Kaduna Zonal Tcharged staff of the Commission to be corruption, noting that the fight act of corruption perpetrated by any Head, Mailafia Yakubu assured that diligent and dedicated to their duties. against corruption was the key staff.” EFCC staff were ready at all times to Olukoyede made this appeal on responsibility of every staff of the He noted that his visit to the zonal work for the greater success of the Wednesday, June 19, 2019 when Commission. office was to boast the morale of Commission. EFCC, YIAGA Africa partner on anti-corruption fight The acting Chairman of the Economic ‘Upright Campaign’ by Youth Initiative for there is no increase in petrol price and from “We are here to see how we can and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Advocacy, Growth & Advancement, YIAGA that petrol attendant who must resist the complement the successful efforts of the Ibrahim Magu has stated that for the war Africa, a Non-Governmental Organization. temptation of fiddling with the meter to EFCC being the foremost anti-corruption against corruption to be won, Nigerians He said: “People cannot ordinarily expect make extra gain,” he added. agency in the country in ensuring that this everywhere must critically self-assess things to change, when on their own He gave assurances that the EFCC was menace called corruption is reduced to the themselves to ascertain if they have been and at their own levels, they fail to take willing to partner with any “serious” Civil barest minimum,” Keshi said. part of the solution or problems recorded positive actions that promote integrity Society Organization, CSO, to ensure the Further shedding light on the ‘Upright in the war. and accountability. eradication of corruption in the country. Campaign’, Keshi stressed that the goal Magu spoke through Usman Imam, “The fight against corruption must start Speaking earlier, the YIAGA Africa was to use the “bottom-top” approach to Head, EFCC’s South-East Zonal Office with that market woman who refuses to representative, Keshi, said the visit was the fight against corruption, by instilling in in Enugu while receiving Tracy Keshi, alter the measuring cup to make more in recognition of the role of the EFCC in the common man virtues of transparency, Project Officer of Strengthening Citizen’s gains. the fight against corruption, and to solicit hard work, and sincerity which in turn will Resistance Against Prevalence of “It must start from that conductor that for partnership in the actualization of the promote attitudinal change among the Corruption, SCRAP-C, a component of must not add more money to the fare when SCRAP-C programme. citizenry. Court adjourns Masari’s N107.7m fraud case to July 2 Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Umar Masari on or about the 27th November, At the resumed hearing yesterday, Court, Abuja, has adjourned till July 2, for 2014, at Abuja within the jurisdiction Justice Abang asked the defence counsel, continuation of hearing in the case involving of the honourable court did transfer the Abubakar Mogaji to furnish the court with the former Director General, Small and sum of N9, 000,000 (Nine Million Naira) the document upon which he relied to object Medium Enterprises Development Agency only, to one Benjamin I. Aboho, from your to the evidence of the prosecution at the last of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Bature Masari. Diamond Bank Account No.0041899190, hearing, but Mogaji disclosed that he had Masari is being prosecuted by the when you reasonably ought to have known unfortunately misplaced it and therefore Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, that the said money formed part of the sum withdrew his objection. EFCC, on a 17-count charge, bordering of N50,000,000 (Fifty Million Naira) only, He however, pleaded with the court to on money laundering to the tune of paid to you as gratification by Hamshakin move a motion on the abuse of court process N107.7million (One Hundred and Seven ventures Ltd and you thereby committed which the judge had already ruled on, but Million, Seven Hundred Thousand Naira) an offence contrary to Section 15(2) (6) the prosecution counsel, Iheanacho Ekene, before Justice Abang. of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act objected to the plea, arguing that the matter Masari’s initial arraignment by the 2011 as amended by Act No. 1 of 2012 and had become “functus officio.” Commission was on May 27, 2019. punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Justice Abang adjourned the case to July 2 One of the charges reads: “That you Bature Act”. and October 8, 2019 for continuation of trial. Fake EFCC employment officer, internet fraudster bag jail terms Justice J.K. Omotosho of the Federal as genuine a pretext, which you knew assurance that he would receive an Fraud and Other Related Offence Act 2006 High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt, to be false and thereby committed an appointment letter from the EFCC that and punishable under Section 1(3).” the Rivers State capital on Tuesday, offence contrary to Section 1 (2) (c) of would qualify him for training by the He pleaded not guilty to the charges June 18, 2019 convicted and sentenced the Miscellaneous Offences Act CAP EFCC. After waiting for sometime without when read to him. He, however, changed Bisong James Oyen, a fake employment M17 of the Revised Edition (Laws of any communication from the EFCC, he his plea on Tuesday, June 18, 2019, to officer of the Economic and Financial the Federation of Nigeria) 2007 and reported the matter for investigations “guilty”, thus paving the way for his Crimes Commission, EFCC, to two years punishable under Section 1 (2) of the and the results showed that Oyen was conviction. imprisonment without an option of fine. same Act”. neither a bonafide employment officer of Justice Omotosho convicted and Similarly, Kelvin Ogbonna, an internet He pleaded not guilty to the charges at the EFCC nor authorized to receive any sentenced him to two years imprisonment scammer equally bagged two years from the point of arraignment. He, however, payment from any member of the public on each of the charges. The sentences the same judge. changed his plea on Tuesday to “guilty”, on behalf of the Commission. run concurrently. Both the prosecution Oyen was arraigned by the EFCC, Port thus paving the way for his conviction. In the same vein, Justice Omotosho counsel, Esin - Otu Ebipade and defence Harcourt’s Zonal Office on Thursday, June Justice Omotosho convicted and also convicted and sentenced an internet counsel, B.M Mgbamoka agreed on the 13, 2019 on a two-count charge bordering sentenced him to two years imprisonment fraudster, Kelvin Ogbonna to two years plea bargain arrangement. on forgery and obtaining money by false on each of the charges. The sentences imprisonment. Ogbonna got into trouble when pretence contrary to Section 1 (2) (c) run concurrently. Both the prosecution Ogbonna was arraigned by the Port the EFCC acted on some intelligence of the Miscellaneous Offences Act CAP and defence counsels agreed on the plea Harcourt Zonal Office of the EFCC on concerning his impersonation, possession M17 of the Revised Edition (Laws of bargain arrangement. a two-count charge, bordering on false of scam documents and internet fraud and the Federation of Nigeria) 2007, and Oyen’s journey to prison began when a pretences. arrested him accordingly. Investigation punishable under Section 1 (2) of the petitioner alleged that he logged into the One of the charges against Ogbonna showed that his Apple iphone 6 and same Act. EFCC’s website in a bid to apply for a job, reads: “That you, Kelvin Ogbonna on Hewlett Packard (HP) Pavilion laptop One of the charges reads: “That you, but could not get log in successfully. He or about 12th February 2019, in Port contained documents, which were false Bisong James Oyen, on or about 11th disclosed that he later received a call from Harcourt, within the jurisdiction of this pretences. December, 2018 at Port Harcourt, Rivers one Alex (Kalu Patrick Ikechukwu), now at honourable court had in your possession Upon interrogation, he confessed that State, within the jurisdiction of this large, that he should send his document (your email address: [email protected] he was involved in internet fraud by using honourable court did forge Economic to an email address: jimmyexclusive85@ and [email protected]) documents a fake FaceBook profile with the name and Financial Crimes Commission gmail.com and pay some money into containing false pretences which you knew Fredrick Keefer and Google hangout appointment letter and delivered same an account number of one of the new or ought to know contains false pretence accounts with the usernames barrito1@ to Talbort Young for employment generation banks. and thereby committed an offence gmail.com and [email protected] to with intent that it may be acted upon The petitioner thereafter got an contrary to Section 6 of the Advance Fee defraud his victims via scammed mails. ...ensuring public accountability CR 6 EFCC NEWS Monday, June 24th, 2019 Corruption REPORTER

BRIEF N450m Fraud: EFCC re-arraigns ex Counsel for the EFCC, Benjamin Manji, prayed the minister, Wakil, four others court for a date for he Economic and charge bordering on criminal received the said sum from Abubakar Ali Kullima and commencement of Financial Crimes conspiracy and money the $115million disbursed Engr. Muhammad Baba Commission, EFCC, laundering to the tune of by a former minister of Kachalla on or about the trial on Tuesday, June 18, N450million. petroleum resources, Diezani 26th day of March, 2015 Thereafter, Justice Dagad 2019T re-arraigned a former Wakil is standing trial Alison-Madueke to influence at Maiduguri, Borno State adjourned the matter to Minister of State for Power, alongside Garba Abacha, the outcome of the 2015 within the jurisdiction of this November 5, 2019. Muhammad Wakil and four Ibrahim Shehu Birma, Dr. presidential election. Honourable Court, did agree The trial judge also granted others before Justice J.K. Abubakar Ali Kullima and Count one reads: “That among yourselves to do an them bail on the earlier terms Dagad of the Federal High Engr. Muhammad Baba you, Hon. Muhammad illegal act, to wit: conspiracy and conditions previously Court, Maiduguri, Borno Kachalla. Wakil, Garba Abacha, to commit money laundering granted them by Justice State on a seven-count They are alleged to have Ibrahim Shehu Birma, Dr. and thereby committed Muhammad Salihu of a Federal High Court, Maiduguri, Borno State. It will be recalled that they Court jails fake land-owner six months were initially arraigned before Justice A.I. Mohammed of WENEDAH NYEWUSARA 2006, and punishable under restitution of the proceeds Justice Salihu on July 2, 2018 the Federal High Court sitting sometime in April, 2015, at Section 1(3) of the same Act”. of the crime to the victim. before his retirement from in Port Harcourt, Rivers State Port Harcourt within Port He pleaded guilty to the Nyewusara courted troubles service, which necessitated has convicted and sentenced Harcourt Judicial Division one- count charge preferred when a complainant alleged the need for the case to be re- a fake land-owner, Wenedah of the High Court, with against him based on a plea that, sometime in March, assigned to a new judge and to Nyewusara, to six months intent to defraud obtained bargain agreement. 2015, he was introduced to start de novo. imprisonment, without an the sum of One Million, In view of his plea, the convict who claimed to option of fine. Two- Hundred Thousand prosecution counsel, Samuel own a landed property and N14 bn Police Nyewusara was arraigned Naira (N1, 200.000) from Chime prayed the court to wanted to sell half of a plot pension fraud: by the Economic and Financial ifeanyi Egbuonye when convict the defendant. The at Rumuekini, Rivers State Crimes Commission, you represented to be defense counsel, Obinna to him. The convict took again, Dangabar’s EFCC, Port Harcourt Zonal the bonofide owner inOfodile, agreed with the him to the land and after absence stalls trial Office, on Tuesday, June possession by inheritance prosecution counsel on the negotiation, collected the 18, 2019, on one-count under native law and plea bargain but prayed sum of One Million, Two- The trial of former director charge of obtaining money custom half plot of land the court for leniency since Hundred Thousand Naira in the Police Pension Office, under false pretence to the situated at Ohia-Rumuodo, the convict was a first-time only (N1, 200,000) as the Esai Dangabar and others for tune of One Million, Two Off Allu Road, Rumuekini offender and willing to purchase price of the portion alleged N14 billion pension Hundred Thousand Naira Community in Obio/Akpo restitute the proceeds of the of land from him. However, fraud could not continue (N1, 200,000) contrary to Local Government Area of crime. when the complainant today, Thursday, June 20, section 1(1) (a) of Advance Rivers State which pretence Justice Mohammed wanted to take possession of 2019 before Justice Hussein Fee Fraud and other Fraud you knew to be false , and subsequently convicted and the land, the real owner of the Baba Yusuf of the Federal Related Offences Act, 2006, thereby committed an offence sentenced Nyewusara to land showed up. Every effort High Court, sitting in and punishable under Section contrary to Section 1(1) (a) of six months imprisonment to get Nyewusara refund the Maitama, Abuja due to his 1(3) of the same Act. Advance Fee Fraud and other without an option of fine money he collected proved absence. Count one read: “That you Fraud Related Offences Act, and ordered him to make abortive. Dangabar and others are facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC Dalori, Galaxy boss lands in prison on amended 20-count charge, bordering on criminal Babagana Abba Dalori, Director/ pretence you knew to be false we have filed earlier,” Saleh said. breach of trust and fraud. CEO, Galaxy Transport and and thereby committed an She, therefore, appealed that During proceedings today, Construction Company was offence contrary to Section 1 the court should rather remand the lead defence counsel, on Thursday, 20 May, 2019 (1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud the defendant in the custody represented by Ugiabe remanded in Kuje Prisons, Abuja and Other Related Offences of the EFCC, pending trial. Kelvin, apologised that the by Justice Venchak S. Gaba of Act, 2006 and punishable under This met opposition from the first defendant, Dangabar the Federal Capital Territory, Section 1 (3) of the same Act.” prosecution which posited that was still sick and not available FCT High Court, sitting in Kwali. The defendant pleaded not the defendant’s rightful place, in court. He disclosed that The Economic and Financial guilty to the charge, prompting pending trial was the prison, the prosecution as well as Crimes Commission, EFCC the prosecution counsel, since the matter was already in doctors did everything they arraigned the 35-year-old Maryam Aminu Ahmed to pray court. could to make him available Dalori alongside his Galaxy the court to remand the suspect The judge ordered the today in court, but to no Transport and Construction in prison custody, pending the defendant to be remanded in avail. Company on a one-count charge, commencement of trial. prison custody and adjourned Kelvin presented to the bordering on obtaining money The defence counsel, Daratu the commencement of trial to court Dangabar’s hospital by false pretence to the tune of Saleh had filed a motion for July 3, 2019. report, which showed that N10,000,000.00 (Ten Million bail application, which the In reaching the decision, he his hypertensive, diabetic Naira) only from one Abubakar prosecution counsel disclosed Justice Gaba noted that what and and needed more time Hajara. was served the prosecution attach exhibit challenging the was fundamental was the to spend in the hospital. “We The one-count charge reads: late yesterday evening, making application as it is in the interest prosecution’s right to reply the shall be asking for a short “That you, Babagana Abba Dalori it impossible for her to open a of justice for the defendant defendant’s bail application; adjournment to enable us and Galaxy Transportation case today. respond to application,” Ahmed which they told this court they continue with the trial,” he and Construction Services “My lord, we were served the said. were served the motion on the said. Limited, sometime in 2016 at motion yesterday, June 19, 2019 The defense counsel,19th day of 2019 and intend The prosecuting counsel, Abuja within the jurisdiction at around 4pm. The motion is however, opposed the to file a counter-affidavit in A. O. Atolagbe, who did not of this honourable court with not rightly preferred as it was prosecution’s prayer against the response. oppose the defence team’s intent to defraud, obtained served late. We are therefore motion, stating that the motion “If they were served earlier motion for adjournment, the sum of N10,000,000.00) requesting this honourable for application was filed since and have not been replied, it described Dangabar’s medical (Ten Million Naira) from one court to remand him in prison May 10, 2019 with the court. will mean negligence from their report as unfortunate, Abubakar Hajara under the false custody, which will enable “When I asked the staff of side, and the denial of this right noting that the trial has pretence that the money would us to open a case on the next the court to give me prove of is tantamount to the denial of been stalled three times be invested in the business of adjourned date. The motion service, he denied me. My lord, opportunity to fair hearing, and in a row on account of the buying and selling of special is not ripe for hearing, we it is a surprise to me that this that is not justice,” the judge first defendant’s bad health trip(s) of excavated sand, which want to file a counter and also process has not been effective as stated. condition. ...ensuring public accountability CR Corruption Monday, June 24th, 2019 7 REPORTER OPINION Dealing with head counts in Civil Service

By Tony Michael

The federal government’s preparedness to sanitize the civil service and rid it of fake people and corrupt practices is unrelenting, as it enters the last phase of its verification and proper identification of genuine civil servants currently working and being paid monthly with tax payers’ money. The process to capture the number of employees in the service through the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS) has again commenced in the South East, South South and the South West zones and the exercise is yet to be completed in the North West, North East and North Central zones. The conduct of the IPPIS human resource records verification for Federal Civil Servants in the outstations of Core Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the Southern zones is aimed at determining who is actually a civil servant in the monthly payroll of the federal government. A section of the civil servants have argued that, the introduction of IPPIS is another form of witch-hunt to exit those that are not in the good books of the power that be from the Federal Civil Service. Earlier, the University community had servants that are eligible to be offered the the economic blue print of the federal put up resistance, directing its staff to opportunity to participate. government to expand its funds to ignore the call by federal government There are other appropriate and cost develop and build the capacity of its to submit themselves for proper effective incentives that will be offered citizens will not suffer setbacks, especially identification and capturing through to motivate participation, while it will if the enablers of the module are patriotic IPPIS. evaluate the cost implication emanating and honest people. The claims of the University staff from the programme focusing on cost of Government concern about addressing are that it never went through the incentive offerings, legal/law fees and frontally the problems associated with regular process of federal government signing of waivers for all civil servants unemployment and self-sufficiency in employment procedure, but sourced its participating in the programme. the country are variables and strong manpower directly by the University There is a bigger picture the civil indications that the next four years of authorities in a selection process keenly service has to consider quickly, which is this administration will put to test its contested by qualified candidates willing ensuring that it sets targets and deadlines economic recovery and growth plan. to take up regular and part-time teaching for quality policy implementation and It’s time the major players in all appointments. demonstrate capacity at the presentation sectors of the nation’s wealth wake up However, all agencies and institutions of budget estimates by Ministries, from slumber. There is no time to trade that constitute the federal workforce Departments and Agencies, MDAs, to the blames, but to rise up to our duties as funded by the federal government are National Assembly, devoid of repetition government, as citizens and experts in mandated to comply by the directives of of projects in the budget year in year out. various fields to contribute our quota the Office of the Head of Civil Service. Budget performance and execution of to the growth and development of the The exercise will certainly create the projects is entirely public sector concern country. emergence of a sustained and verifiable not only to the parliament, so the civil Stakeholders buy in, accountability, number of federal civil servants in the service is challenged to make concerted meritocracy, processes automation, are country. use of its reforms in automation, a few among the eight core values that The current status of the civil service manpower development and cost effective are capable of transforming the entire as constituted is considering early accounting procedures to address waste process of governance to a healthier retirement incentives programme which and corrupt practices. and more productive public service that offers a minimal risk approach to reducing There is a growing concern about taking would sustain the economic recovery and the civil service workforce with the typical a 100 million Nigerians out of poverty growth plan of the federal government. six steps which are traditional right- as declared by President Muhammadu Sustainability, Cost and Budget, sizing. This approach is the lay-offs of Buhari in his Democracy Day speech. Capacity Building and Compensations for However, all staff in the public sector and it comes with The civil service will develop the hard work and productivity are also major agencies and employees’ lawsuits, reduce employees’ implementation plan and strategy and components explored by the present institutions morale and cause backlash from labour it will be tasking, fierce and challenging, administration to track indolence, while that constitute unions. but with the present composition of the performance indicators have shown the federal Given this difficulty in the traditional Federal Civil Service structure it will not clearly an upward system review in the approach, it is crucial to use a method be too hard a nut to crack. public service and governance. workforce that is not only beneficial to the civil The strategy must be embedded The verification of the Integrated funded by service, but also the civil servant, which is into the ongoing public sector reforms Personnel Payroll Payment System IPPIS, the federal voluntary right-sizing, introducing Early through skill acquisition prorammes, exercise scheduled to hold between 17th government Retirement Incentive Programme (ERIP), scrutinizing and encouraging micro and 28th June 2019 in the Southern are mandated which serves as a less risky solution to and small scale industrialists, taking all zones of the country, will be the finality to comply by reduce the head count. sectors along the envisaged historical of infractions by unscrupulous elements the directives of The Early Retirement Incentivemoments of transforming the economy, bent on undermining the integrity of the Office of the approach may constitute the continuation within the formal and informal sectors. the civil service by encouraging corrupt Head of Civil of the health insurance coverage, pension Fundamentally, the reforms in the practices that are capable of undermining Service enhancement and pension administration public sector has created platforms and the economy of the country. fees associated with the programme. This good foundation to build the integrity will be determined by the sub-set of civil of job and wealth creation, therefore – Michael writes from Abuja. ...ensuring public accountability CR 8 OPINION Monday, June 24th, 2019 Corruption REPORTER Great green wall: key to Nigeria’s greatness By Hamzat Lawal Arewa Local Government Area points to note as Nigeria enters not only in the North but also in of Kebbi State to Marte in Borno another phase in the Great Green other parts of the country where State. Wall implementation. The first is services are provided and raw In Nigeria to be specific, the finance. The project cannot go far materials processed; effectively The Great Green Wall for Sahel initiative remains the major if the government does not fund taking 60 million youths out of and Sahara Initiative (GGWSSI) is mechanism that can be used it properly. As it stands today, the poverty in the near future. more than creating a wall of trees to ensure the sustainable agency is still living from hand Finally, the incoming DG has stretching from Senegal in West development of the drylands, to mouth, because it is not well before him a great opportunity to Africa to Djibouti in East Africa. It combat rural poverty and create funded. It is supposed to receive make history. He needs to build the is a metaphor to depict a mosaic of hope for the affected people. 15 per cent of the Ecological Fund capacity of the staff of the agency, integrated interventions tackling Within the framework of the but all evidence points to the fact while ensuring that modern the multiple challenges affecting GGW programme, it has been that it is not doing so. technologies are employed to the lives of people in the Sahel and envisaged that about 22,500sqkm Secondly, the agency is actually create synergy between his various Sahara areas. It is an African Union of degraded land in the dry region an inter-sectoral agency that has teams and the critical stakeholders programme bringing together 20 of the country will be rehabilitated a crosscutting job across many scattered all over the nation. countries from the Sahel-Saharan for agricultural production and aspects of our nationhood, hence Dr Bukar Hassan needs to region including Algeria, Burkina the livelihoods of over 25 million its importance, yet, it is not also rejig the platforms that Faso, Benin, Chad, Cape Verde, people will be improved by the ingrained in the consciousness will enhance accountability Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, year 2030. of many Nigerians. The success and transparency so that the Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, It will also help immensely of the agency is Nigeria’s success, international community can Senegal, Somalia, Sudan, The in the rehabilitation of the as many other countries in the find the justification to scale up Gambia and Tunisia. Internally Displaced People (IDPS) Great Green Wall belt are actually its support of Nigeria and the The implementation of the by creating job opportunities; looking up to us. agency in the efforts they are set Initiative in Nigeria encompasses managing income generation To be candid, youth participation to achieve. In this way also, the the 11 frontline states of Adamawa, activities and systematically should be an integral part of wider grassroots citizens of our Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, reclaiming degraded farmlands. the agency’s activities because ever-increasing Follow The Money Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, In addition, it will reduce farmers they are the future of Nigeria community shall find ample Yobe and Zamfara. Desertification – herders’ conflicts by creating and the GGW holds the key to a leverage to engage the agency and is one of the major environmental grazing reserves and fodder farms sustainable future. There has to hold them to account. challenges in Nigeria threatening in the Northern dry land areas. be a strategic resuscitation of the the livelihoods of over 50 million This way, the rate of Southward entire sustainability value chain – Lawal, currently the founder/ people in these states. It involves migration of herders shall – livestock, horticulture, etc – in chief executive of Connected the establishment of a greenbelt significantly reduce. the Great Green Wall. This way, Development [CODE], writes covering 1500km from Dandi Nevertheless, there are vital young people can be empowered, from Abuja. With diplomacy, war on graft will bear more fruit hou Enlain, one of deadliest threat. Other threats, corruption. A true continuation sanctions. the most formidable also incredibly damaging to the of the waragainst corruption by This is why the recent meeting leaders of the Chinese future of our nation, also need to other means. in Washington, DC, between the revolution, served as be tackled head-on. This cooperation can only be Director of Public Prosecutions theZ first Premier of the People’s Many argue that corruption achieved with the right partners. Noordin Haji and the head of Republic of China. Yet, he was is an existential danger to Little wonder that President the Directorate of Criminal also the country’s first Foreign the Kenyan state, suffocating Uhuru Kenyatta is actively Investigations George Kinoti, minister who advocated for development and innovation at building alliances in the fight and the Deputy Director of the peaceful coexistence with the its core, reinforcing inequality against corruption with some Federal Bureau of Investigation capitalist West. and hurting justice everywhere. of the strongest players in the (FBI) David Bowdich is critical. Drawing upon the famous A true war against corruption global financial market. The respected agency commended 18th-century German strategist is needed to rid us of this all Think of last year’s dealthe efforts to punish the corrupt and general Carl von Clausewitz, too familiar foe. This warmust the President signed with and pledged to support the fight. Enlain declared in 1954 that “all be fought with the full force of Switzerland, which facilitates the The meeting came against diplomacy is a continuation of the judicial system, and include repatriation of funds stolen from the backdrop of increased cases war by other means”. the relentless pursuit of these the Kenyan people and stashed of arrests and prosecution of This is a rather pessimistic criminals by all relevant agencies. away in the European nation. suspects linked to corruption, outlook on international We can see the first fruits of these At least Sh200 million are being most of whom were previously relations, as appropriate for efforts already, yet more remains returned from the Anglo-Leasing perceived as untouchable. disciples of the realist school to be done. scam alone. It is also notable that the new of thought. Yet if we closely Yet, there is another level of And just recently, Kenya US ambassador to Kenya Kyle follow current events and fighting corruption, a global Airways launched direct flights McCarter has met with the DCI developments, we can see the context, which is extremely between Geneva and Nairobi, and promised to back the battle truth in the saying. helpful. further proving the proximity of to net the big fish. Take the fight against the two countries. A proximity And for those who feel that terrorism. Chasing after Al Global partners which will surely yield further earthly diplomacy is not enough, Shabab criminals in and outside First, we must recognise that we fruits in the fight against graft. the government is also supported our country and bringing them are living in a globalised world. Indeed, the President’s visit to by the representative of Pope to justice has borne fruit. We can In this modern world, the flow the US, the world powerhouse, Francis in Kenya, Archbishop appreciate a steady increase in of capital is no longer bound to should be seen in this light. Hubertus Matheus Maria van general security and decrease in the territory of any single state. Whichever individual and Megan in its crackdown against terrorist activities in Kenya. And Thus, whoever aims to find the organisation blacklisted by corruption. the world is noticing. culprits of corruption, needs to the US for financial crimes is Surely, an all-out war against But terrorism isn’t the only look across borders. International basically cut off the international graft, roping in global support, threat to Kenya’s future, even cooperation is needed. Or, in monetary system – just ask is what it takes to reclaim the though it might be Kenya’s other words, diplomacyagainst any country suffering from US nation and build a solid future. ...ensuring public accountability CR Corruption Monday, June 24th, 2019 OPINION 9 REPORTER Government by the people

By Minabere Ibelema top leadership comes from the just an actor, he spoofed the ranks of the masses has been president. In effect, Ukrainians from workers’ unions. In 1990, elected him president because for example, Lech Walesa, an he acquitted himself well It is not often that a member electrician at a Polish shipyard, comically playing the role. of the legislature anywhere went from being the Solidarity In the election before that, serves as a waitress at a bar. union leader to becoming heavyweight boxer Vitali But that’s exactly what US Poland’s president. And in Klitschko was the leading Congresswoman Alexandria 2002, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, candidate. But he decided not Ocasio-Cortez did during a former metalworker with a to contend in order not to split the last week of May. No, it fifth-grade education, became the reformist vote. He instead wasn’t that the congressional the president of Brazil. More became the mayor of Kiev, the lightning rod commonly known later about Lulu, as he is called. capital city. It is not out of the as AOC was moonlighting In the United States, question that when the curtain to make up for a shortfall in everyday people get elected falls on the actor-president, funds. She was waitressing to as mayors of small towns, the boxer-mayor will replace make a point —or two. but it is rare that they rise him. The first-year congresswoman to state leadership, let alone The best case of leadership by was, indeed, a bar waitress an office in Washington. The an everyday person, however, when it struck her that she one occupational group that has to be that of Brazil’s could do something else: run occasionally breaks the mold Lula. He grew up in poverty. for Congress. Now some critics are actors. As celebrities, And with little education, seek to shame her by urging they are not exactly everyday he managed to become a her to return to that job. So, people, but they’re not usually metalworker. Thence he she just did, not out of shame thought to have the managerial became active in union matters but to back up her retort that heft to be governors and and not long after, his charisma there is nothing shameful president. shot him up to the leadership. about being a waitress. In 1980, Ronald Reagan, the He then played a major role in Officially though, AOC did the TV pitchman and moderately founding the Workers Party, waitressing to draw attention successful actor, defeated which soon had him elected to to the plight of people who incumbent President Jimmy the Brazilian Congress. From make a living as bar/restaurant Carter to begin a two-term there, he began to vie for the waiters and waitresses. They presidency. He became known presidency, eventually winning are usually minimum-wage for his trickledown economics, it in 2002 with 61.3 per cent of earners, that is, people at the which focuses on creating the votes. bottom rung of the payment wealth at the top on the True to his background, scale. In fact, in 43 of the 50 assumption that it would lift Lula pursued policies of uplift states, it is legal to pay them up people at the bottom rung. of the masses. “By increasing less than the minimum wage Inevitably, Reagan was the minimum wage well on the assumption that they criticised as insensitive to above the rate of inflation would make up for it in tips. the plight of the poor, but and broadening state help to Well, AOC wants to change all he rejected that criticism. “I the most impoverished with a that. To begin with, she wants might not have lived near family grant programme…, he to see the federal minimum the railroad, but I lived close helped some 44 million people wage of$7.25doubled by 2024. enough to hear the trains go and cemented his support In addition, she wants to make by,” he once said, referring to among the poor,” the BBC it illegal for employers of tip- America’s imagery of poverty. reported earlier this month. earners to pay them less than Before becoming president, Not surprisingly, he was re- the minimum wage. And so Reagan also served as governor elected in 2006 by another she is a passionate supporter of California. He was followed wide margin of 61 percent. of the Raise the Wage Act that years later by another actor, And by the time his term is currently making its way Arnold Schwarzenegger. ended, his approval rating was through Congress. That’s not exactly surprising, a whopping 90 per cent. AOC’s passion for this as California is the home state Alas, today the 73-year-old cause speaks to the need for to Hollywood. is serving a combined nine- a government that is truly The most improbableyear prison sentence for representative of the people, ascendance to political two corruption convictions. a government that is truly leadership in the US has to be They are both related to free by the people. It is not that the election of professional renovation of his properties one has to have experience wrestler Jesse “The body” during his tenure, which as a tips-worker to be their Ventura as governor of prosecutors said constituted advocate. But who better to Minnesota in 1999. When illegal exchange of favours. do so than someone who does Ventura announced his Lula’s imprisonment has have that experience? Who can candidacy, it was national rivetted Brazil. Was he guilty, more credibly articulate the news but for jesting sake. as a succession of Brazilian experience to fellow legislators But the man who made a courts has affirmed, or was he Alas, democratic than she? living slamming others on the done in by those who sought governments Alas, democratic canvas had the last laugh. He to upend his grassroots virtually governments virtually won the race and occupied the appeal? The truth probably lies everywhere are everywhere are dominated governor’s office, albeit for one somewhere in-between. dominated by by people of the professional tumultuous term. What is most pertinent here people of the class, in other words the elite. The country that most stands is that leaders like him and professional In countries, such as Nigeria, out for electing improbable AOC who have the common class, in other with a long history of military people to top offices istouch tend to do well for the words the elit rule, retired generals dominate. Ukraine. Its current president, people even if they fall short In general, the closest that Volodymyr Zelensky, was not in some other ways. ...ensuring public accountability CR Monday, June 24th, 2019 Corruption 10 REPORTER ...ensuring public accountability CR Corruption Monday, June 24th, 2019 11 REPORTER ICPCNEWS ICPC doing a wonderful job – public complaints boss he Hon. Chief action plan of 2019-2023, as well Chairman, Professor Bolaji Commissioner of as other initiatives. Owasanoye, stated that the Public Complaints The Chief Commissioner Commission, in its effort Commission (PCC) FCT, disclosed that corruption was to rid the nation of corrupt THon. Chille Wanger Igbawua, has an impediment to national practices had always welcomed commended the Independent development and progress and collaborative efforts from Corrupt Practices and Other therefore urged all well-meaning other organisations given Related Offences Commission Nigerians to support the struggle the fact that the fight against (ICPC), for what he described to end it. corruption should be approached as “doing a wonderful job” of He further explained that collectively. tackling corruption in Nigeria’s they were in the Commission The Chairman further threw public institutions. to identify areas of common more light on some of the He made the commendation interest, and also to establish an duties of the Commission, while on a courtesy visit to inter-agency contact desk where saying that ICPC had the power the Chairman of ICPC at its issues relating to their common to investigate organisations headquarters in Abuja recently. areas of collaboration would be through systems studies and Hon. Igbawua noted that they given prompt attention. corruption risk assessment were not unaware of the fact that He also pointed out that and, as well, direct agencies to ICPC has developed strategies for PCC had made meaningful take remedial measures to block strengthening public institutions contributions to the fightbetween both agencies to attend corruption loopholes. through capacity building against corruption in the FCT to the yearnings of Nigerians Professor Owasanoye also of public servants on anti- by partnering with ICPC in many and serve them better as well as expressed the Commission’s corruption, especially towards public enlightenment campaigns soliciting for ICPC to help train willingness to collaborate with implementing the national anti- with impressive results. its staff on relevant areas of their PCC in capacity building on corruption strategy as embedded The Commissioner therefore needs. integrity and other relevant in the Commission’s strategic called for increased synergy In his response, the ICPC areas. CPC charges anti-corruption units to deepen corruption fight in MDAs Two Hundred and Twenty-Seven corruption, and was aimed at re- regard. and system study activities, members of the Anti-Corruption focusing attention on building ‘It was for this reason, among noting that with their effort, and Transparency Units (ACTUs) the capacity of ACTU members others, that the workshop was the work of the anti-corruption drawn from different agencies to deepen the government’s anti- planned for this year.” agencies particularly that of of government across the corruption crusade. Professor Akinrinade further ICPC, would be made much Federation have undergone a In his welcome address stated that building the capacity easier. 3-day anti-corruption training during the opening ceremony, of ACTU members had become The participants were exposed at the Anti-Corruption Academy the Provost of the Academy, imperative because they were to detailed analyses on how of Nigeria (ACAN), Keffi, the Professor Sola Akinrinade, viable partners in the war against to conduct system study and research and training arm of the who was represented by the corruption. review; and Corruption Risk Independent Corrupt Practices Commissioner in charge of He therefore enjoined them Assessment in their various and Other Related Offences Training, Uloma Olekanma, to make the best use of the MDAs. Commission (ICPC). explained that “…while effort 3-day training to enhance their It is worthy of note that The training titled, Effective was made to attach system performance as ACTU members since the inception of ACAN, Study and Review of Processes, study experts from ICPC to in their various organizations. the academy has been hosting Practices and Systems to Achieve Ministries, Departments and The Provost also urged the basic and applied research on Corruption-Free MDAs was in Agencies (MDAs) to assist with participants to use their role as anti-corruption in Nigeria and line with the Academy’s mission the process, it became evident ACTU members to complement has now proposed a fellowship of enhancing multi-disciplinary that the capacity of many ACTU the work of the Commission in study which would lead to the approach to the fight against officials needed to be built in this enlightenment, investigation certification of fellows. CSO offers to partner with ICPC A civil society organisation, the for collaboration with ICPC in the that can be domiciled in government the corruption war could only be won Initiative for Citizens Right, fight against corruption for nation- institutions to help diminish through a collective approach, and Accountability and Development, building.” corruption. that the new board would not deviate has offered to partner with the He said his organisation was proud Responding, Professor Owasanoye from this path. Independent Corrupt Practices and of the strides being made by ICPC who was represented by a member of “When we were inaugurated as a Other Related Offences Commission in the anti-corruption effort and the ICPC board, Hon. Dauda Yahaya board, we thought of repositioning (ICPC), in the areas of legislative and therefore had decided to support Umar, stated that he was pleased with the system, and as such, whenever policy advocacy. that effort leveraging on its own the offer made because since ordinary we see an organisation planning to The group made the offer during a areas of competence which could be citizens disproportionately suffer the partner with us in the fight against courtesy visit to the Chairman of the deployed in bringing to fruition the negative effects of corruption, the corruption, we are happy for the move Commission, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, needed amendment of the operating campaign against it should involve because that tells us that we are not in at the Commission’s headquarters legislation of the Commission – the them and not be left for the President the fight alone,” he noted. recently. Corrupt Practices and Other Related or anti-corruption agencies alone. Also speaking during the visit, The Chairman of the Board of Offences Act 2000- in the light of The ICPC Chairman added that another member of the board, Hon. Trustees of the Initiative, Hassan current realities. the Commission, in its effort to curb Hannatu Mohammed, expressed hope Luqman Esq., who spoke on behalf Luqman also revealed that his corruption, had always welcomed for a smooth and fruitful partnership of the group said: “The motive behind organisation was in the process of partnerships with other organizations with ICRAD that would go a long way the visit is solely that of seeking developing anti-corruption modules because it recognized the fact that in reducing corruption in Nigeria. ...ensuring public accountability CR 12 ICPCNEWS Monday, June 24th, 2019 Corruption REPORTER Corruption aids terrorism, banditry – ICPC boss he Chairman of in citizens. He continued their acquired knowledge the Independent further noting that in helping to solve the Corrupt Practices the result was that the nation’s challenges arising and Other Related country had become a from global terrorism. TOffences Commissionfertile ground for breeding Also speaking during (ICPC), Professor Bolaji bandits and terrorists the tour, the Deputy Owasanoye, has described who have aggravated the Commandant of the corruption as one of the atmosphere of insecurity. college, Group Captain factors that aid terrorism Prof. Owasanoye also Isi Ukpong, explained and banditry in Nigeria. stated that the growth of that they were at the The Chairman,a nation was tied to the Commission in line with represented by one quality of its workforce, the title of the Basic of the Commission’s saying that was why the Intelligence Officers’ board members, Hon. Commission placed a high Course 12, 2019 which Justice Adamu Bello, was premium on partnerships was: “Harnessing the speaking during a study and collaborations with Potentials of Globalization tour by students of Basic sister agencies in the area in the Fight Against Intelligence Officers’of capacity building of its Corruption for Nigeria’s Course 12, 2019, of the personnel. National Security.” Defence Intelligence He further spoke on the Presenting a paper at College (DIC), Abuja. need for the Course 12 a programme during The ICPC boss said the students to consider the the visit, Mrs Azuka relatively high incidence of tour as a system-building Ogugua of the Education corruption in the country mechanism pertinent to Department of ICPC, took had led to a breakdown development and synergy- time to explain to the of institutions and creation in achieving the students the mandate of values that would have overall goals of nation the Commission, some its fostered the inculcation of building, and therefore, activities, achievements, integrity and uprightness tasked them to deploy successes and challenges. ICPC nabs Impersonators of Anglican Primate, Rev Okoh Six members of a Kaduna, for using a fake politicians into believing Five of the suspects cybercrime syndicate Facebook account of the that it was Reverend are currently on have been arrested Reverend to defraud Okoh that was making administrative bail by the Independent unsuspecting members the plea for help. from the Commission, Corrupt Practices and of the public of several The Commissionleaving only Kwasu, who Other Related Offences millions of naira. further found out that is yet to meet his bail Commission (ICPC) Investigation by the group was also conditions. for impersonating the ICPC revealed that impersonating other It is noteworthy that Primate of the Anglican the syndicate posts top clergymen of the the suspects have made Communion, Reverend fictitious distress Anglican Communion, useful statements to the Nicholas Okoh. stories on the fake such as Bishops Zakari Commission and will be The syndicate,Facebook account to con Nyam, Moleku and charged to court soon allegedly led by Jehu prominent citizens, top Lamido to commit their after the conclusion of Kwasu, was arrested in government officials and nefarious acts. investigation. ICPC arraigns NSCDC official over alleged job scam An officer of thefrom a man with the to imprisonment for Criminal Justice Act the defense counsel, Nigerian Security and promise to help him five years without an (ACJA) 2015, raised a relying on the provision Civil Defence Corps secure employment for option of fine. Motion on Notice for of section 165 of ACJA, (NSCDC), Nasiru Saleh, his two children into The accused pleaded an order of the court to argued that bail was has been put on trial NSCDC. not guilty to all the grant his client bail. In discretionary, and for alleged bribery and ICPC in a Charge No: charges when they were the application which that the prosecution employment scam. CR/279/19 informed read to him. was supported by a was overstepping its Mr. Saleh was the court of how ICPC counsel, Agbili 21-paragraph affidavit, boundary by praying for arraigned by the the accused person Ezenwa Kingsley, Duruzo sought the stringent conditions. Independent Corrupt received the sum of prayed the court to relief of the court to be The trial judge in Practices and Other N400,000.00 as part remand the accused liberal in determining her ruling, having Related Offencespayment for the total person in prison the bail conditions. considered the Commission (ICPC). sum. custody pending the Though thearguments from The Commission, in a The Commissiondetermination of prosecution counsel both sides admitted 4-count charge brought averred that Mr. Saleh’s the case in view of was not opposed to the accused person before Honourable action was contrary to the offence and the the bail application, to bail in the sum of Justice Asmau Akanbi- and punishable under punishment it carries. nonetheless he N2,000,000.00 and Yusuf of the Federal sections 17 (i)(a), 19 However, counsel to urged the court to two sureties in like sum Capital Territory (FCT) and 68 of the Corrupt the defendant, Ken impose stringent bail who must be residents High Court 38, sitting Practices and Other Obi Duruzo, by way of a conditions, saying that of FCT. in Lugbe, Abuja, told Related Offences Act, written application and that would compel the The case has been the court that Mr. 2000, and that if he is pursuant to sections defendant to attend his adjourned to September Saleh had solicited the found guilty, he shall 158, 162 and 165 of trial. 19th 2019 for definite sum of N700,000.00 on conviction be liable the Administration of In a swift reaction, hearing. ...ensuring public accountability CR Corruption Monday, June 24th, 2019 NATIONAL 13 REPORTER NEWS

BRIEF Battle for ministerial appointments Governor Ganduje says armed robbers, not money-eating rages as president prepares final list gorilla, stole $22,000

s the nation awaits of Science and Technology, “The issue of a gorilla is President Muhammadu Ogbonnaya Onu. junk journalism. This is Buhari’s ministerial Apart from this being an APC because there is even no nominees to help him affair, there is also the belief that gorilla in that zoo. We shepherdA his second term, there the governor of the state, Dave are told that there was an is anxiety and uncertainty amid Umahi might play a very serious armed robbery incident endless closed-door meetings by role in the eventual choice for the in which the entire safe at leaders of the All Progressives state, because of his relationship the zoo was carted away.” Congress (APC), as to who will with Buhari and APC. overnor Abdullahi make the list. The president’s To slug it out in Bauchi are Ganduje has said the silence on the issue has the immediate past governor of missing N6.8 million ratcheted expectations and fears the state, Mohammed Abdullahi ($22,000) missing from amongst hopefuls. The battle Abubakar and former Minister the Kano State Zoological for ministerial appointments of Education, Adamu Adamu, Gardens was not eaten has peaked significantly in the one of the closest allies of the by a gorilla but stolen by last few weeks even as Buhari is president. The choice here is also armed robbers. said to be preparing a final list of a tricky one, which makes a pick “You know, l already those he wants in his cabinet due somewhat difficult. directed the anti- for announcement anytime soon. The former Minister of corruption agency in Kano The battle to make the Next Niger Delta, Usaini Usani and to wade into the issue and Level cabinet has been made governorship candidate of the they are still investigating. particularly competitive, APC in Cross River, Senator But all l can say now is because of former ministers, The situation in Rivers State feel, the opportunity should go John Enoh, had since taken their that preliminary reports who are itching to return to is still believed to favour former to other parts of the state for rivalry to the ministerial bout, indicate that there was cabinet, former governors who Minister of Transportation, Mr. balancing. having fought fiercely, over who an armed robbery at the have either completed their two Rotimi Amaechi. But there are Former Governor George was the authentic governorship zoo and not the issue of a terms in office or those who lost those who feel the governorship Akume of Benue State and the candidate of the party in the gorilla,” he said. re-election bid or lost the ticket candidate of the party, Mr. immediate past Minister of state. Speaking on the alleged to other candidates and other Tonye Cole, who was denied Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh The trio of Godswill Akpabio, cash-eating gorilla, the members of the APC, who feel the opportunity of challenging are the two candidates for the Nsima Ekere and Udo Udoma governor noted: “The a need to be compensated for Governor Nyesom Wike of the Benue slot. Not only are the both are to battle for the Akwa Ibom issue of a gorilla is junk their roles in the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of them qualified, they both also slot. While Udoma is the former journalism. This is because president in the just concluded by different courts, is also being worked for Buhari’s re-election. Minister of Budget and Planning, there is even no gorilla 2019 presidential election which considered for a ministerial The stakes are therefore high in Ekere flew the APC flag as its in that zoo. We are told earned him a second term. appointment. How to balance Benue. governorship candidate and lost, that there was an armed Although unlike the 2015 the two interests is what many Currently, the Kano slot same as Akpabio, who could not robbery incident in which approach, insiders have hinted do not however know. appears a solo run for the return to the senate. The battle the entire safe at the zoo that apart from selecting The slot for Delta State is a former Minister of Interior, for the slot here is considered a was carted away.” candidates each from the 36 straight slugfest between former Abdulrahman Danbazau, except serious and tough one, because it Ganduje was reported states and the Federal Capital Minister of State for Petroleum the president changes his mind, is more about political relevance. to have ordered the Territory (FCT), the president Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu which many believed is unlikely. Although there is the belief state’s anti-corruption has also decided to appoint and the President’s Campaign’s Former Minister of State that President Buhari might drop commission to probe another six to represent each of spokesperson for the 2019 for Aviation, Hadi Sirika and his former Minister of Justice the claims that a gorilla the geo-political zones in order to election, Mr. Festus Keyamo, Senator Abu Ibrahim are the two and Attorney General of the in the state-owned zoo actualise his promise of inclusive SAN. Kachikwu is itching for a top guns for the Katsina slot. Federation, Abubakar Malami, swallowed N6.8 million. government. return while Keyamo feels he did While many believed that Sirika he appears the only candidate “The order was given Unfortunately for a majority well fending off the President’s might return, there are those for the slot for Kebbi State. He on Friday and the of party leaders, the president opponents without apologies who believe the Senator is in is itching to return. Nothing is commission has already has kept the information about and as such deserves a cabinet Buhari’s serious consideration. however cast in stone as far as swung into action,” a his Next Level cabinet to himself shot. Between the former Minister his consideration is concerned. statement by the Chief alone, the very reason the APC In Ogun State, the choice of of State for Power, Works and For the Sokoto State slot, Press Secretary to the governors after a meeting last candidate is Wale Edun, Pastor Housing, Mustapha Baba- the battle is currently being governor, Mr. Abba week conceded the choice of Tunde Bakare and one Mr. Shehuri and former Borno State described as one between Aisha Anwar, had said on cabinet members as entirely the Kayode Odesola. But neither Governor, Kashim Shettima, the Abubakar, former Minister of Sunday in Kano. president’s prerogative. of the last two candidates is slot for a ministerial slot would State for Trade and investment It quoted the To that extent, the silence of believed to have sweeping be settled for the North East and the APC candidate in the governor as directing the president and the obvious support of stakeholders in the state. just concluded governorship the commission to look lack of clue on who might get state. They are however in the Although now a senator, it election, Ahmed Aliyu. into the immediate and what from other Villa sources good books of the president. is common knowledge that Although Aisha’s appointment remote circumstances have further stiffened the jostle The choice between Mr. Shettima desires to be in created some upset initially, surrounding the allegation for appointments, even as the Adebayo Adelabu and former Buhari’s cabinet, a situation that when she was picked in 2015, and “unearth everything nation is on tenterhooks about Oyo State Governor, Abiola makes the choice for Borno also it is unlikely Buhari might want surrounding the incident”. those that would make the Ajimobi makes the battle for the competitive. to go through another pressure Apart from the cabinet. state a tough one. Adelabu is said The battle for the ministerial for her. gorilla, Gandjue too In Lagos State for example, to be eyeing Ministry of Finance. choice in Kaduna State presents Former Adamawa State was last year accused of while the appointment is strictly And further compounding this is a rather interesting twist. governor, Mohammad Bindow collecting kickbacks from between two former governors, the fact that the former Minister While the name of Senator Jibrilla appears comfortable as contractors in the state. Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola and of Communications, Adebayo Shehu Sani, who fell out with the most plausible candidate In 2018, a video showing Akinwunmi Ambode, there is Shittu is also in contention Governor Nasir el-Rufai ahead from the state, having lost his Governor Ganduje the understanding that, while for the slot from the state. But of the 2019 election has been election in March this year. stuffing wads of dollars in Fashola, who was Minister of Buhari might have made his flying around, one Barnabas Bala Also in Taraba, Fatima Gambo his babaringa went viral. Power, Works and Housing choice already. Bantex has also come up strong is said to being positioned as The governor was seen may return representing the Alhaji Lai Mohammed in the equation. It is another the ideal replacement for Aisha collecting the money Lagos slot, Ambode is being is believed to be itching to competitive turf for the former Al-Hassan, the former Minister before putting them in his considered for the South West come back as the Kwara State senator. of Women Affairs, who openly white dress. slot. Fashola is said to be loved candidate for a ministerial post, Ebonyi State has before it, its declared support for Alhaji Atiku The governor had since by the President while Ambode’s but he does not appear to have 2019 governorship candidate, Abubakar, the PDP presidential debunked the video as case is being championed by the the much needed support from Senator Sunny Ogbuorji and candidate, even while still “cloned” and threatened President’s men in the Villa. home, as a majority of the people the immediate past Minister serving in Buhari’s cabinet. to sue. ...ensuring public accountability CR 14 NAT’L NEWS Monday, June 24th, 2019 Corruption REPORTER

SHORTNEWS Money laundering: Goodluck Corruption: Rickey Tarfa begs Jonathan gave me N400 million court for more time to rest before appearing in court again Tarfa is standing trial on a unexpected complications not Dasuki, Metuh tells court 26-count charge bordering in his recovery, adding on offering gratification that he is going through “so ...Says PDP had N33bn in purpose because it came from to two federal high court many pains”. 2015, didn’t have to steal Jonathan. judges, Justices Hyeladzira He added that the money from the national Metuh recalled that he Nganjiwa and Mohammed doctor who performed the purse held a meeting with the then Yunusa. operation had to be brought president where various Justice Adedayo Akintoye back and that the doctor The former National Publicity issues and challenges facing of an Igbosere High Court had recommended daily Secretary of the Peoples the country were discussed; in Lagos State has granted physiotherapy sections. Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. adding that former President Rickey Tarfa (SAN), more The council, however, Olisa Metuh, has told the Jonathan promised and made time to recuperate from his prayed the court to Federal High Court in Abuja the N400m available to him surgery. discountenance the that the N400 million project to carry out the national Justice Akintoye gave Economic and Financial fund for which he is standing assignment. the order following an Crimes Commission trial was paid to him by former He stressed that the money application by Tarfa’s counsel, Mr. U.U. Buhari President Goodluck Jonathan could not have been for an counsel, Mr. Jelili objection. and not the former National unlawful purpose because he Owonikoko, praying the In her ruling, Justice Security Adviser, Col. Sambo was helping and contributing court for more time for his Akintoye held that having Dasuki, as alleged by the to stabilizing the then client to recuperate. taken all the factors Economic and Financial Crimes government because President Tarfa is standing trial on a into consideration, “I Commission (EFCC). Jonathan was elected on the 26-count charge bordering am inclined to grant the Mr. Metuh informed the PDP platform. was not transferred out of the on offering gratification applicant’s prayer. court that the money which Metuh specifically, according jurisdiction,” Metuh stated. to two federal high court “The defendant is entitled led to his arraignment by the to ChannelsTV, dismissed He urged the court to take a judges, Justices Hyeladzira to be given adequate time to EFCC on money laundering allegations that the money look at the list of disbursement Nganjiwa and Mohammed prepare his defence, which, charges was paid to him by the was channelled to him through carried out in cash and in Yunusa. of course, must be balanced former president to execute Dasuki. “I did not receive any the cheque. Mr. Metuh also He is also standing with the prosecution’s right some national assignment for money from Colonel Sambo dismissed the insinuation that trial for alleged justice to a reasonable time to the federal government. Dasuki. the N400 million was meant perversion. conclude its case”. Giving evidence on behalf “As I am talking on oath to fund the PDP, adding that Tarfa had not attended The judge also noted that of his company, Dextra before this court now, I can say at the period, the PDP was rich court proceedings since the lengthy adjournment Investment Ltd, which is the categorically that Dasuki has to the tune of N33 billion, with January 21 when he was “not a stay of second defendant in the suit not been interrogated, charged N12 billion generated from travelled abroad for a proceedings. and the account where the or convicted for any act relating sales of nomination forms medical emergency. “The applicant is expected N400m was paid into, the ex- to me and my company. and N21 billion raked in from He had always stayed to appear in court on spokesperson for the PDP told “The N400 million was paid fundraising. inside his vehicle during the next date. He is also Justice Okon Abang that he into my account by the then- Further cross-examination court proceedings. hereby ordered to submit could not consider the money president and I did not conceal has been adjourned until June According to his counsel, a complete medical report for the act of any unlawful or disguise the money and it 24, 25 and 26. Tarfa was unable to climb from the Lagos State the staircase leading University Teaching to Justice Akintoye’s Hospital.” courtroom, even on a She adjourned the case EFCC re-arraigns American for wheelchair because of the until Sept.19, for further severity of his condition. hearing. On March 19, The News Agency of defrauding Nigerians of $1.2 Million Owonikoko filed a medical Nigeria reports that Tarfa The American and hisAugust 2013 in Lagos. Oweize, the EFCC prosecuting recommendation from was arraigned by the EFCC companies were previously Ramirez is alleged to have counsel requested for a trial Tarfa’s doctors which stated on March 9, 2016, and arraigned on June 22, 2017, defrauded Ambassador Godson date. that the defendant required subsequently re-arraigned a minimum of three on November 16, 2016, on before Justice Josephine Echejue, Mr. Abubakar Umar The defence counsel, Mr. months of medical leave to an amended charge. Oyefeso, on a 16-count charge and Mr. Olukayode Sodimu of Ademola Adefolaju, did not enable him to recuperate. The anti-graft agency of conspiracy and obtaining the money. oppose the prosecutor’s On May 31, Tarfa filed claimed that between June under false pretence. The offences contravene request for a trial date but another application seeking 27, 2012, and January 8, he Economic and Financial Section 1 (3) of the Advance pleaded with court, for Ramirez an extension of his recovery 2016, Tarfa paid a total Crimes Commission on Fee Fraud and Other Fraud to continue to enjoy the bail time. of N5.3 million in several Thursday re-arraigned anRelated Offences Act, No. 14 conditions earlier granted to But the judge ordered tranches into Justice American, Marco Ramirez, at of 2006. him by Justice Oyefeso. that a medical report on Nganjiwa’s bank account. an Ikeja Special Offences Court The American and his Dada enquired whether his health from a general They have also accused for allegedly defrauding three companies were previously the defendant had fully or a teaching hospital be him of paying into Nigerians of $1.2 million under arraigned on June 22, 2017, complied with his previous provided before the hearing Justice Yunusa’s account, of the application. N800,000 in three tranches the pretext of securing green before Justice Josephine bail conditions, Adefolaju At the resumed hearing between February 9 and cards for them. Oyefeso, on a 16-count charge answered in the affirmative, on Friday, Tarfa, who was November 30, 2015. Ramirez was re-arraigned of conspiracy and obtaining noting that Ramirez had been represented by Mr. John The commission alleged before Justice Mojisola Dada under false pretence, the News visiting EFCC office as directed Odubela (SAN), said the that the payments were to on an amended 12-count Agency of Nigeria reports. by the court. defendant had carried out compromise the judges. charge of conspiracy and He had pleaded not guilty to Following Adefolaju’s the court’s orders. He was also accused of obtaining under false pretence. the offences and was admitted submission, Dada said, “We have provided age falsification. Ramirez was arraigned to bail in the sum of $25,000. “Having not shown any breach sufficient evidenceTarfa pleaded not guilty alongside his companies – However, midway to the trial, of the bail terms granted by my surrounding the and was granted bail on USA Now LLC; Eagle Ford the case file was transferred brother judge, the defendant circumstances of the self-recognizance. Instalodge Group LP and USA to the Special Offences Court is hereby allowed to continue defendant’s, ill health, The EFCC has since closed among other things,” its case, following which Now Capital Group. for a speedy conclusion of the with the previous terms.” Odubela said. Tarfa opened his defence The EFCC said that Ramirez matter The judge adjourned the case He explained that after the court dismissed committed the offences Following his re-arraignment until October 7, 8, 9 and 10 for Tarfa had succumbed to his no-case submission. between February 2013 and before Justice Dada, Mr. N. S. trial. ...ensuring public accountability CR Corruption Monday, June 24th, 2019 NAT’L NEWS 15 REPORTER Jailing corrupt people a waste of time, says Sagay hairman of the Presi- Orientation Agency which held convictions because of the weak- was not good for the country. dential Advisory Com- in Jos on Wednesday. ness in the judicial institution. He urged the citizens to ex- mittee Against Corrup- The programme with the And that is why we have concen- pose corrupt individuals in their tion, Prof. Itse Sagay, theme, “Value re-orientation trated more on asset seizure of midst irrespective of their politi- Chas commended the All Progres- and the fight against corrup- corrupt people as the way to go.” cal, social or religious affiliations sives Congress administration tion “was attended by top gov- Sagay who was represented at in the interest of the country’s under President Muhammadu ernment officials, including per- the occasion by a member of the development. Buhari for stepping up the fight manent secretaries, traditional PACAC, Prof. Etannibi Alemika, Governor Simon Lalong who against corruption in the coun- rulers as well as leading civil so- further maintained that for the declared the workshop open, try in a bid to ensure good gov- ciety organisations and political country to win the war against said his administration would ernance and development. activists. corruption, there must be val- not spare anyone found to be But he lamented that jailing Sagay said, “Corruption has ue re-orientation among its cit- engaging in acts of corruption. corrupt people was a desperate primarily been fought by the izens. He noted that corruption had and wasteful effort given the Federal Government in the According to him, a situation done more harm than good to weakness in the country’s judi- country. There is too much fo- where promotion of values that the country’s socio-economic cial process. cus on financial corruption but fight against corruption, we dis- abhorred hard work, accounta- progress and urged Nigerians He spoke during a workshop the truth is that nepotism is a covered that jailing people is a bility, transparency and commit- to join hands with the APC ad- organised by the PACAC in col- more serious problem. desperate and wasteful effort. ment to common good had be- ministration in the anti-corrup- laboration with the National “After our evaluation in the It is going to be difficult to have come the norm among Nigerians tion fight. Ponzi scheme, MMM, returns Over a year after the popular help” with their investments and January 2019 all over the world. After what happened earlier died of heart attack on March 26. Ponzi scheme, Mavrodi Mundial interest back after 30 days. From negligence by many to with the same MMM and even The scheme, which collapsed in Moneybox (MMM) crashed in On its site, the administration fear of unknown by prospective with the slow and predicted 2016 in many countries including Nigeria dashing the hope of wrote ; participants at the beginning; we death of the new Loom Ponzi, Nigeria, has been a subject of over three million Nigerians, the “In honou of our beloved are were prospective participants one will think Nigerians have controversy globally. scheme is back founder, Sergey Mavrodi of at the beginning; we are today learned but they are still falling Mr. Mavrodi launched his The scheme is now labeled blessed memory; we awoke his being most populous platform all for it. controversial scheme in 2011 and MMM cooperation and it legacy by starting the operation over the world with 6MILLION The WhatsApp group which crashed in Nigeria in December promises up to 50 percent return of MMM Cooperation on Jan participants all in space of was just created is full leaving no 2016; with millions of Naira on any amount invested in it. This 22nd,2019. 4months” room for any more participant in belonging to Nigerians trapped is 20 percent more than what the “This is after 5months One of the coordinators of the that group. in the scheme. previous version offered. thorough examination of the scheme, the twitter handle @ While some are concerned Although the scheme Like the previous version, old system in order to make his teeguider announced the arrival with how to join a group, some announced a comeback in 2017, MMM participants are to register, legacy worthwhile. Like sunrise in of the scheme and gave a link for Nigerians are refusing to fall prey it could not launch operation invest a particular amount in the the morning, MMM Cooperation a WhatsApp group for interested a second time. before the renewed enthusiasm form of “providing help” and “get set the pace on the 22nd of persons Mr Mavrodi, an ex-convict, among its members fizzled out. No new passport without national identification number, says NIS The Nigeria immigration Ser- port would no longer be is- being produced concurrently nel of the Service against cor- tion officials should change vice (NIS) has disclosed that sued without national identi- with the new passports. ruption and sharp practices in their attitude towards ser- the National Identification fication number. He said the new e-passport issuing the new passport. vice delivery, noting that the Number (NIN) was a pre-con- At the pre-launch meet- “will attract a different price He charged them to avoid administration of President dition for obtaining the new ing, the comptroller-general from the old one. The 64- aiding and abetting service Muhmmadu Buhari “has pro- national passport, noting that explained that the newly en- page 10-year passport will be seekers in the procurement of vided enabling environment the new document would be hanced 10-year validity pass- restricted to adults (18years breeder documents for NIS fa- for the Service to discharge its unveiled on Tuesday. port is more secure than the and above) and will cost N70, cilities, noting that doing so responsibilities without let or The service, also, has re- previous passports, which 000, excluding bank charg- is culpable by the Immigration hindrance. vealed that it had synchro- would be done away with es; 32-page five year standard Act 2015. “Hence, Service must im- nised its system with that of soon. passport is N25, 000 and 64- Babandede called on the bibe the principle of hostman- the National Identity Manage- Babandede noted that it had page five year standard pass- immigration officials to com- ship, which enjoins service ment Commission (NIMC) to become imperative for every port goes for N35,000, all ex- ply with the Executive Or- providers to treat customers enable the new passport cap- Nigerian to obtain the nation- cluding bank charges.” der 01 on Transparency and as their guests,” the comptrol- ture the National Identifica- al identification number be- He explained that the rea- Ease of Doing Business, stat- ler-general explained. tion Number of any applicant. fore the new passport could son applicants under 18 years ing that NIS as an elite service Bandede, therefore, encour- The Comptroller General of be issued. would not obtain the 10-year should contribute its quota to aged immigration officials to Immigration (CGI), Mr. Mu- According to him, the old standard passport “is because the economic development of take advantage of facilities hammad Babandede made passport and the new one will under 18 years, the appear- the country through facilita- provided by the agency to the disclosure at a pre-launch be running concurrently, so as ance of people could change tion of corrupt-free atmos- build their capacity especially meeting with the officials of to provide for over 25,000 ap- and will no more reflect the phere for Direct Foreign In- on ICT because Immigration the service in Lagos at the plicants who had paid for the image in the passport.” vestment (DFI). would soon start conducting weekend, saying new pass- old passports, which are still Babandede warned person- He reiterated that immigra- e-base promotion exercise. Buhari intent on recovering Nigeria’s stolen wealth, signs bill seeking foreign assistance into law President Muhammadu Buhari House correspondents at the property and other instruments According to him, the forfeited or confiscated in respect has signed a bill, ‘Mutual Presidential Villa, Abuja, adding of crime by Nigerians in other new law explained other of offences. Assistance in Criminal Matters the law has taken effects from countries. provisions of the legislation, He, however, said only Act, 2019’, into law. June 20, 2019. Enang said the law is for other including the interception the Attorney-General of the This was made known by He stated further that countries to help in identifying of telecommunications and Federation was allowed to be the the Senior Special Assistant the law was to facilitate the the criminals, which includes conversion of electronic intermediary between the two on National Assembly Matters identification, tracing, freezing, their locations and help to surveillance, restraint of dealings countries for making, receiving (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, restraining, recovery, forfeiture, release pieces of evidence for in property, or the freezing of and transmitting requests and to while briefing the Stateand confiscation of proceeds, prosecution. assets, that may be recovered, perform other legal actions. ...ensuring public accountability CR 16 NAT’L NEWS Monday, June 24th, 2019 Corruption REPORTER Interpol boosts anti-corruption war, to work with FG’s panel he president public assets including money, the visit was premised on the The SPIP Chief further commissioner of police, Garba Muhammadu Buhari’s which have been laundered IGP’s counsel to work closely solicited the assistance of the Baba Umar, enlightened the corruption fightbeyond the shores of Nigeria with the Interpol for more Interpol office in the areas of Panel Chairman and his has received a boost in safe havens. effectiveness, solicited the training, capacity building entourage on the workings of followingT an acceptance This assurance was given cooperation of the Interpol and technical assistance for the Interpol. Both agreed to by Interpol to work with by the commissioner of in identifying foreign its personnel, all of which the work together, for the good the federal government in police in charge of Interpol investments by Nigerians that police chief acceded to. of Nigeria. recovering assets and other in Nigeria, CP Garba Baba are funded with looted public The two exchangedSpecial Presidential looted funds stashed abroad. Umar, in his office, recently, funds, repatriating looted information on their Investigation Panel for the The Special Presidential while interacting with the funds stashed or otherwise respective areas of jurisdiction. Recovery of Public Property Investigation Panel for the chairman of the Panel, Chief laundered abroad and While Chief Obono-Obla will continue to seek Recovery of Public Property Okoi Obono-Obla, when the recovery of property bought gave a background to the Act partnership with agencies, (SPIP) was assured of latter paid him a courtesy with proceeds of corruption establishing the Panel, its groups and persons with Interpol’s cooperation, in visit. by Nigerian public officers or operations, achievements, capacity to assist the panel in its efforts to recover looted The chairman, who said their cohorts. challenges and aspirations, carrying out its mandate. Certificate forgery: PDP candidate loses appeal against Kogi lawmaker For filing what it described as (APC); the court also awarded the but lost at both courts for lack of trial court be set aside and Hon Justice Agim warned that, “frivolous appeal”, candidate sum of N400, 000 as cost, against sufficient proofs. Idrisu be disqualified. when a judgement is given, it is of the People’s Democratic the appellant. Justice Taiwo Taiwo, however, Hon Idrisu, on the other hand, given according to the principles Party (PDP) for House of It could be recalled that, delivered judgement on the suit prayed the appellate court, set by law, “and you cannot undo Representatives election in Hon Adeiza, in a pre-election in April, 2019, saying, since the through his counsels, AA Ibrahim it, no matter how you twist it”. Ajaokuta federal constituency of suit filed in 2018, challenged issue of certificate forgery had (SAN) and Tawada Adams He said, having been decided Kogi State, Hon Okino Aloysius the qualification of Honbeen settled by the tribunal and (Esq), to uphold the judgement by the court of appeal in 2015, Adeiza, has been fined by the Idrisu, alleging that he forged court of appeal in 2015 for lack delivered by Justice Taiwo. bringing same certificate forgery Court of Appeal. his National Diploma (ND) of proofs, “the action is an abuse Delivering the lead judgement, appeal before the appellate court In a judgement delivered, certificate, which was obtained of court process and also statute on Friday, Justice Agim frowned in 2019 would amount to abuse yesterday, by a panel of three from Yaba College of Technology, barred”. at the counsel to the appellant of court process, even as he said, Justices, presided over by Justice Lagos. Irked by the ruling of Justice for not “there must be an end to every Emmanuel Agim, the appellate This was even as, Hon Adeiza Taiwo of the federal high properly advising his client. litigation.” court did not only dismiss had challenged same ND court, Hon Adeiza, through his He said, “Lawyers should advise He, therefore, dismissed the Adeiza’s appeal against Hon certificate at the tribunal and counsel, Reuben Egwuaba (Esq), their clients appropriately”, appeal, upheld the judgement of Lawal Mohammed Idrisu of the court of appeal in 2015 when approached the Court of Appeal, stressing that “law is law, no the trial court and awarded N400, ruling All Progressives Congress he was first defeated at the poll, praying that the judgement of the matter how it is seen”. 000 cost to the PDP candidate. Nepotism is corruption, Obasanjo tells presidency Former President Olusegun It must be consistently Permanent Secretary are some of the issues we are Obasanjo has lamented fought. There must not (Political and Economic looking at, at the moment. that nepotism in Nigeria is be sacred cows, and it Affairs) at the Office of the Absolutely, we are coming obstructing the fight against must be comprehensive Secretary to the Government back to the table to say, “this corruption.In what seemed and inclusive,” he said. of the Federation, said the is what we want,” Aduda said. like reporting the country’s The Buhari administration delay was not indicative Earlier, Sergey Lavrov, leadership to the world, the has repeatedly come under of government’s doubt Russia’s Minister of elder statesman, before a criticism for allegedly on the initiative, but the Foreign Affairs, expressed gathering of investors at the favouring a section of the consequence of ongoing his country’s willingness ongoing yearly meeting of the country on appointments and renegotiations.He explained to contribute more to the African Export-Import Bank targeting the opposition in its that Nigeria wants to ensure development of the African (Afreximbank) in Moscow, campaign against graft. that some protective steps continent, disclosing that accused the administration The government’s alleged are put in place, lest the over $20 billion worth of of President Muhammadu shoddy consultation was country becomes a dumping investments was done in Buhari of fiscal indiscipline also blamed for the delay in ground. Africa in 2018. and bias in the fight against the ratification of the African “With time, Nigeria is going “Russia is building a long- corruption. Continental Free Trade to sign. But we have to do term relationship with Africa He described corruption and Agreement (AfCFTA), what China did, even with the and has become a shareholder and development as strange acclaimed the largest free out of place. Eritrea and even world trade agreement – they in Afreximbank. To give an bed fellows, warning that trade agreement in the world. Niger and Benin who are our gave a condition. And that is additional impetus to all people in authority would Obasanjo told investors that neighbours have signed, and what we are going to do. You our cooperation, including remain deluded as long as while there is no confusion Nigeria is counting itself out. do not expect a country like commercial and economic, their definition of corruption on what the deal is, private “If you heard the statement Nigeria to be given the same it was decided to jointly is when money, goods and sector operators became of the permanent secretary size of cake with a country organise the first Russia- services are involved. disillusioned over the in the Ministry of Trade like The Gambia, even though Africa summit in October “Nepotism is a form of government’s alleged inaction today, there is nothing more we are all in Africa. 2019 in Sochi. corruption and condoning and poor consultations after beautiful than that, but he “You cannot just go ahead “We are waiting for what is bad is a height of it had taken the lead in design is not a policy maker, he is a and enter into an agreement African Heads of State corruption. Lack of fiscal and execution. policy executor. with a neighbouring nation and Government, leaders discipline is corruption. So, He expressed hope that “He will have to go home without looking at who is of the African Union and corruption and development Nigeria would sign the deal and tell the policymakers standing behind that nation. other major sub-regional cannot meet. You must before the July 7 launch in that he made the right How are you going to protect organisations to key into our eschew corruption to make Niamey.“Nigeria will not be statement, so it’s now their yourself? partnership and hope that sure that you make significant absent at the launch of the turn for action. I hope that “Though we need a free Afreximbank will contribute progress. AfCFTA. But I see no reason when he gets home and says and fair deal, how also do we to the substantial content “Fighting corruption is not why Nigeria can be present it’s time for right action, they protect ourselves to ensure of the economic part of the a matter of do it today and at the launch when it has not will follow through,” he said. that we do not just become programme, which seems tomorrow you are absent. signed the agreement. It is But Gabriel Aduda, a dumping ground? These very solid,” he said. ...ensuring public accountability CR Corruption Monday, June 24th, 2019 NAT’L NEWS 17 REPORTER

BRIEF N5.2bn electricity project: court EFCC apprehends 7 internet fraudsters convicts 5 directors in Kaduna ustice Adebukola accountant in REA; Engr. challenged the jurisdiction were sentenced to three Banjoko, of an Kayode Orekoya, Director of of the court to hear the years imprisonment with The Econom- Abuja High Court Projects; Abdusamad Garba charge. an option of N500,000 fine ic and Financial has convicted five Hahun, Assistant Director In the substantive each. Crimes Commis- JDirectors of the Rural and Kayode Oyedeji, Head charge, the court noted It would be recalled that sion (EFCC), Ka- Electricity Agency (REA) of Legal Department. that the prosecution had the Permanent Secretary duna Zonal Office, over their involvement in The court in its judgment established by way of and the Directors were yesterday, arrest- a contract scam leading to however, absolved a former evidence, all ingredients of accused of fraudulently ed seven suspect- the award of a N5.2bn rural Permanent Secretary in the offences levelled against facilitating the withdrawal electrification project. the Ministry of Power, the defendants. of the sum of N119.7m ed internet fraud- Justice Banjoko who Dr. Abdullahi Aliyu of any The judge held the matter from the account of the sters. found the defendants guilty wrongdoing in the said was a clear manifestation of REA, domicile in Central The suspects, in all 65 charges levied N5.2bn allegation levelled dishonesty as the contract Bank of Nigeria, CBN. ranging between against them, in a judgment against him and the awards were well crafted to In the course of the trial, 20 and 33 years, delivered on Friday, directors. boycott laid down process. the prosecution team led by were apprehend- accordingly sentenced them The EFCC had arraigned However the court Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, called ed around 5am in to various prison terms with the defendants on 65 count stated that the Federal seven witnesses before their rented apart- option of fine. criminal charge including Government did not incur closing its case. ment along Ihejiri- Aliyu and the fivecriminal breach of trust, any loss and the prosecution Rather than open its ka Close, Becky, Directors were prosecuted which they perpetrated could not prove that defence, the defendants Karu, Nasarawa by the Economic and by awarding contract the defendants diverted through their counsel, Paul Financial Crimes for Grid Extension and funds meant for rural Erokoro, SAN, made a no- State. Commission over an Solar Electricity from the electrification project to case-submission which was The suspected ya- allegation that they amended 2008 Budget of their personal use. dismissed by the court. hoo boys, among defrauded the Federal REA. Accordingly, the Consequently, they were who was a lady, Government of a whooping While the court upheld defendants were convicted called upon to open their were operating N2.5bn. the “no-case” submission and sentenced. defences. around Mararaba, Those convicted arelodged by Dr. Abdullahi The 1st defendant was The 1st and 3rd Nyanya and Karu former Directors of Rural Aliyu and subsequently sentenced to three years defendants rested their axis, Nasarawa Electricity Agency, namely discharged and acquitted imprisonment with an cases on that of the State/FCT. Engr. Samuel Ibi Gekpe, him, the court dismissed the option of N5m fine payable prosecution whereas the The suspects former Managing Director; application of Gekpe, the within one month, while 4th-6th defendants testified were arrested fol- Simon Kirdi Nanle, an first defendant, which had the 3rd- 6th defendants in court personally. lowing an intelli- gence leading to a sting operation. One of the sus- Oyegun: Oshiomhole is Obaseki’s pects posed as an engineer working with Exxon Mobil, biggest distraction the rest used fake John Odigie-Oyegun, Oshiomhole. identities to de- former national chairman “It is very unfortunate fraud unsuspect- of the All Progressives especially considering the ing people within Congress (APC), says Adams fact that he is the national and outside Nige- Oshiomhole, his successor, is chairman of the same party the biggest distraction to the with the governor. I have not ria. administration of Godwin heard that PDP or Edo leaders The suspects in- Obaseki, governor of Edo. want to remove Obaseki. clude, Peter Olu Odigie-Oyegun was reacting What has been trending is Tsetimi, Ogun- to the crisis rocking the Edo how his predecessor who biyi Adekunle A, state house of assembly. happens to be the party Emuze Omosigho In a statement by Ray chairman does want him back Emmanuel, Isaac Murphy, his special adviser in the office. Daro Obozokhai. on political affairs, the former “If his actions against Others are Sam- national chairman accused Obaseki is not antiparty, uel Nana-Kofi Oshiomhole of engaging in someone should then explain Eruese, Edward anti-party activities, saying he to me what is antiparty. is the one distracting Obaseki The problem of the APC is Yusuf and Peace from focusing on governance. from a singular man, the Manayin. Items He described what is national chairman who runs recovered from happening in the state as the party like an executive them include ex- “unfortunate”, adding that chairman. The idea of working otic watches/neck- Oshiomhole is heating up the attempt by godfather and where they are coming from. singlehanded and inducing laces, expensive polity since he does not want godfatherism that is hitting They are coming from the the party members to endorse phones, ipads, lap- the governor to be reelected. up the polity in the state. APC. is the problem of the party.” tops and several “This party must be stronger “Obaseki is the executive “I want to think that they On Monday night, nine fraudulent docu- because we cannot go into governor of Edo state and he are all targeted at weakening house of assembly lawmakers, ments. the 2023 general elections should be allowed to exercise the governor of Edo state. said to be loyal to Obaseki, Further investi- with these discordant tunes the powers vested in him by Ordinarily, the man in Edo had edged out their colleagues gation is ongoing, especially as President Buhari the law. To what purpose is should be given every support by taking oath of office as well as items will not be contesting. We this idea of the APC chairman so that he can succeed to “secretly”. need to get our acts together,” putting the state under fend off the opposition PDP A “cold war” between and documents he said. tension? already around the corner. Obaseki and Oshiomhole recovered will be “Oyegun has no personal “As a governor under “Ask anybody from Edo reportedly split the assembly subjected to foren- grievances with Oshiomhole APC platform, he should be state, what is Obaseki’s into two. sic analysis, after but Nigerians must know that allowed to run out his tenure biggest distraction and Oshiomhole is reported which the suspects he cannot go to equity with before they decide whether to they will tell you that his to have been perfecting will be charged to unclean hands. bring him back or not. There distraction is not whether strategies to oust the court for prosecu- “Today, there are all kinds are so many antics going on he has governed well or not, governor since he had the tion. of rancour coming from Edo and you don’t need to be a but from his immediate majority of the lawmakers in State. They all boil down to prophet or babalawo to trace predecessor, Adams his camp. ...ensuring public accountability CR 18 Monday, June 24th, 2019 Corruption FOREIGN REPORTER BRIEF Walmart to pay $282 million over Ex-Interpol chief pleads guilty to foreign corruption charges corruption, China says almart agreed Thursday and now have a strong Global Anti- was actually a government official, China says the former Interpol to pay $282 million Corruption Compliance Program.” authorities said. Walmart Brazil was chief Meng Hongwei has to settle federal In the criminal case, Walmart barred at the time from hiring civil admitted his guilt after going on allegations of overseas agreed to pay $138 million to avoid servants. trial for taking more than $2m Wcorruption, including funneling more prosecution, while its Brazilian Court papers do not identify the (£1.6m) in bribes. than $500,000 to an intermediary subsidiary, WMT Brasilia, pleaded intermediary but say she became State media said the court in in Brazil who was known as a guilty to violating the Foreign known inside Walmart Brazil as Tianjin would give its verdict at “sorceress” for her uncanny ability to Corrupt Practices Act. As for the a “sorceress” or “genie” for her a later date. make construction permit problems civil case, the SEC announced a $144 “ability to acquire permits quickly Mr Meng, who was the first disappear. million settlement against Walmart by ‘sort(ing) things out like magic.’” Chinese head of Interpol, U.S. authorities went after Walmart for “failing to operate a sufficient A representative of Walmart Brazil vanished on a trip back to China under the Foreign Corrupt Practices anti-corruption compliance had no comment. from France last September. Act, which prohibits American program” in Brazil, China, India and Walmart’s foreign practices have The Communist Party later companies operating abroad from Mexico. been under investigation since 2012. confirmed that he’d been using bribery and other illegal “Walmart valued international The New York Times won a Pulitzer detained as part of President methods. growth and cost-cutting over Prize for reporting that year that Xi Jinping’s drive against The nation’s biggest store chain compliance,” said Charles Cain, chief exposed millions of dollars in bribes corruption. settled both civil charges brought of the SEC unit overseeing FCPA made by Walmart executives to Mr Meng’s wife, who is in by the Securities and Exchange violations. “The company could have facilitate growth in Mexico. France, has said the charges Commission and a criminal case built avoided many of these problems, but According to the SEC, companies against him are politically by federal prosecutors in Virginia. instead Walmart repeatedly failed to including Halliburton, Anheuser- motivated. It said the two settlements close take red flags seriously and delayed Busch InBev, JPMorgan and In May, she was granted the books on federal investigations the implementation of appropriate Panasonic reached settlements political asylum in France, that stretch back to 2012 and have internal accounting controls.” under the Foreign Corrupt Practices over her fears that she and her collectively cost the company more The criminal case focused on Act ranging from $6 million to $264 children might get kidnapped. than $900 million. corruption that occurred in Brazil million in recent years. Last year a The 65-year-old, who had “We’re pleased to resolve this in 2009 and 2010 and involved what Brazilian energy company agreed to been living in France, resigned matter,” said Walmart President and authorities said were misdeeds by pay nearly $1.8 billion. as Interpol president after CEO Doug McMillon in a statement. the subsidiary that led the parent Bentonville, Arkansas-based being detained by the Chinese “Walmart is committed to doing company to submit inaccurate Walmart recently reported authorities. business the right way, and that financial records. quarterly earnings of $3.84 billion. Mr Meng’s disappearance means acting ethically everywhere The money that went to the It announced last year that it decided in September prompted we operate. We’ve enhanced our intermediary was recorded as to sell 80% of its stake in Walmart international concern. policies, procedures and systems payments to a construction company, Brazil to Advent International at a In October, Chinese and invested tremendous resources even though there were numerous loss of $4.5 billion. At the time, the authorities said Mr Meng globally into ethics and compliance, red flags indicating the intermediary subsidiary had 438 stores in Brazil. was being investigated over suspected bribe-taking. He has also been expelled from the party and stripped Malabu oil deal: Italy protests Swiss delay in of all government positions, according to the party’s watchdog, the Central releasing evidence in Nigeria corruption case Commission for Discipline Italian prosecutors have they seized in April 2016 in executives of both firms on Inspection (CCDI). complained to Switzerland about an inquiry unrelated to the charges they paid $1.1 billion in lengthy delays in obtaining the corruption case, and the source bribes to secure the purchase of India sacks 15 senior evidence they have requested in said Milan prosecutors believed a Nigerian oil field in 2011. an international corruption case the documents could be vital All defendants deny tax officials over involving oil firms Shell and Eni, to their prosecution of Eni and wrongdoing. Reuters reports. Shell. The Geneva prosecutors’ office corruption It will be recalled that Shell But Italy’s request for the said in a statement to Reuters and Italian oil major Eni have documents to be handed over that it had spared no effort to India on Tuesday sacked 15 been embroiled in a protracted has been blocked by Swiss courts cooperate with Italy over its senior tax officials facing corruption case revolving around after repeated legal challenges request, adding the Swiss judicial probes in corruption cases, the purchase of Oil Prospecting by the owner of the briefcase, process was long and involved sending across a tough Licence 245. Nigerian lawyer Emeka Obi, who delays that it admitted could cost message to bureaucrats The OPL 245, better known as was charged alongside Eni and precious time. taking kickbacks for Malabu oil block, with reserves Shell executives in the graft case. Milan prosecutors have an facilitating tax evasion by estimated at nine billion barrels In September 2018, Obi was understanding of the contents companies, a government has been at the centre of an convicted of corruption and of the documents and believe statement said. ongoing corruption trial in sentenced to four years in jail they would strengthen their Last week, the government Milan, Italy. by a Milan judge in a fast-track case against defendants in the had dismissed 12 income tax Milan prosecutors wrote in trial, though he has appealed, Nigeria graft trial, the source officials who were mainly April to the Geneva prosecutors’ remains outside Italy and his said. facing corruption charges. office in a previously undisclosed lawyer continues to pursue legal They hope their letter will be India improved its ranking, letter, describing their three- action in Switzerland to block passed onto the Swiss Federal among 180 countries, by year wait for documents to be Italy’s request. Penal Tribunal in Bellinzona three points to 78th on a handed over by Swiss authorities Obi’s Italian lawyer, Roberto which is considering which global corruption index in as “unprecedented”, the source Pisano, did not reply to an email documents can be passed to 2018, according to the annual said. requesting a comment. Milan prosecutors. The tribunal’s index of the Transparency Swiss police found the A separate trial continues in eventual ruling is also subject to International, an anti-graft documents in a briefcase Milan against Eni, Shell, and appeal. watchdog. ...ensuring public accountability CR Corruption Monday, June 24th, 2019 FOREIGNNEWS 19 REPORTER Nicolas Sarkozy: Former French president loses bid to avoid bribery trial he former French president Herzog also face trial. Last year he denied that he received Nicolas Sarkozy has lost The case centres on conversations campaign funding from the late a final bid to halt his between Mr Azibert and Mr Herzog, Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. prosecution on charges of which were taped by investigators He was taken into custody over the corruptionT and abuse of power. looking into claims that Mr Sarkozy Gaddafi allegations and questioned Mr Sarkozy is accused of trying accepted illicit payments from the by specialist investigators. to bribe a magistrate by offering a L’Oreal heiress Liliane Bettencourt He has also separately been prestigious job in Monaco in return for his 2007 presidential campaign. ordered to stand trial over for information about a criminal Mr Sarkozy allegedly offered Mr allegations that his 2012 presidential inquiry into his political party. Azibert the job in Monaco in return campaign issued fake invoices to an France’s highest court rejected Mr for information about the case. The events company called Bygmalion, Sarkozy’s appeal, ruling that he must investigation also revealed that the in order to conceal €18.5m worth of stand trial in the coming months. former president and his lawyer overspending. The former president denies used mobile phones and fake names Mr Sarkozy denied the charges, wrongdoing. to communicate - with Mr Sarkozy saying that the fraud was committed The magistrate he allegedlygoing by Paul Bismuth. by executives at Bygmalion - some of attempted to bribe, Gilbert Azibert, Mr Sarkozy has been dogged by whom are also facing trial - and that and Mr Sarkozy’s lawyer Thierry allegations of financial impropriety. he was unaware. World whistleblower day 2019 – is this a landmark year for whistleblower protection? The brave individuals who report In Europe, over half a billion people report suspected breaches in certain areas remains safe and anonymous, and others wrongdoing at work are vital for have been assured protection for of EU law. If this were to remain the case who have been dragged through multiple exposing corrupt schemes and actions. reporting wrongdoing at work, thanks at the national level, it would create all court cases and public attacks. Countless lives and billions of dollars of to the EU directive which was agreed kinds of loopholes, and make it difficult Whistleblower protection has been public funds have been saved thanks to in March. Member States have until for people to understand whether they will declared a priority for the G20’s anti- whistleblowers. Too often, however, they October 2021 to transpose the Directive be protected if they blow the whistle on corruption work this year, which we’ll be face retaliation after bringing corruption, into national laws. After that, there will corruption or other wrongdoing. watching closely at the G20 summit in fraud and financial malpractice to light. finally be a coherent set of standards Elsewhere, in February this year, Osaka, Japan, later this month. Some 4.7 These attacks are sometimes professional, across the EU, which will guarantee that Australia set a new standard in private billion people live in a country represented sometimes legal, and can even be directed people who speak out aren’t punished for sector whistleblower protection . at the summit, so it is a huge opportunity against the whistleblower’s family, their bravery. Companies there now have to proactively to extend protection to almost two-thirds property or physical and mental well- The EU directive has a lot of strengths, put in place protections to that will of the global population. being. thanks in large part to the broad coalition safeguard people who speak out. The next We are asking G20 governments to Many times, those who enact of civil society, including Transparency step should be for government employees adopt rigorous High Level Principles revenge on whistleblowers are able to International, trade unions and freedom to be afforded the same level of protection. that meet international best practice get away with it because there aren’t of expression advocates who worked hard And in April, investigative standards, like our own international sufficient measures in place to protect to make sure the EU took a stance that journalists, who often work closely principles for whistleblower protection whistleblowers from retaliation. really looks after the interests of those with whistleblowers and have a special legislation. They should cover the public, who speak out. responsibility to help keep them safe from private and non-profit sectors, and give But, is change around the corner? But there is still room for improvement. retaliation, agreed a set of principles to the widest possible protection. This year, we celebrate WorldIn particular, when the directive guide these interactions. As we highlighted The days when a civil servant, company Whistleblower Day, 23 June, with some becomes law in a Member State, national in a conference panel around the same employee, intern or consultant could be serious wins for whistleblower protection governments need to make sure that the time, the extent to which the media punished for reporting illegal activity can already behind us in 2019, and some law covers every possible whistleblowing protects whistleblower’s identity can make and should be consigned to history. encouraging developments on the situation and protects all whistleblowers. the difference between the case of John Let’s hope we can one day look back on horizon. The Directive itself only covers people who Doe, who leaked the Panama Papers and 2019 as a turning point in that story. Maritime anti-corruption network to develop ‘global port integrity index’ The Maritime Anti-Corruption “Through the support from the recognized NGO specializing in ethics network like MACN has a key role to Network, a global business network of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of and anti-corruption in West Africa— play in enabling change that is both over 110 companies working together Denmark, MACN can take our world- worked to promote integrity and business-friendly and that promotes to tackle corruption in the maritime leading incident data to the next level good governance in the port sector in integrity and business ethics,” stated industry, on Thursday announced a and turn it into a powerful advocacy Nigeria. Actions to date have included Soji Apampa, executive director and new partnership with the Ministry of tool,” said Cecilia Müller Torbrand, the training of over 1,000 government co-founder of the Convention on Foreign Affairs of Denmark to launch executive director of MACN, in officials in the ports of Lagos, Calabar, Business Integrity. “The members of the first-ever “Global Port Integrity a statement. “This index will be Onne, and Port-Harcourt, the MACN MACN have significant commercial Index” and to scale up its collective instrumental in highlighting the need said. buying power when acting collectively. action activities in West Africa. for further investments and initiatives Through the new project, MACN This is important for incentivizing The Global Port Integrity Index will addressing integrity challenges in will work with the international and local stakeholder from both the public provide an overview and comparison ports to promote fair global trade.” local maritime industry and with key and private sector to engage with us of illicit demands in ports around The partnership with MOFA will also government authorities in Nigeria and actively address corruption”. the world. It will be based on first- allow MACN to expand its collective to improve the business climate and The MOFA support for MACN is part hand data gathered from captains action program in West Africa and reduce corruption in the port and of a global anti-corruption program calling port around the world through to deepen its current engagement in maritime sector. for 2019-2022, which extends MACN’s Anonymous Incident the region. MACN has been active “Increasing transparency and ease support to civil society organizations, Reporting Mechanism. To date, in Nigeria since 2011 and has, in of doing business in the port and multilateral organizations/ MACN has collected over 28,000 collaboration with the Convention on maritime sector is a political priority governments, and private sector-led reports of corruption in ports. Business Integrity—an internationally of the Nigerian government, and a initiatives. ...ensuring public accountability CR 20 Monday, June 24th, 2019 Corruption REPORTER

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