Lai Mohammed to appear in court over Diezani bribe: INEC deputy director bags N2.5bn NBC fraud case – ICPC Page 11 six years, another bags seven years Page 5

...ensuring public accountability CR

CorruptionVOL. 1 NO. 21 REPORTER Monday, July 1st, 2019 www.corruptionreporter.com @corruptionrep [email protected] FIRS accuses First Bank of account manipulation in N25bn suit Page 15 Oshiomhole believes strongly that if not that he stepped on toes PAGE 4

OPINION Page 7 PDP expanded the Page 13 Why corruption in Africa is now a full-blown scope of corruption culture affecting the continent’s DNA – Presidential aide ...ensuring public accountability CR Monday, July 1st, 2019 Corruption 2 REPORTER ...ensuring public accountability CR Corruption Monday, July 1st, 2019 3 REPORTER EDITORIAL Mr. President, the time to scrap or reform the Almajiri system is now CorruptionCR REPORTER resident of whom are in the and the participants Muhammadu northern part of enrolled in the Buhari had the country, where formal education EDITORIAL TEAM pointed out the Almajiri system system. Former thatP “Section 2 of is domiciled. The President Goodluck the Compulsory, failure of education Jonathan had PUBLISHER Free Universal in the region is not established Almajiri Idris Abiodun Usman Basic Education Act unconnected with Schools all over the provides that every the multiple security north to absorb Government in challenges plaguing the participants, CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD Nigeria shall provide the region and the providing them Majeed Dahiru free, compulsory rest of the country. a mix of formal and universal basic These children, who western and Quranic education for every are more than the education, but these child of primary and total population of schools have since EDITOR junior secondary many countries of gone into disuse. Mohammed Basah school age”, the world, have been It is an emergency effectively declaring kept out of formal that requires a it against the laws education and all consensus among GROUP NEWS EDITOR of Nigeria to keep the opportunities the leaders of the Femi Lawson children out of the it opens to them by north and the formal education corruption of the President needs to system, which by elite. follow up with a firm implication is what For decades stand on the entire INT’L CORRESPONDENT the Almajiri system Nigerian system. There is no Willem Vermeer does. governments had social or economic President Buhari failed to make case to be made went further stating adequate budgetary for having a large that, ‘‘It is indeed a provisions for army of children WEBMASTER crime for any parent education, while the roaming the streets Benedict Aguele to keep his child out little made available of our country, in a of school for this has been frittered day and age when period”, adding that away by officials. human capital have PHOTO EDITOR “when a government Nigerian public been acknowledged Emmanuel Kenny Bako fails to provide the schools have become as being the most schools, teachers and a paradox where valuable resource in teaching materials officials are richer the world with less PAGE PLANNER necessary for basic than institutions natural resource rich Xtanlee Uche Echidi education, it is entrusted into their countries dominating actually aiding and care, leaving the all the major Human abetting that crime”. students for whom Development His spokesperson such schools were Indices rankings. would later clarify established to suffer. President Buhari, MISSION STATEMENT that the president’s More than whose major selling comments did not anything else, the point has been his Where feeble minds mean an immediate current security avowed stand against compromise integrityand ban on Almajiri challenges posed corruption must take dignityand refuse to speak system in the by the Boko Haram a firm stand against out, we will lift our voices in country, but such (which is translated this menace and defence of Nigeria and its action would be a “Western Education mobilize leaders of people against corruption, gradual process. is forbidden”) and the north and other Nigeria, according others in the north stakeholders to put a inpunity, bad governance to reports has about mean that, there is definite stop to it. No and those who trample the 13million children an urgent need for doubt the future of laws of our land under their out of formal the entire system our children cannot feet. schooling, the bulk to be dismantled wait. ...ensuring public accountability CR 4 Monday, July 1st, 2019 Corruption COVER REPORTER Oshiomhole believes strongly that if not that he stepped on toes In the beginning is not new to controversy, having When Comrade Adams Oshiomhole been engulfed in a speakership was to exit office as Governor of Edo tussle between the PDP and the State, after serving two terms, he APC in 2014. In 2019, however the made a shocking decision as to who entire 24 members were elected on would succeed him in government the platform of the APC, but on the house. The combative former NLC 17th of June, Nineteen out of the 24 President had sidestepped his members-elect, had publicly called deputy, Odudu and Commissioner on Governor Godwin Obaseki, to for Works, to choose an “unknown immediately inaugurate the new quantity” in, Godwin Obaseki, Assembly following the expiration who was head of his economic of the previous old one on June 7th. team. Oshiomhole who has always Washington Osifo, the spokesman prided himself on the fact that his for the lawmakers, had told emergence led to the retirement journalists that “the governor of godfathers in Edo politics, in a by virtue of Section 105(3) of cheeky reference to the Late Chief the Constitution of the Federal Tony Anenih, has been in a running Republic of Nigeria (as amended), battle with his successor, over the is constitutionally required to issue way he has governed the state. a letter of proclamation for the According to sources close to him, inauguration of the new Assembly the then governor “Oshiomhole to avoid vacuum”. Osifo had gone believed strongly that if not that he further to accuse the governor of stepped on toes, he would not have “deliberately refusing to allow the achieved all he did in Edo, which Assembly to function, thus usurping his choice of Obaseki, who though the powers of the legislators”. he a Benin man, had lived outside had laid a marker stating that “the Benin for long, and therefore governor, no matter how powerful, had no allegiances to the power cannot impose individuals either as blocs of the old order”. Obaseki, Speaker or Deputy Speaker on the according to our source, “being legislators”. the technocrat that he is, when he In an unexpected twist to the came into office, decided to run his entire saga, on Tuesday, June 19, government by the books rather Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser than the ways of the Oshiomhole to the Governor on Media and days when allegiances were bought Strategy, issued a statement to with handouts and government inform the public that the Assembly patronage”. was inaugurated at 3pm on Monday, It was said that the agreement with nine members who elected between godfather and godson Frank Okiye as Speaker. The was that the governor would statement, giving further details, concentrate in running the internally generated revenue, has accusations. While Oshiomhole’s said “the Clerk of the Edo House of technical side government while made him a number of political loyalists claimed the governor ran Assembly, Alhaji Audu Omogbai, Oshiomhole and other politicians enemies who had gone to lobby the an exclusionist administration, the ushered the members-elect into the would run the political aspect, state former chairman against him. governor’s loyalists has claimed chamber and read out the letter of but the governor was said to have According to a senior political that the national chairman was proclamation transmitted to the reneged and instead set about being figure in the state who did not plotting seriously to get him Office of the Clerk by the Governor his own man and appointing his want to be named, “Oshiomhole removed in order to restore the old of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki”. own trusted allies into sensitive had severally attempted to broker way of doing things. Anselm Ojezua, Chairman, Edo positions essentially snubbing peace between Obaseki and these while canvassing support for the chapter of the APC, who reacted Oshiomhole. leaders, to no avail, due to his governor, Martins Osakwe a senior on the election of the new House insistence that ‘the days of sharing party chieftain, declared that “the leadership, told newsmen that party The beginning of the end government money recklessly are governor’s opposers are those to supremacy prevailed. Mr Ojezua A source in government house well and truly over’. This has not whom he read the riot act that state also agreed that by the inauguration, who did not want to be named, gone down well with Oshiomhole resources would no longer be shared Mr Obaseki has fulfilled the summarized the crisis, saying “the who has vowed not to return him”. as favours to a few”. He queried constitutional requirement national chairman of our party was The former Chairman of Akugbe further “What is Governor Obaseki through the transmission of the miffed that the executive governor Ventures and member of the All guilty of? In Oredo, where I come proclamation letter to the clerk of refused to take instructions from Progressives Congress in Edo State, from, women used to pay 900Naira the House. He also put his stamp him on running the affairs of the Comrade Tony Adun (AKATony for every stall daily. Today, they are of approval on the emergence of state, and he even went ahead to Kabaka) was one of the earliest to paying 200Naira. 90% of the funds the new leadership and principal dismantle the political structure raise questions over the loyalties collected in the past went to private officers were in line with the Oshiomhole had established in of the governor, stating severally pockets”. Loyalists of the party decision of the party. the state removing key players that “Governor Godwin Obaseki national chairman, on the other Defending the availability of only from their positions of power and had abandoned those who worked hand maintain that the governor nine out of the 24 members-elect influence”. for his success during the 2016 runs an administration that has who were all elected under the party Obaseki had early in his election”. excluded many as “the governor were inaugurated, He also said that administration removed the only listens to a few close allies” from information gathered from the revenue collection function that And the beat goes up stated a senior official who didn’t clerk of the House, only 10 of the had been delegated to the likes of Even though both sides of the feud want to be named in this report. 24 members had so far satisfied the Osakpawa Eriyo (AKA No molest), had maintained studied silence, This official told our reporter, requirement on the declaration of a well-known political thug in the with a touch of the occasional that “nobody knew Obaseki until their assets. state, and introduced electronic denial, Things had taken a turn Oshomhole brought him onto the Regardless of how things play collection methods, effectivelythe worse when the question of scene and chose him ahead of more out, the battle lines seem drawn rendering the youths that were the governor’s reelection began formidable contestants like Pius between the self acclaimed remover used for that venture jobless and to be asked by more and more Odubu and Charles Arhiabvere”. of godfathers and a his godson who their boss incapable of giving them stakeholders. Several aides on is battling tooth and nail to save his the usual “empowerment”. His tax both sides of the divide began A house of assembly divided political future outside of the niche reform, which has tripled the state’s throwing jibes at each other against itself carved for him by his godfather. making accusations and counter The Edo state House of Assembly ...ensuring public accountability CR Corruption Monday, July 1st, 2019 5 REPORTER EFCCNEWS Diezani bribe: INEC deputy director bags six years, another bags seven years he Economic and Financial (Forty Five Million Naira) out of the authorized to receive and you thereby sentence them accordingly. Crimes Commission, EFCC Kano N250,000,000 (Two Hundred and Fifty committed an offence punishable under Counsel representing the second zonal office on Friday, June 28, Million Naira) disbursed in Jigawa State section 122 of the Penal Code.” defendant, Jonathan Methezidie, 2019 secured the conviction of to influence the outcome of the 2015 Delivering judgement, Justice Birnin- who also held the brief for counsel aT Deputy Director of the Independent election. Kudu held that: “The prosecution representing the first defendant pleaded National Electoral Commission, Upon arraignment, they pleaded “not proved beyond reasonable doubt, all with the court to temper justice with INEC, Auwal Jibrin and one Garba guilty” to the charges thereby setting the the elements and facts of the case mercy in sentencing the defendants. Ismaila, before Justice Yusuf Birnin- stage for full trial. as contained in the charge and the After listening to the plea of the Kudu of the Jigawa State High Court During the course of trial, the testimonies of prosecution witnesses defence for mercy, the trial judge sitting in Gumel, on a six-count charge prosecution presented five witnesses and exhibits tendered.” sentenced the first defendant to seven bordering on unlawful enrichment and and tendered 20 exhibits to prove the The court added that the defence team years imprisonment without an option gratification. case against them. failed to counter the evidence presented of fine on count one, while the second The journey to prison for them One of the charges reads: “That you, by the prosecution through its witnesses. defendant who was the INEC Deputy started after the Commission received Auwal Jibrin, while being a public Servant Thus, the court found the first Director was sentenced to six years each intelligence report that they benefited (Deputy Director with Independent defendant guilty as charged on count on counts one and three. from the $115,010,000 largesse of a National Electoral Commission, Dutse) two, while the second defendant was The court further ordered the final former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani sometime in 2015, at Dutse within the found guilty on counts one and three. forfeiture of the recovered monies and Alison-Madueke, in the build-up to the Judicial Division of this Honourable The court, however, discharged them properties attached to the investigation 2015 presidential election. court dishonestly received the sum of on counts four, five and six. with the exception of a three-bedroom Investigations showed that they ₦45,000,000 (Forty Five Million Naira) Consequently, counsel for the EFCC, flat attached at No. 1 Hadeja Road, benefited the sum of N45,000,000 from Garba Ismail, which you were not Mohammed Gambo, urged the court to Birnin kudu, Jigawa State. Alleged money laundering: court dismisses Ofili-Ajumogobia’s objection Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, she could be tried for any criminal offence Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, conspired to indirectly conceal the sum of she might be accused of. June 28, 2019, dismissed the preliminary N5, 000,000.00 (Five Million Naira) in the Justice Aikawa held that, with the letter objection filed by Justice Rita Ofili- Diamond Bank account of Nigel & Colive presented by the EFCC, the President Ajumogobia,challenging her trial before Ltd., which sum you reasonably ought to had already dismissed Ofili-Ajumogobia the court. have known forms part of proceeds of on November 6 2018.” The President Ofili-Ajumogobia alongside Godwin unlawful enrichment.” has approved the recommendation of Obla, SAN, were re-arraigned on May 15, Ofili-Ajumogobia, through her counsel, dismissal by the NJC with the letter. 2019 on an 18-count charge bordering Chief Robert Clarke, SAN, had, on June 25, “So, it is not a question of whether it was on breach of trust, false statement and 2019, filed an application challenging the published or not. The intention of the unlawful enrichment. jurisdiction of the court to try his client, President was clearly expressed in that One of the counts reads: “That you, claiming that the President’s approval for letter sent on November 6, 2018,” the Hon. Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia and her dismissal had not been gazetted. judicial officer, having been dismissed by Judge further held. Godwin Obla, SAN, on or about the 21st At today’s sitting, Justice Aikawa ruled the President on the recommendation of The case was adjourned to 24 and 25 day of May, 2014 in Lagos, within the that Ofili-Ajumogobia is no longer a the Nigeria Judicial Council, NJC, and that October, 2019 for trial. RTEAN, EFCC partner against corruption in Ilorin The Acting Chairman of the Economic State Chapter, who came on a visit to He also appealed to them to partner EFCC in the ongoing fight against and Financial Crimes Commission, the EFCC Ilorin Zonal Office. with the EFCC in stamping out corruption.” EFCC, Ibrahim Magu has stressed the The EFCC Chair who was represented corruption. While assuring the anti-graft need to implement preventive measures by Isyaku Sharu, Head, Ilorin Zonal He said: “Fighting corruption is not agency of support in the fight against in the fight against corruption, Office, used the opportunity to intimate a one man’s business, but is a collective corruption, the RTEAN Chairman, describing such measures as the best the visitors on the various efforts of the responsibility. Alhaji Abdulrahman Onikijipa way to stamp corrupt practices out of anti-graft agency aimed at ridding the “We collect information from commended the EFCC boss for his the society. country of corruption. members of the public, because efforts, day and night in the fight He made the assertion on June “Our duty does not end in arresting information is key and intelligence is against corruption. 28, 2019 in Ilorin, the Kwara State and prosecuting people, we are key. “Corruption is not a one man’s capital while receiving the leadership changing lives for good, and we must “You relate with the lowest, middle business, and all hands need to be on of the Road Transport Employers look at preventive mechanisms,” he and highest, and so you get information, the deck in the fight against the menace Association of Nigeria, RTEAN, Kwara said. so I appeal to you to partner with the of corruption,” he said. Court jails businessman for N6m fraud The Economic and Financial Crimes agreeing on the terms with Shehu, State with intent to defraud, cheated While reading her judgement, Justice Commission, EFCC, Maiduguri zonal transferred the sum of N5, 400, 000 Babagana Mamman Gadai by deceiving Kumaliya found him guilty on the one office, has on Friday, June 28, 2019 (Five Million, Four Hundred Thousand him to part with the sum of Six Million count charge for the offence of cheating, secured the conviction and sentencing of Naira) to him for the supply of 600 bags Naira (N6,000, 000) under the pretence which is contrary to section 320 and one Mustapha Baba Kura before Justice of chalk flour at N9, 000 (Nine Thousand of purchasing 600 bags of flour at N9,000 punishable under section 322 of the Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Naira) per bag. per bag which you knew to be false and penal code a law cap 102, Laws of Borno Court, Maiduguri on a one count charge After the arrival of the goods, the thereby committed an offence contrary State. bordering on cheating to the tune of N6, complainant paid the balance of N600, to Section 320 and punishable under During alocutos, the convict pleaded 000, 000 (Six Million Naira) only. 000 (Six Hundred Thousand Naira) as the Section 322 of the Penal Code Law Cap for leniency and urged the court to His journey to the prison started when transportation cost. 102, Laws of Borno State.” temper justice with mercy.Justice the Commission received a petition Kura asked Shehu to transfer the said He pleaded not guilty to the one count Kumaliya thereafter sentenced him to against him to the effect that Kura sum to him and there by diverted to his charge. three months imprisonment with an deceived the nominal complainant into personal use. During the cause of the trial, option of fine in the sum of Five Hundred paying a total sum of N6, 000, 000 for The count reads, “That you, Mustapha prosecution counsel, Benjamin Manji Thousand Naira (N500, 000). She the supply of chalk flour to one Shehu Baba Kura sometime in April, 2017 in called a total number of seven witnesses further ordered the convict to restitute Saidu, a Lagos-based flour dealer. Maiduguri, within the judicial division and tendered seventeen exhibits, in the nominal complainant N4, 300, 000 The nominal complainant after of the High Court of Justice of Borno order to prove his case. million or to serve five years jail term. ...ensuring public accountability CR 6 EFCC NEWS Monday, July 1st, 2019 Corruption REPORTER Court adjourns Okupe’s N702m fraud trial to Oct 3 ustice Ijeoma the tune of N702million. bank account of Value Afterwards, the trial Ojukwu of a The EFCC through its Trust Investment,” he judge granted the Federal High Court counsel, Ibrahim Audu, said, adding that several application permitting sitting in Abuja closed its case against him payments were made at him to travel to the United Jhas adjourned the trial on June 26, 2019after different times to him. States for medicals, of Doyin Okupe, a former calling its sixth witness, Justice Ojukwu had and ordered that the Senior Special Assistant Shuaibu Salisu, a former afterwards adjourned international passport of on Media to a former Director, Administration to June 28, 2019 for the the defendant should be president, Goodluck and Finance in the Office defence to open its case. released to him. Jonathan, to October 3, of the National Security At the resumed hearing, “Upon return, he shall 2019. Adviser, ONSA. however, defence return the international Okupe, who is being Salisu, while being led counsel, J.K. Gadzama, passport to the court,” the prosecuted by the in evidence by Audu, SAN, instead, moved an trial judge added. Economic and Financial narrated how sometime application for the leave of The case has been Crimes Commission, in 2012 the then NSA, the court, to allow Okupe adjourned to October EFCC, is facing a 59-count Col. Sambo Dasuki Okupe. travel for medicals. 3, 2019 for adoption of charge bordering on (retd), directed that “Okupe provided his The prosecution left the written address on the no- money laundering, money totalling about account details where I decision to the discretion case submission, which criminal breach of trust to N50million be paid to paid the amount into the of the court. the defence intends to file. Harvest of convictions: five internet fraudsters jailed in Lagos It was a day of reckoning Ismaila was also convicted Onyebuchi Felix, sometime Court, with intent to defraud Ismaila was not too lucky for Lagos based internet and sentenced to six months in 2019 in Lagos, within the had in your possession as he was convicted and fraudsters on Friday, June 28, imprisonment by the same jurisdiction of this Honourable documents containing false sentenced the to six months 2019, as four different judges judge for possession of Court, had in your possession pretence, which you knew that imprisonment without an rained convictions of varying fraudulent documents. documents containing false the said documents contained option of fine. The judge also sentences to five of them in Justice Mojisola Dada of the pretence, which you knew that false pretence.” ordered that all items recovered various jurisdictions of the Special Offences Court sitting the said documents contained The charge against the duo of from the convict be forfeited to Lagos High Courts. in Ikeja, Lagos on the same day false pretence.” Segun and Omodolapo reads: Federal Government of Nigeria. Among the three persons also convicted and sentenced The charge against Ismaila is “That you, Amudah Tayo Segun Justice Taiwo convicted Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of one Emmanuel Olasupo to one “That you, Abdulazeez Ismaila, and Aina Afeez Omodolapo, and sentenced Felix to nine the Special Offences Court year imprisonment for being sometime in 2019 in Lagos sometime in 2019 in Lagos, months imprisonment without sitting in Ikeja, convicted in possession of fraudulent within the jurisdiction of this within the jurisdiction of this an option of fine. The judge and sentenced separately documents. Honourable Court, had in Honourable Court, had in also ordered the forfeiture of for internet related offences In the same vein, Justice your possession documents your possession documents all recovered items from the was Abdulazeez Ismaila, Dada convicted and sentenced containing false pretence, containing false pretence, convict to Federal Government who bagged six months two other internet fraudsters: which you knew that the said which you knew that the said of Nigeria. imprisonment for being in Amuda Tayo Segun and Aina documents contained false documents contained false The verdict on Olasupo by possession of fraudulent Afeez Omodolapo to one year pretence.” pretence.” Justice Dada was one year documents. Onyebuchi Felix imprisonment each for being For Olasupo, the charge For Segun and Omodolapo, imprisonment. The Judge also was sentenced to one year in possession of fraudulent reads: “That you, Emmanuel Justice Dada gave an “option ordered that the two laptops imprisonment for being in documents Olasupo, sometime in May, of fine” of N250, 000 (Two and one iPhone recovered from possession of fraudulent The charge against2019 in Lagos within the Hundred and Fifty Thousand the convict be forfeited to the documents and Abdulazeez Onyebuchi reads: “That you, jurisdiction of this Honourable Naira) each to the convicts. Federal Government of Nigeria. N2.9bn fraud: witness tells court how Mba, former NBC DG defied FG directive on TSA A principal witness, Abubakar chief, said the Economic and officer of a government agency transfers to the account of Aliyu Madaki, in the Financial Crimes Commission, on official duty adding that Technology Advisors, despite ongoing trial of the former EFCC, received copy of a there was no need to pay any the directive of the Federal Director-General of National petition, dated December 31, legal fee for such documents. Government that all accounts Broadcasting Commission, 2015, which was addressed to Justice Ogunbanjo, of MDAs are to be domiciled Emeka Mba and four others, on the President of the Federal however, discountenanced in the Central Bank of Nigeria. Friday, June 28, 2019, told the Republic of Nigeria and the argument of the third Meanwhile, the counsel to court before Justice Mojisola copied to the acting executive defendant’s counsel, stating third defendant, Paul Erokoro, Giwa-Ogunbanjo of the Federal Chairman of the EFCC and was that whoever is tendering a SAN, moved motion for release High Court, Abuja, how the sent to him for investigation. document that the required of his client’s international former DG and the four other The witness said the fees was not paid can go back to passport to enable him travel defendants, allegedly diverted petition has the signature of pay the fees while the evidence to the United States for a the sum of N2.9 billion, the Executive Chairman, EFCC can be admitted. follow- up treatment on his (Two Billion, Nine Hundred and that it was sent in by one “The documents areheart related ill-health. Thousand Naira), only. Oke Nwafor. relevant to this court and on Justice Ogunbanjo granted Mba is facing trial alongside According to him, after in evidence to the court but basis of this relevance, I hereby the third defendant leave to Patrick Areh, Basil Udotai, studying the petition and Counsel to the third defendant admit them in evidence 52”, travel out of the country within Babatunji Amure and a mapping out strategies opposed to the admissibility she said. a period of two months and company, Technology Advisors on how to carry out the of the copy of the petition, After the prosecution must return on or before 30th allegedly belonging to Udotai, investigation, he moved into arguing that the required fee witness identified the account of August, 2019 and ordered before the Federal High Court, action but was marveled at was not paid to the office of statement of the NBC, he that his passport be returned Abuja for illegally diverting the the series of revelation he got the Head of Service of the went ahead to describe how to the Deputy Registrar of the sum of N2.9bn (Two Billion, from the several fraudulent Federation. the funds were moved out in court. She also ordered that Nine Hundred Thousand Naira, transfers that were done But Prosecuting spurious manner. his surety must depose to an Only) from the funds meant from the account while the Counsel urged the court to According to him, the sum affidavit in that regard. for purchase of set-up boxes 1st defendant was still the discountenance the objection of N34 billion (Thirty Four Justice Ogunbanjo for digital switch-over from Director-General of the NBC. of the defence counsel and Billion Naira) was paid by admitted the statement of analogue system. The prosecution counsel, cited Section 104 (1) of the MTN into the Zenith Bank the account as Exhibit 53 and Madaki, the 13th Chile Okoroma, sought to Evidence Act, 2011, to support account of the NBC but that adjourned the hearing to 24 prosecution witness while tender the Certified True his argument that a document he was surprised that the first and 25 September, 2019, for giving his evidence-in- Copy, (CTC) of the petition can be tendered by a public and second defendants made continuation of trial. ...ensuring public accountability CR Corruption Monday, July 1st, 2019 7 REPORTER OPINION Why corruption in Africa is now a full-blown culture affecting the continent’s DNA

By Nana Kwaku M Asamoah foreign aid aimed at building an oil “kickback”. “maslaha”, “kola”, “kitu kidogo” and pipeline through the country, the And in Cameroon, a minute of corruption goes from a mere menace proceeds of which were meant to delaying payment of “kompo” (bribe) to a complete state of mind where feed the desperately poor people and could cause you to miss the train, people believe corruption can never Imagine a continent where six of to buy military equipment to keep his cause your sick relative to die in the be wiped out or purged from the its countries are among the ten minority government in power. hospital, cause your child who is continent. countries considered most corrupt in And of course, the western part clever to not get a good education Even if we could magically the world, according to Transparency of Africa is not spared the cases or possibly fail an exams, cause your halt all corrupt activities, put International. Or one where persons of corruption either. General Sani business to delay and even cause you an end to bribery and end all empowered by various states to Abacha of Nigeria, an intensely to lose an employment opportunity. forms of corruption tomorrow, enforce the law, to protect people and famous military ruler who ruled Likewise, in The Gambia,the consequences of the damage property, and to prevent crime and Nigeria for only 5 years from 1993 corruption is driven by a deeply that we’ve done so far will unfold civil disorder are equally as corrupt to 1998, managed to steal between ingrained bribery norm called for many years. This shouldn’t as the elected representatives of those 3-5 billion dollars of state money. A “maslaha”, an expression that when discourage us from taking action; states. Or think of living in a place situation now famously characterized mentioned solicits contemptible on the contrary, this fact only where the cost of corruption is higher as the “Abacha Loot”. favours like perhaps making one’s underlines our responsibility to than the total combined amount of Another very popular West African child gain admission into a good act as urgently and as effectively to development aid that is received from corruption story is that of former school even if the child’s grades do mitigate the crisis we face now. foreign donors. Liberian President, Charles Taylor, not merit it or making teachers get And, denying the reality that This is the reality of millions of who had already been fired by a to teach in their school of choice or corruption on the continent is people living on the continent of previous government after embezzling to secure promotions or transfer to a a crisis is only exacerbating the Africa. Corruption in Africa has 1 million dollars into his American coveted school. And of course, there crisis. It is paradoxical that African been one of the most debated issues bank account and arrested in the US, is Sierra Leone, a country which governments and political leaders over the past three decades not least subsequently amassed wealth of over refutes any claims of bribery and who appear to be very much because it has milked Africa of billions 100 million dollars when he became instead views “kola” (bribe) as a sign concerned with corruption, are often of dollars each year. It will continue the warlord President of Liberia. Don’t of respect or a show of appreciation outright denying corruption’s “crisis- to be an issue in the future because ask me where the money came from for the good people do for you. like” nature on the continent with of the inconsistency in reforms but your guess is as good as mine. If paying or collecting bribes seems their reluctance to push through to governance and government Another former West African an inescapable as well as an appalling sweeping reforms, augment public institutions on the continent. leader, Yahya Abdul–Aziz Jammeh activity in Western Africa, then let us accountability and strengthen anti- Corruption on the continent is a big of Gambia, has been accused of delve into Eastern Africa where poor corruption institutions. tangled web and all countries on the embezzling 100 million during his people in countries such as Uganda, Yes, citizens and leaders alike, are continent are caught up in it. We often 22-year rule. And currently, his assets Kenya and Burundi pay “kitu kidogo” free to argue about the effective hear a great deal about how African which include a fleet of vehicles and (bribe) for their basic rights. These measures that will curb corruption, political leaders are bent on fighting 3 planes in addition to numerous pervasive acts of “kitu kidogo” keep but what Africa first needs to do is corruption on the continent but what properties have been put on sale by these countries at the reprehensible to recognize the fact that corruption we are barely made aware of, is how the current Gambian government. end of Transparency International’s has now become a crisis. Because if many of these same political leaders There are numerous other examples of corruption index year after year. we fail to recognize this fact, we are are the biggest driving force behind massive corrupt activities perpetuated The issue is not particularly bright not only going to continue living in corruption on the African Continent. by African political leaders. in Northern Africa either, where an increasingly unstable and violent This is the continent where the But of course, political leaders after the Arab Uprisings (which continent for many more decades Teodorin Nguema Obiang, the son of bleeding their nations dry will not give in itself was fueled by the anger to come, we will also be risking the Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro us the whole story. If we only focus provoked by corruption in the area), progress and prosperity of Africa. Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, spends on the corrupt political leaders as was estimated in 2016 that millions It is clear that we need to battle millions of dollars of state funds on development expects, media reports of people paid bribes to access the and possibly purge corruption off his lavish lifestyle which includes and international partners do, we will basic services they needed. South the African continent. And for this luxurious homes in California, Buenos certainly fail to understand the nature Africa should not be forgotten as to happen, we have to be united in Aires, Argentina, London and South of the crisis engulfing our African well; despite much development in our efforts to combat both high-level Africa; a car collection consisting of continent. As we ignored in the past governance, paying and receiving political graft as well as low-level Bugatti, Lamborghinis, Bentleys and and continue to ignore the low-level bribes is still ubiquitous. petty bribes. From cashiers working Aston Martin; a Gulfstream Jet and an bribes paid everywhere and daily on The issue of bribery remains a very at a bank who receive salaries asking art collection that could easily make the continent, we’re only going to see polarizing one, but pretty much for a “kickback” to leaders bleeding billionaires envious. Frittering away more corruption in the years ahead. everybody on the continent will their nations dry, corruption takes millions of dollars all the while when The current scale of bribery on the agree on one thing: Bribery now is a toll on the continent’s prosperity most citizens of Equatorial Guinea continent is only a pale preview of fast becoming part of the African and opportunities. It takes place lack access to drinking water and what we’re going to witness in the culture, it’s becoming our way of life. in every country on the African about a quarter of newborn babies coming decades as Africa plans to It is at the present woven deep into continent, taking away people’s die before the age of five. unify and establish more continental the very fabric of our everyday life. livelihoods and even their lives. And A similar example is the case institutions aimed at achieving full Neither do government officials nor it is now also being used as a weapon of Isabel Dos Santos, the eldest economic integration. Petty bribes private citizens have an interest in to undermine public institutions and daughter of Angola’s President Jose are rapidly becoming a “norm” in staying away from bribery. elections and consciously used as Eduardo dos Santos, whom as at Africa. Payment of petty bribes is This quote from an unknown an instrument of statecraft on the 2011 rose to become arguably the becoming more commonplace, more source perfectly captures the point continent. wealthiest woman in Angola by elusive and ingrained. – “In Zimbabwe, I used to run my So be in doubt, corruption on the using the influence of her father to Ghanaians for instance own business dealing with mining continent is endemic, brazen and win state contracts and government instinctively offer to pay bribes to spares. Most of the larger company seemingly unstoppable. An absolute information for her personal gain the Policeman (or the reverse) when purchasing departments would enemy to our fight for progress and a after her father took the reins of they commit traffic offences, pay not place an order with us unless metastasizing threat to the building power. bribes to obtain Passports and Birth a sweetener (bribe) was paid first. blocks of prosperity of the African Another example is the case of Certificates, and health workers in Nothing extortionate in terms of continent; and unquestionably recently deposed Sudanese President many government hospitals solicit sums of money, but it was a reminder the defining issue and indeed the Omar al–Bashir, a famously corrupt unofficial payments before they treat that the buyer’s generosity would crisis of our time. And no matter leader whom according to a secret patients. And recently, judges and bring out our generosity!” the actions we take in the coming diplomatic WikiLeaks cable, had football administrators in Ghana The scale of bribery and corruption years and decades ahead, we are siphoned as much as 9 billion among others have been exposed on the continent in the future will going to hear more and more about dollars as at 2010 from the very for regularly taking bribes. Nigerians dwarf today’s levels as people corruption in Africa. But our actions much impoverished Sudan into his pay bribes everywhere – from banks continue to pay and feel a sense today are going to determine the London bank accounts. Idriss Deby to courtrooms to hospitals, in the of entitlement to collect bribes in scale and the duration of this crisis Itno, President of Chad, famously form of what locals sometimes call the forms of “kickback”, ”kompo”, in the future. embezzled millions of dollars in ...ensuring public accountability CR 8 OPINION Monday, July 1st, 2019 Corruption REPORTER Trump adds to his endless parade of corruption and conflicts of interest eemingly Every day, a new The Trump Organization, the report emerges about the president’s private business, has said corruption that taints the it donates foreign profits to the U.S. Trump presidency, and has treasury, but how it calculates its taintedS it from the beginning. The numbers is opaque. Moreover, high president’s refusal to distance himself demand driven in part by foreign from his family business results in an patronage no doubt helps keep rates endless parade of blatant conflicts of high at Trump International Hotel in interest. Washington. And not every foreigner When President Trump visits his seeking attention from the Trump clubs, federal officials and Republicans administration represents a foreign pay to go where he is, which has government. The Post reported this brought his private businesses at least month that Nahro al-Kasnazan, an Iraqi $1.6 million in revenue. The Post’s sheikh and aspiring politician, paid tens David A. Fahrenthold, Josh Dawsey, of thousands of dollars to stay at Trump Jonathan O’Connell and Michelle Ye International for 26 nights last year, as Hee Lee reported on Thursday: “About he was urging administration officials one-third of all the political fundraisers to take a tough line on Iran. Former or donor meetings that Trump has prime ministers of Thailand and a attended — 23 out of 63 — have Nigerian presidential candidate have taken place at his own properties. . . . also been guests. GOP fundraisers say they do that, in No surprise that Mr. Trump’s most part, to increase the chances Trump recent financial disclosure forms, will attend.” Moreover, “the actual released last month, show that the amount of money Trump has received Trump International Hotel produced as a result of his visits and campaign $41 million in revenue, accounting events is probably much higher than the for almost one-tenth of the Trump $1.6 million The Post identified. That’s Organization’s revenue last year. because most of the records available According to additional financial about government spending date to the disclosure reports released this month, first half of 2017 — covering just the Ivanka Trump, the president’s daughter first few months of Trump’s presidency and a White House adviser, made $4 so far.” million off the hotel last year. The investigative outfit ProPublica Meanwhile, they have been fighting rules significant foreign cash flow to the Courts might eventually conclude estimated earlier this month that the at the Consumer Financial Protection American president.” Countries such as that foreign transactions at Mr. payday lending industry spent roughly Bureau meant to crack down on the Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates, Trump’s properties represent illegal $1 million holding two conferences at industry’s parasitic practices. Saudi Arabia and Turkey have hosted emoluments — and judges should Trump National Doral Miami, after Then there is the foreign money. events at Trump facilities. Iraq, China, expedite their consideration of this donating heavily to the president’s “Representatives of at least 22 Malaysia and Slovakia have either rented question. But as long as the president inaugural committee. As far as foreign governments appear to have or bought property in Trump buildings. maintains such close ties to a broad ProPublica could ascertain, the payday spent money at Trump Organization Other countries have upgraded array of businesses, wealthy people lenders had never held conferences properties,” NBC News found , infrastructure in such a way that helped seeking favors will see them as a way to at any Trump property before 2018. noting that the count suggested “a Trump properties within their borders. siphon money into Mr. Trump’s pocket. ‘Marked’ on Queen’s Birthday It was a roll call of the high and celebration of diverse, dynamic UK and Nigeria in the creative Nations Deputy Secretary the mighty last night in Abuja as and sassy youth of Nigeria, that industry—and the partnerships General, Ms Amina Mohammed. the British High Commissioner we have chosen the theme ‘youth and bridges we are building are a Interviewed along with to Nigeria, Mrs Catriona Laing and creativity’ for our QBP this testament to this.” several other persons for the and her husband, Clive hosted year.” She continued: “I hope you Some of the young people documentary was Ms Adetutu the 2019 edition of the annual will find that the experience of whose works were exhibited last Alabi, the lady who models with Birthday of Her Majesty Queen this QBP is very different from night include Onyinye Atuanya, her tribal marks and is now Elizabeth II. That I went was previous ones. Our aim is to a project manager; Benjamin championing a campaign to stop more to honour Damilola inspire you by celebrating the Chiedu, pilot and drone maker; the marking of children, on the Oyedele, a former colleague at many different facets of youth Ernest Ibe, graphic and graffiti social media. But it’s fascinating THISDAY who now works at and creativity in Nigeria.” artist and Nadine Ibrahim, seeing different forms of facial the High Commission but I was With each of the guests an award winning filmmaker. and body lacerations, the reasons glad I did. It turned out to be a given copy of a booklet as they Incidentally, it was Nadine’s behind them and the prejudices celebration of the talent, culture entered the premises, Mrs work, a documentary being and shame those who bear them and creativity of our young Laing explained: “You will find shown in one of the lounge are made to endure in a society people. more information about the areas that I (and many others) where discrimination is now a In her welcome remark, Mrs artists and young creatives we found most enjoyable. Titled thriving industry. Laing expressed excitement at have worked with to design the ‘Marked’, the documentary, In all, we must thank the what she described as her first event: from a self-taught drone according to the producer who British High Commissioner Queen’s Birthday party in Abuja. maker and pilot, to a brilliant said the work took her team two to Nigeria and her husband “As I get to know Abuja and find Nigerian chef whose delicious years to complete as they criss- for using the occasion of Her my feet around this incredible desserts we will be enjoying crossed the country, “explores Majesty’s birthday to showcase city, I am already feeling inspired tonight. In many ways, this is the reasons behind scarification the ingenuity of our young and energized by the many their event and I would like to in Nigeria and how they people aside helping to highlight Abuja based residents I have thank them and congratulate intertwine with beauty, identity some of the controversial met. It is in recognition of this them. There is much that we and spirituality.” Nadine, by the cultural practices that defined talent and creativity, and as a can indeed celebrate across the way, is daughter of the United our past. ...ensuring public accountability CR Corruption Monday, July 1st, 2019 OPINION 9 REPORTER Buratai and the fighting troops

By Philip Paul Bliss 54 soldiers were sentenced to death the top. Yet from 2016 to date, well in December 2014 by a military court, over 100 Major Generals and their one of them took to his Facebook equivalents in both the Navy and page to write: “I am a soldier and I am Airforce have been retired due to a lack old the Fort’ (Ho My sentenced to death by the Nigerian of vacancy at the top. After 35 years, Comrades) is one of the Army, because we did not go to fight the Chief of Defence Staff, General most popular Christian Boko Haram without equipment. We Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin should hymns. It is also one of ask(ed) for weapon instead (they) gave have retired from the army on 18th ‘Hmy favourites. Not only because of (us) death sentence.” The pertinent December 2016 while the Chief of Naval its powerful lyrics and rich melody question here is: If we send soldiers to Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas but also the story behind it. The the war front without the necessary should have left the Navy since 1st hymn was inspired by ‘The Battle of arms and ammunition and they also January 2018. Buratai of course was Allatoona Pass’ on 5th October 1864 know that if they die, their families due for retirement on 17th December during the American civil war. A Union will not be taken care of, why should 2018 before his tenure was extended. garrison stationed in Atlanta, Georgia we blame any of them for showing For the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall had been invaded by a large army of ‘insufficient commitment’? Sadique Baba Abubakar, his course- Confederates. Outnumbered and Trading blames and making excuses mates in the three services (Air force, outgunned, the fighting troops were on are clear signs that those saddled with Army and Navy) have all since retired the verge of surrender when they saw the war against insurgency have run and he should have joined them on 15th a signal flag raised several kilometres out of ideas. On May 15 while receiving May 2017 after serving 35 years. For away on the Kenesaw Mountain which the House Committee on Army led by how long shall we continue to recycle read: “Hold the fort; I am coming. its Chairman, Remande Shawulu, at officers who have entered professional W. T. Sherman.” It was from their the Theatre Command in Maiduguri, menopause? commander, Major General William Buratai said “the myriad of security From my reading of the situation, Tecumseh Sherman. challenges we are facing now in the when you leave officers who have The signal drew applause and the North-west, North-central and other nothing to lose at the helm of affairs, Union soldiers kept up the fight until parts of the country, I want to believe you encourage errant behaviour. The reinforcement eventually arrived. and rightly so, is the fall out of the just service chiefs have not only reached Recounting the story in a Sunday concluded general election”. He added: the pinnacle of their careers, they have School class attended by Bliss in April Since the beginning of this year “There are several political interests – stayed beyond the normal course. The 1870, Major Daniel Webster Whittle alone, dozens of soldiers have either politicians in particular are not happy talk in town is that there is no better uttered the words that must have been killed, wounded, are missing with their defeat and therefore, trying employer than President Buhari because nudged the songwriter: “No incident of or have been captured mostly due to take revenge, sponsoring some these he will never sack you no matter what the war illustrates more thrillingly the to the fact that the insurgents are criminal activities.” A month earlier, the you do, sometimes even against his inspiration imparted by the knowledge better equipped and more motivated. then defence minister, Mansur Dan Ali own interest. However, the issue here is of the presence of the commander; and In a January 2015 story titled ‘The accused traditional rulers of ‘helping’ national security. Olonisakin, Abubakar, that he is cognizant of our position; soldiers without enough weapons to armed bandits attack communities Ibas and Buratai have given their best in and that, doing our utmost, he will fight jihadists’, the BBC reported that and increase insecurity in the country. the fight against insurgency and they supplant our weakness by speedy the Nigerian soldiers running away At other times, it is the communities obviously have nothing new to offer. It’s reinforcements. So the message of from Boko Haram militants were at the receiving end of Boko Haram time they took their leave. Sherman to the soldiers of Altoona low on ammunition and allocated brutalities that are blamed. Now we are becomes the message of the Great unserviceable vehicles. “Imagine me told the problem is with the fighting On Sex for Grades… Commander, who signals ever to all and you are fighting,” a soldier told troops. Shortly before the commencement who fight life’s battle, ‘Hold the Fort’.” BBC, “We both have guns but while Unfortunately, the chief of army of a public policy forum, ‘Galvanising Although written in spiritual you are wearing a bullet proof vest, I’m staff seemed to have opened a popular consensus against corruption’ context, the most instructive lesson is carrying an umbrella.” To now suggest Pandora box as several images of our organised by the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua that victory on the battlefield depends that our troops are not committed soldiers in pathetic conditions now Centre and the MacArthur Foundation on the commander. If he is one that to the cause is deplorable, especially flood the social media. Buratai must on Tuesday, I had a chat with Ms Monica can inspire hope, has earned the given their enormous sacrifices on the therefore know by now that he has a Osagie, the post-graduate student at trust of his troops and is committed battlefield. responsibility to provide for the troops the centre of the sex-for-marks scandal to their welfare, the battle is half- Some of the challenges of our troops and motivate them with winning words, that brought down Professor Richard won. Regardless of how powerful the in the war against Boko Haram are as he did when he first assumed office. Akindele at the Obafemi Awolowo enemies might be. The converse is the highlighted in my book, ‘Against But it is also obvious that we need University, Ile-Ife. She would later case if the commander is not trusted by the Run of Play: How an incumbent fresh ideas and new hands with points share her story at the session where the troops. In the years since Nigeria president was defeated in Nigeria’. I to prove in the next phase of the war young people were mobilised to fight the has been engaged in a war against particularly recalled how a few weeks against insurgency so as to signal a different variants of corrupt practices in the Boko Haram insurgency that is after resuming duty at the then new approach. The president cannot our society, including sexual harassment ‘technically defeated’, we have focused newly established 7th Division of the continue to create the impression in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions which on (and derided) the capacity of our Nigerian Army, Major General Ahmadu that the current service chiefs are is the subject of my current research. fighting troops. It’s time we looked at Mohammed narrowly escaped death indispensable. For decades, randy lecturers the commanders. when his own soldiers opened fire Challenged on all fronts, the single demanding sexual gratification from Against the background of the post- on his vehicle at Maimalari Barracks most important agenda in the country female students in exchange for retirement confession by the late Chief in Maiduguri. The angry soldiers today is how to restore law and order. marks has been a norm on most of the of Defence Staff, Air Marshall Alex were said to be protesting the death That ordinarily is the responsibility campuses of tertiary institutions in Badeh that he “was head of a military of their colleagues who were drafted of the police. But with the police Nigeria. In many cases, female students that lacked the relevant equipment” to face well-armed insurgents with practically prostrate, Nigerians now who refuse to accede to such demands to fight the Bioko Haram insurgency, inferior weapons. I also recounted look up to the military for solution have had their academic careers available facts do not support the how desperate wives of soldiers to the problem of insecurity. That is delayed, truncated or damaged. With recent claim by the Chief of Army Staff, blocked the gates of the 21 Armoured creating a lot of aberrations. Just two funding support from Ford Foundation, Lt.-General Tukur Buratai. Accusing Brigade stationed at Giwa Barracks in weeks ago, the Governor of Osun, Mr I have since January been working on the fighting troops of “insufficient Maiduguri, to prevent their husbands Gboyega Oyetola left Osogbo to keep an a book on this malaise so as to deepen willingness to perform assigned tasks being taken out to fight. “Our men are appointment with Buratai in Abuja on awareness of the drivers, risks and or simply insufficient commitment to a telling us that they go into battle with the security situation in his state. That consequences of the culture of gender- common national and military course” guns that cannot withstand that of those who should direct their request to based violence on our campuses. is enough to dampen their fighting Boko Haram,” one of the angry women the Commander-in-Chief now kowtow Tentatively titled, ‘Naked Abuse: Sex spirit. It is tantamount to a vote of no said before she added: “Some of our before Buratai explains why our army for Grades in Nigerian Universities’, confidence from their commander. Yet, friends are now widows and nobody is chief talks and behaves like a politician. I must express my appreciation to there are reports that these soldiers taking care of them and their children More disturbing is that he and other the Independent Corrupt Practices often go on for months without their once their husbands are dead.” service chiefs seem to have taken on a Commission (ICPC) chairman, Prof meagre operational allowance and There are several disturbing reports life role. Bolaji Owasanoye whose office has their families are almost always left to on the welfare of the soldiers we send to In a regimented service, there is been of tremendous assistance to my fend for themselves when they pay the die for their country and the weapons no greater incentive for professional research efforts. I am targeting early supreme sacrifice. we give them to fight. Notably, when excellence than the aspiration to reach next year for the release of the book. ...ensuring public accountability CR 10 OPINION Monday, July 1st, 2019 Corruption REPORTER Building strong institutions and the security chiefs

By Idoko Ainoko in the service of their fatherland. military. pervasive corruption in the They risked everything, including Gen. Olonisakin is completely system will be pursued with greater their precious personal lives to loyal and patriotic to his country. determination and vigour in his serve Nigeria and berthed succour He has inculcated same spirit in all second coming. Even Buhari’s most to distressed or traumatized people military personnel. So, at the risk staunchest of critics, including The second term of President around the country. of flattery, it is pertinent to assert former President Olusegun Muhammadu is a month’s old The crop of current Security that Nigeria needs leaders with his Obasanjo have given him credit in by today. As usual, Nigerians are Chiefs, led by the indefatigable mindset on the job to pair up with these areas. very anxious and expectant of the Chief of Defence Staff ( CDS) Gen. President Buhari, if Nigerians must It is therefore, instructive that caliber of men and women Mr. Gabriel Olonisakin are also pictured continue to sustain the growth and President Buhari would not be out President would recruit to assist his in this illumination of men who development of the country. of tone with reality by retaining this administration in the #NextLevel. have offered rewarding service to The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) clan of hard working and committed Ardent critics of the Buhari Nigeria. They gave their soul to and leader of the counter- Security Chiefs to complete the Presidency have been consistent it and ought to be considered for insurgency operations in Nigeria assignment of securing Nigeria. that his first tenure which just reappointment in Buhari’s second Lt. Gen. TY Buratai typifies the They stood firm for Nigeria in the expired failed to fully meet it’s term. teamwork in insecurity operations worse moments. targets. The experience was Gen. Olonisakin has also in the country, as preached and It’s obvious these Security Chiefs inevitable given the pressure marketed himself as an effective stamped by the CDS. This is can even perform much more better politicians in Nigeria mount on leader and courageous soldier glaring in the manner he leads now that they are very conversant any leader over appointments of whose performance is reflective in troops, comprising soldiers from all with the terrain and nuances of surrogates into government. his building of the institutions of arms of the military to victorious such operations. And even granted the proven the different arms of the Nigerian operations. In essence, there is every sense of integrity of President Buhari, but Armed Forces. Indeed, during military wisdom for these Service Chiefs to it was impossible to completely The burden admiringly discharged operations, in any part of the also make the President’s second resist such lobbyists based the by the CDS can only be properly country, there is usually smooth term list for another for years. It is peculiar senario of politicking in decoded to understand that he and effective cooperation among necessary as he contemplates the the country. So, most of Buhari’s came on board at a time the air, naval and ground troops. And re-engagement of professionals appointees were incompetent and Armed Forces were fragmented the results of this understanding who have actively contributed to disconnected from the vision of the and fractured within. The ardous spurred by patriotism and elevation the success narrative of his first administration. task sank into oblivion many of his of national interest above personal term. And reenacting the criticisms of predecessors. considerations is responsible for the There is really no difference the First Lady, Hajia Aisha Buhari, But he stood firm and tackled winning streaks Nigerian military between civilian and military most of those Buhari assembled in every obstacle on his path to have recorded against the country’s appointments. And come to think his cabinet were strange bedfellows success. The first snag was that the armed enemies. of it dispassionately, it is the and anti-change mantra agents. Nigerian Armed Forces were devoid Many Nigerians are aware that prerogative of the President to It was convincing argument that of professional co-ordination and the present crop of Security Chiefs make appointments into offices be most of them still believed in the synergy it needed badly to tackle have extricated Nigeria from very it civil or military in order to achieve old order and never shared the the multiple security challenges dire threats to national security; his mandate and programmes he President’s vision of Nigeria’s crumbling Nigeria. attempts to pierce a knife on cord has outlined for himself and his redemption. Before Gen. Olonisakin emerged, of national unity, and cohension government. He solely bears public These arguments and assessments Nigerians were compelled to bear which would have ultimately led to backlash for success or failure of his on the President’s former cabinet the brunt of triumphant militants the much hyped disintegration of administration. are intrinsically plausible. But it is in the Niger Delta; victorious Boko the country. So, it is unfair for anybody to also unarguable that some of his Haram insurgents on forceful It is relieving to know that 18 blackmail him into discarding his cabinet members- from FEC to conquest of Nigeria; rampaging local government areas in the best hands on the simplistic reason expanded appointees and heads armed bandits in the Northwest; Northeast under Boko Haram that they have overstayed in office. of the over 500 federal MDAs senseless chants of war in the capacity have been reclaimed by Or the excuse that a new tenure performed creditably. Southeast by violent secessionists troops. And nearly 20,000 Nigerians necessarily means total overhaul of Recently, there were speculations and the celebration of carnivals of held hostage by insurgents have appointments. in the media which tipped over 30 bloodletting and arsons by ethnic been freed by Nigerian troops and The Security Chiefs also worked women as likely to make the list warlords as well as the herders and reunited with their families. in tandem with Mr. President’s of President Buhari’s expanded farmers incessant upheavals. Today in the Northeast, IDPs vision who is equally interested cabinet in the second term. These But Gen. Olonisakin reviewed camps are no longer swelling with in building and restoring back to names included notable women the ugly trend and declared it populations of people displaced Nigerians the institutions of state, who served in various capacities and unacceptable. He introduced by insurgency. Instead, IDPs have as examplified by the armed forces. truely distinguished themselves reforms and undertook gradually deserted the camps to They combined both anti- terrorism on their schedules by assisting the sensitisation visits to military their ancestral communities and combats with development of the President drive home his vision of formations.It paid off handsomely, villages because of the aura of Nigerian Armed Forces into a virile regeneration and redemption of by restoring trust, mutuality, palpable security pervading the and professional institution. Nigeria. operational coherence and region. President Buhari had And even in public domain, confidence among personnel of the Nigeria’s crude oil exploration bemoaned from the outset of his Nigerians can attests to their Nigerian military. and exportation have witnessed administration the preponderance excellent performances in the Therefore, the songs of war have a steady climate in the last three of strong men in Nigeria, instead areas they superintended. And the quietened in virtually every part years. Niger Delta militants have of strong public institutions. He current, chorus, bargain and even of the country and Boko Haram been tamed. And the respite is yearned for a change. persuasion of President Buhari to is fruitlessly struggling to retake everywhere because the CDS, Gen. The Security Chiefs have lived retain these respectable women on territories reclaimed by Nigerian Olonisakin has provided the right up to this expectation as today, their portfolios streams from the troops. Terrorists have been leadership to the Nigerian military Nigerian Military has regained track records of splendour on the severely decimated and Nigerian and the troops. it’s lost glory, by conducting itself job. troops now mock their power The armouries of all arms of as a responsive and responsible These virtuous women have to recklessly visit horrendous the Military are replenished with military, earning the pride of contributed in building strong atrocious on Nigerians. weapons from time to time and Nigerians and recognition of the institutions, as against powerful The United Nations ( UN) can simultaneously. And no one is in world as a force in warfare. elites/politicians as was the declare states previously very doubt that the CDS is not only Gen. Olonisakin and his colleagues tradition yesterday. It is a mark insecured because of herders/ focused, but knows the briefs of in the security sector have done of honor for them in striving to farmers carnages, including Benue his job. an excellent job and deserves elevate the pride of their country state as safe; while armed bandits What is striking is the overt desire Presidential commendation. An before the comity of nations. and militias are singing mourful of President Buhari to sustain and extension for these Security Chiefs Elsewhere, there are also men who lullabies of defeat. These milestones consolidate efforts on areas the to finish what they have started is keyed and religiously adhered to only trumpets loudly, the ingenuity administration has been impactful critically sensitive and important. President Buhari’s ‘Change mantra,’ of the CDS in dispensing his in his first term. and transformative agenda. They coordinative and supervisory He has been clear that the – Ainoko wrote this piece from worked assidously and devotedly responsibilities on the Nigerian economy, security and fighting Kaduna, Kaduna State. ...ensuring public accountability CR Corruption Monday, July 1st, 2019 11 REPORTER ICPCNEWS ICPC and CODE to partner against Corruption CPC’s quest for a vibrant and organisation, Mr. Hamzat Lawal, Government. turned right, stating how he always effective young force in its who led several other members The CODE boss also explained commended youth-led initiatives campaign against corruption of the organisation and spoke that his organisation strengthened and how in its effort to rid the may receive a boost as a during the visit, said that they local communities by creating nation corruption, the Commission Inon-governmental organisation, wanted collaboration with the platforms for dialogue, enabling had always welcomed partnerships Connected Development (CODE), Commission on youth mobilization informed debate, and building with organisation. has offered to partner with the against corruption in university capacities of citizens on how to The Chairman noted that he Commission to mobilize youths campuses and on the just-launched hold their government accountable was aware of young people’s in tertiary institutions against Constituency Projects Tracking through FollowTheMoneyexpectations that people accused corruption in Nigeria. initiative. initiative. of corruption should be grabbed CODE, during a courtesy visit to Mr. Lawal said that his He also revealed that his by ICPC and thrown into jail, but the Chairman of the Commission, organisation was proud of the organisation was in the process he explained that due process Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, at the Commission’s achievements so of touring university campuses to must be followed in fighting Commission’s headquarters far in the anti-graft war, stating reach out to students, enlighten corruption due to rule of law. He recently has also offered to help that CODE was also seeking the them on anti-corruption, and on also well urged them to forward ICPC in its Constituency Projects partnership in order to monitor the FollowtheMoney initiative. reports of corruption from their Tracking initiative to ensure quality the financial activities of local In his response, Professor FollowTheMoney initiative on project delivery to the citizens of governments for accountability Owasanoye, commended the group government-funded projects for Nigeria. and transparency in the handling for all the efforts they put in the further investigation and possible The Chief Executive of the of funds released by the Federal anti-graft war to see that Nigeria prosecution. Lai Mohammed to appear in court over N2.5bn NBC fraud case – ICPC The immediate past Minister of the discovery by ICPC during company. Information and Culture, Lai investigations, that a government He informed the court that Omoluwa Mohammed, has been scheduled to White Paper that governs the execution refused to explain the reasons for the appear before a Federal High Court, of the DSO programme was allegedly payments to Olatunde and James when Abuja, to explain his role in the alleged flouted by the head of NBC. asked by ICPC, but Onifade explained misapplication of N2.5 billion Federal Mohammed had however admitted that he received the N127 million Government Digital Switch-Over in a statement to the Commission that as legal fees he rendered to Pinnacle (DSO) programme. he was misled by Kawu, as stated in Communications Limited. The planned appearance ofcourt by a witness from ICPC, Osanato A Bureau de Change operator, Salisu Mohammed was revealed by the Olugbemi. Mamman Daura, who also testified in Independent Corrupt Practice and Olugbemi, led in evidence by counsel court, said he received N167 million in Other Related Offences Commission to ICPC, Henry Emore, had also told the two installments of N97 million and (ICPC), which is prosecuting the court that the payment of N2.5 billion N70 million respectively from Pinnacle Director-General of the National from NBC to Pinnacle Communications Communications Limited. Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Ishaq Limited as seed grant was suspicious Daura added that the sums were Modibbo Kawu, over an alleged abuse because ICPC had found out through its converted into $265, 000 and $195, of office and money laundering. investigations that only government- 735 respectively, at the rate of N360 ICPC had filed a 12-count charge owned companies were approved to to an American dollar, and handed in before Justice Folashade Ogunbanjo- benefit from the grant according to the cash to one Alhaji Sabo, supposedly on Giwa, against Kawu, Lucky Omoluwa White Paper. behalf of Pinnacle Communications. and Dipo Onifade, the Chairman and The court also heard that the transactions were originated by the Counsel to the accused persons, the Chief Operating Officer of Pinnacle processes that led to the final payment Chairman of Pinnacle Communications, Alex Iziyon (SAN), A Yusuf and A. Communications Limited respectively, of the fund to the private company were Omoluwa, immediately after the V. Etuwewe for Omoluwa, Onifade, saying that the NBC Director-General shrouded in secrecy as revealed by the receipt of the funds on June 2, 2017. Kawu and Pinnacle Communications misled the former Minister into minutes from an NBC emergency board The transactions included payments respectively, took turns to cross- approving government funds to be paid management meeting where issues of of N363 million to one Idowu Olatunde, examine both witnesses after which the to a private company. carriage fees owed Pinnacle and not N274.4 million to one James Segun matter was adjourned by the trial judge The former Minister’s involvement seed grant was discussed. and N127 million to Dipo Onifade, to July 1, 2019 for continuation of trial had come under questioning following He told the court that 47 suspicious the Chief Operating Officer of the and ruling on two pending motions. N26.6m fraud: ICPC drags ex-law reform commission scribe to court A former Secretary to the Nigeria her office to derive various unlawful whereas she had actually collected for five years without any option of Law Reform Commission, Mrs. pecuniary benefits for herself to the the bulk sum of N5,777,600.00 for the fine. Folake Abiodun Oguneye, has been tune of the above sum. five-year period of her tenure. Oguneye pleaded not guilty to all arraigned before Hon. Justice M.B. ICPC, in Charge No: CR/334/19 Mrs. Oguneye, was further the charges leveled against her and her Idris of the Federal Capital Territory told the court how the accused person charged for accepting the sums of counsel, A.O. Ayodele, via a written (FCT) High Court 29 sitting in Nyanya received the sum of N4, 100,000.00 N15,004,000.00 from one Huthman application sought the reliefs of the for fraud by the Independent Corrupt from Kings and Khad Tours and Ademola Oluwatoyin, the Proprietor court to grant her bail which was not Practices and Other Related Offences Travels Nigeria Limited which was part of Mutoy Adekunle Enterprises, being opposed by the prosecution. Commission (ICPC). of the sum of N10,171,100.00 paid part of the sum of N15,516,225.00 The trial judge therefore admitted Mrs. Oguneye is facing prosecution to a company, Snugees Investment for the unification of Sale of Goods the accused person to bail in the sum for allegedly defrauding the Limited, by the Nigeria Law Reform law in Nigeria and N600,000.00 as of N5,000,000.00 and a surety in like Federal Government of the sum of Commission for publicity over the gratification from a contract she had sum who must not be lesser than a N26,637,116.00. reform and unification of Sale of awarded respectively. Grade Level 14 public officer within The Commission, in a 5-count Goods law in Nigeria. Her action is contrary to and the jurisdiction of the court, and must charge, had averred that Mrs. The defendant was also accused of punishable under sections 10 (a) (ii) possess evidence of a landed property Oguneye, while serving as the receiving the sum of N96,293.05k and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and within the FCT. Secretary to the Nigeria Law Reform monthly amounting to N1,155,516.6k Other Related Offences Act, 2000. The matter has been adjourned Commission conferred corrupt for one year as furniture allowance If she is found guilty, she shall on to September 19th 2019 for the advantage upon herself by using from the Law Reform Commission conviction be liable to imprisonment prosecution to open its case. ...ensuring public accountability CR Monday, July 1st, 2019 Corruption 12 REPORTER ...ensuring public accountability CR Corruption Monday, July 1st, 2019 NATIONAL 13 REPORTER NEWS

BRIEF Cross River Monarch accuses government Court overrules defence, admits more evidence of fighting corruption lopsidedly against ex-Plateau he Paramount Ruler you must understand that once because we all come from a once even if it means dipping Gov, Jang of Odukpani Local you become corrupt, no matter community. their hands into public funds. Justice Daniel Longji of a Government Area of the level, the people will not “We must include religious “Our culture as Africans Plateau State High Court, Cross River State, His have regard for you any longer, studies in our school from mounts so much pressure on sitting in Jos, on June 27, 2019 RoyalT Majesty (HRM) Etinyin it doesn’t really matter how long the cradle, it is important, it our leaders to become thief and admitted more evidence against Otu Asuquo Mesembe VI, has it takes, you will be exposed. is essential, it builds morality steal as well as become corrupt a former Plateau State governor, said that the government was “We have been coerced to in our society and it must be once they take up leadership Jonah Jang, who is being part of the problem corruption join the bandwagon because brought back to in still morals positions because we want prosecuted by the Economic and in the country. the government seems to in our children” he stated. them to satisfy all our needs at Financial Crimes Commission, He alleged that traditional have neglected the traditional In his lecture, Prof Uno once. EFCC, for an alleged N6.2 billion institution was not well taken institution. Our constitution Ijim Agbor, a lecturer in “There are a lot of demands fraud. care of, “The government at was borrowed and developed the Department of Public on public office holders by At the last sitting on June 13, all levels fight corruption in with a mind set of corruption Administration, University of the traditional and religious 2019 counsel for Jang, Mike a selective manner and this and carefully excluding the Calabar, said that the African leaders to meet up with so many Ozekhome, SAN, had raised makes the fight a lip service”. traditional system because culture mounts so much demands, and when they look objections to the admissibility Speaking at a symposium, of greed and other selfish pressure on the leaders from back or be perceived in negative of the minutes of the State combating corruption through interests” the continent to steal and light they steal. Security Council meeting and interfaith organized by He further said, “Our become corrupt as they enter “They have no choice than that of the State Executive Mac Arthur Foundation on constitution is borrowed, it public offices because they want to deep their hands into public Council between 2014 and Wednesday, the monarch said does not serve the purpose to please their people. funds to satisfy the needs of 2015 during Jang’s tenure. “If we want to fight this hydra of the people. But our leaders Prof Agbor said Africans the people at home. The people Sunday Odey, counsel for headed problem, we must do it while adopting the constitution demand so much from their must understand that public Yusuf Gyang Pam, a cashier of from the roots. carefully avoided the traditional leaders once they are in position funds do not belong to the man the Office of the Secretary to “As a leader, whether institution. The traditional because they want them to in office or them; neither is it the Plateau State Government, traditional, religious or political institution can stop corruption satisfy all their selfish needs at private funds,” he stated. who is standing trial along with Jang, also objected to the admissibility of the document. Counsel for the EFCC, Rotimi PDP expanded the scope of corruption – Presidential aide Jacobs, SAN had, through the ninth prosecution witness, Lauretta Onochie has criticised (PDP) government has always which alleged that lawyers to Jonah Kabong, a Civil Servant the Jonathan administration been involved in corruption. the federal government had, in in the Office of the Secretary to for alleged corruption - The Lauretta Onochie @ a London court filing, accused the State Government sought presidential aide said the Laurestar · Jun 27, 2019 Isn’t him of accepting bribes in to tender the documents. PDP expanded the scope of it a disgrace that Jonathan who order to broker a $1.3 billion Describing them as “crucial in corruption in the country had the mandate of Nigeria to oil deal. The former president the prosecution of the matter”, - The former president is look after her welfare, is the one denied the allegation, while Jacobs had argued that, “the allegedly linked to the Malabu who is featuring prominently describing the report as a government does not need an oil scandal An aide to President in an International fraud recycled falsehood that is authority from itself to tender Muhammadu Buhari on social case, #opl245fraud. So how “blatantly dishonest, cheap, a document that’s within its media, Lauretta Onochie, has did past PDP governments and predictable”. custody”, stressing that what lashed out at former president, fight corruption? They didn’t. According to Ikechukwu Eze, governed admissibility of a Goodluck Jonathan, for his They expanded the scope of media adviser to the former document in court was the alleged role in the Malabu corruption. Lauretta Onochie president, Jonathan did not Evidence Act. scandal. ✔ @Laurestar But why are ask for or collect any bribes, At the resumed hearing, The case involved anNigerians silent on this neither has he been charged Justice Longji, dismissed the international oil deal that #OPL245Fraud case involving for asking or collecting bribes, objections and admitted the has reportedly been at the prominent members of past neither will he ever be charged documents as exhibits P47 - centre of a corruption trial. Nigerian govts? Why is there with asking for or collecting P50. Onochie in a couple of tweet not an outrage over this the “right” part of Nigeria? A bribes, because such never In his ruling, the trial judge via her social media page on International disgrace? Is fraud is a fraud happened. He added that the held that: “I have carefully Thursday, June 27, said the it because they practice the Meanwhile, Jonathan dispute predated the Jonathan considered the submissions of Peoples Democratic Party “right” religion and come from reacted to a media report administration and survives it. both counsels on some of the issues raised. “The issues raised by the defence team are elementary, and the crucial issue is that Two suspected insurance agents, arraigned all the authorities cited are considered civil matters, and none of the documents tendered in support of their position has in court for swindling lady of N39.5 million met requirement of the law in dismissing the application made Two suspected fake the defendants conspired defrauded the complainant 2015. by the prosecution.” insurance agents, Daniel with others still at large through a GTB bank account The defendants, however, Justice Longji further Udeze and Smith Obume, and committed the alleged No. 0154207679 with the pleaded not guilty to the held that: “Only the State who allegedly swindled a offences sometime in April, name Zyfeso Enterprises. charge. Government knows the lady of N39.5 million, were at Coker Road, Ilupeju area “The defenendants hacked The Magistrate, Mrs A. M. information that will jeopardise on Friday brought before an of Lagos. into the two companies’ Davies, granted them bail in the security of the State and the Igbosere Magistrates’ Court Mameh said that the sites, pretended that they the sum of N4 million each, Government has released these in Lagos. duo presented themselves can employ the complainant, with two sureties each in like documents, the PW9 did not tender it in a private capacity, The defendants, whoas agents of one Axa used the companies’ names sum. he is a representative of the are both 24 years’ old, are Mansard Insurance Plc and to swindle the unsuspecting She ordered that the government and no private standing trial on a four-count another company, Doheney complainant,” Mameh said. sureties must show evidence individual has the right to charge bordering on fraud Recruitment services, and The alleged offencesof tax payment to the Lagos challenge it.” and impersonation. defrauded the complainant, contravene Sections 287, State Government. The case has been adjourned The Prosecutor, Sgt. Friday Chioma Obi of N39.5 million. 314, 380 and 411 of the She adjourned the case to July 10 and 11, 2019 for Mameh, told the court that He said that the defendants Criminal Law of Lagos State, until July 9 for mention. “continuation of trial”. ...ensuring public accountability CR 14 NAT’L NEWS Monday, July 1st, 2019 Corruption REPORTER

SHORTNEWS 40 traditional rulers complete Nigeria pioneer digital training on anti-corruption fight marketplace for cars, launches ampaign against yesterday, shortly after not urgently done to stem systems for transparent the cankerworm the NGO completed the the tide of corruption, the of corruption training, Co-coordinator cankerworm of the disease Purchase for Sale of Cars in initiated by for Interfaith Anti- is capable of pulling down theC administration of corruption network, the entire economy of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari, Bishop Dr Gospel Isong, Nigeria on the wheel. yesterday, received a boost, urged the traditional “I foresee a total collapse Cheki.comng, the that help our users to as a non-governmental rulers to demonstrate of our one and only dear pioneering digital overcome the most marketplace for cars in prevalent challenges as organisation (NGO), every aspect of the country, Nigeria, if all Nigeria, has successfully regards car acquisition,” operating under the training received at the hands are not put on deck Systems for Transparent Dara said. aegis of Interfaith Anti- symposium. to get rid of this ugly trend Purchase, Sale of Cars He said over the corruption Network He said that with skills so that as a country, we can in Nigeriare primarily years, Cheki.com.ng (headed by Islamic/ acquired at the training avert being consumed by aimed at improving has continually made Christian clerics), session, it’s believed that this cankerworm.” buying and sale of cars efforts to innovate its ended the training of 40 every iota of cankerworm/ Isong called for a change in the country. processes, products traditional rulers in South cancer of corruption of mindset by youths in the The Chief Executive and packages and also South zone on how to join existing in their domains country so that the nation Officer of the firm, in the development of hands with the federal would be removed. can be rebuilt. Gbenro Dara, who technology solutions government in the fight Isong, who is also He said that though introduced the major that improve the advancement to buying experience of against corruption in their the national publicity President Muhammadu journalists during the car buyers in Nigeria. various domains. secretary of Pentecostal is doing a lot to get the week, said it was part In addition to its fintech The Co-coordinatorFellowship of Nigeria nation back on track with of their long-term solutions, the platform of Islamic faith, who is (PFN)/General Overseer regards to stemming the plan of making the car also provides car user joining hands with Bishop of Christian Central Chapel tide against corruption, buying process easy for reviews and car buying Emmah Isong, to pilot International (CCCI), irrespective of religious/ Nigerians. concierge services. affairs for interfaith Anti- otherwise known as Faith ethnic affiliation, the fight Dara said the two Cheki Finance is a car corruption Network in Mansion, Calabar, stated cannot be left alone in the financial technologyloan service designed Nigeria (IANN), is Imam that corruption is one hands of the president if products, which were to effectively meet the Shehu Abdulkareem cankerworm that has Nigerians are serious with launched in the first financing needs of car Majemu. eaten deep into the fabric the business of getting our and second quarters of buyers in the country. this year, are the Cheki This service aims to In an interactive session of Nigerian society and economy back on track Finance; a quick car provide car buyers with with journalists in Calabar, warned that if something is again. loans service; and the quick car loans for the Cheki True Price, which purchase of Nigerian is a tool for car price used cars, foreign used comparison. (Tokunbo) cars, or UK detectives probing Nigeria’s former The CEO said the brand new cars that Cheki Finance aims are available on its to ease the financial website; Cheki.com. minister of petroleum arrives Nigeria burden of acquiring ng. Cheki is offering both new and used the exciting car loan United Kingdom Plot 2C, Omerelu Street, there were talks which cars, explaining that service in collaboration detectives working on Diobu Port Harcourt; revealed that those at car buyers could apply with top-rated financial the probe of a former 135 Awolowo Road/ the London end were for loans to purchase institutions in Nigeria Minister of Petroleum Plot 808 Awolowo Road, making painstaking cars being sold onCheki. at a very conducive Resources, Mrs. Diezani Ikoyi; and 7, Hurnburn investigations. com.ng, and this can terms and conditions Alison-Madueke, have Street and 5, Raymond “After Magu’s be done at the click of and convenient interest a button. The second rates. stormed Nigeria. Street, Yaba, Lagos. visit to London, the product, Cheki True Giving more details They already met A source was reported investigation of Diezani Price aims to foster price about the company’s with operatives of the as saying: “Theassumed enhanced transparency and help background, Ikenna Economic and Financial detectives from the UK dimension because car buyers get value for Oyenta, Cheki.com.ng Crimes Commission have been in Nigeria for some grey areas were the money they intend marketing campaign (EFCC), according to a week in line with the cleared. to spend on acquiring manager said that, reports. ongoing investigation of “The coming of the cars. Cheki is a digital The commission has so Diezani. detectives from London He said True Price marketplace for quality far traced N47.2 billion “It is a major case the was meant to fill some shows the price range vehicles. and $487.5 million to National Crime Agency gaps, get additional that a car falls within The platform provides the ex-minister arrested (NCA) in the UK has evidence and crosscheck and goes on to compare car buyers with a wide this price range with the variety of quality since October 2, 2015, been collaborating with a few findings on their price that a car seller is cars and supports car but been restricted to the EFCC to probe. part. asking. This proves to purchasing with a the UK with her probe “A few weeks ago, “We are hopeful be a valuable tool for range of supplementary costing fortunes. EFCC Chairman, Mr. that the latest bend of car shoppers as it helps services that include car The agency alsoIbrahim Magu, was also investigation was in them get value for their loans, insurance, and claimed that Diezani in London to compare preparation for the trial money. car buying concierge. has N23,446,300,000 notes with similar of the ex-minister.” “Our strong Cheki also provides and $5 million (about agencies on this case. The source added that commitment to private car sellers and N1.5 billion) in various “You will recall that the Mutual Assistance customer-centricity is car dealerships of all Nigerian banks. Magu in November in Criminal Matters what has allowed us to sizes with qualified The EFCC has also 2018 made it clear that Bill, 2019, signed into remain a top player in leads and buyers. The Nigeria’s automotive company has been in the secured final forfeiture Nigeria was tired of law about a week ago by market for almost a business of of providing orders on the following waiting for the trial of President Muhammadu decade. In furtherance intermediary services assets of Diezani: Diezani by the UK. Buhari might help in of our efforts, we’re to prospective vehicle about $37.5 million “But after the initial confiscating Diezani’s investing more in buyers in the past six Banana Island property; issues between EFCC assets at home and technology solutions years. Heritage Court Estate, and UK agencies, abroad. ...ensuring public accountability CR Corruption Monday, July 1st, 2019 NAT’L NEWS 15 REPORTER FIRS accuses First Bank of account manipulation in N25bn suit he Federal Inland It also alleged that the bank deposited into its account its account with the bank. Revenue Service manipulated its domicili- by its client for consultancy “FIRS only acted on infor- (FIRS) has admit- ary account with over-bloat- services and withdrawn by mation and facts the bank ted that it received a ed turnover of N2.4 billion, its CEO. provided and the bank has Tpurported over-bloated turn- whereas the deposit to the ac- But in its statement of de- never written, denying that over of Biatemp Ventures count within the period was fence filed on its behalf by it forwarded the CD con- Limited account from First only $22,475 or N786, 000. N.J. Kalu and Co., FIRS told taining information and evi- Bank Plc. The firm claimed that the the court that it acted on in- dence showing that the plain- In a statement of defence manipulation of its account formation provided by the tiff received a cash flow of the filed before the Federal High and delay in issuing its tax bank. amount on November 28, Court, Abuja, FIRS stated clearance certificate pre- Specifically, Senior Manag- 2018,” it stated. that it received a compact vented it from participating er (Tax) FIRS, Oyerogba Ke- But First Bank in its state- disc (CD) containing evi- in bids for several business- hinde, deposed that the ser- ment of defence denied al- dence that the company re- es leading to severe econom- vice was only performing its legations that it manipulat- ceived an inflow of over $6.8 ic losses and embarrassment. statutory function based on ed the plaintiff’s account or million from the bank. It added that its Chief Ex- information received from collaborated with FIRS, and Biatemp Ventures Limit- ecutive Officer (CEO) with- the first defendant (First urged the court to declare ed had sued First Bank and drew the $22,475 deposit in Bank). that the plaintiff was not FIRS, demanding N25 billion about four transactions, in- “In compliance with the entitled to any of the reliefs as special and general damag- sisting that when it obtained statutory provisions, First sought. es for alleged manipulation of its statement of account from The plaintiff added that Bank forwarded a CD to FIRS, Meanwhile, Justice Binta its domiciliary account and the bank, the inflows and the deposit and withdrawal which contained evidence Murtala-Nyako adjourned illegal withholding of its tax outflows of funds varied from of over $6.8 million were en- that the plaintiff received a the case to October 28, 2019 clearance certificate. its records with FIRS. larged mirror of the $22,475 deposit of $6,861,618 into for further hearing. EU pledges to assist Borno State with €20million to revamp its educational sector The European Union (EU) intervention has been de- the majority of whom will be over 150,000 children and jects over a period of three has pledged to assist Borno signed to build on the EU’s employed by government. 2,500 teachers will directly years. State with €20million, ap- Education in Emergencies 36 schools will establish benefit from two projects it The statement added: “The proximately N8 billion, to support to North East Ni- kitchen gardens and psy- is funding in the state. projects will target prima- revamp its educational sec- geria, but go beyond provi- cho-social resources will be The EU said the projects ry, secondary and Tsangaya tor. sion of immediate services brought into schools with re- were aimed at providing im- schools, where classrooms The state, the worst affect- to strengthen service qual- ferral for children with trau- mediate education services will be rehabilitated and fur- ed by Boko Haram crisis, had ity and delivery, to help in- ma. School Based Manage- with a view to strengthening niture provided, water points its education crippled for crease learning outcomes ment Committee (SBMCs) the education system in Bor- will be installed or repaired, about two years as both pri- for girls and boys in the will be refreshed, retrained no State. and latrine cubicles con- mary and secondary schools longer term.” and work with communities It said the projects, for structed. Children will receive were closed even as scores of The EU’s Head of Cooper- to engage in education advo- which €20million had already vouchers for learning kits, teachers were slaughtered ation, was quoted to have cacy.” been earmarked for, will ex- girls and young women will by the terrorist group. said: “Education is crucial Meanwhile, the Governor pand and deepen the already receive dignity kits to man- The EU, who is support- for both the protection of Borno State, Prof. Baba- extensive EU humanitarian age menstruation, and young ing the United Nations and healthy development gana Umara Zulum has said and development assistance people will receive vouchers Children Fund (UNICEF) of girls and boys affected that the state will take ac- to the victims of violence for business start-up kits. and Plan International to by crises. For girls, educa- countability in the running and displacement in Nigeria’s “Teaching kits, textbooks execute the projects in the tion reduces maternal and of reconstruction and re- North East while addressing will be provided and over troubled state, said at the child mortality and educat- habilitation projects in the some of the underlying driv- 900 primary and second- launch yesterday in Maidu- ed mother is more likely to state very crucial. ers of violence extremism in ary teachers will be trained, guri that over 150,000 chil- have educated children.” He said the state would Nigeria. the majority of whom will be dren and 2,500 teachers will He said that proven in- continue to ensure that the A statement released by EU employed by government. 36 directly benefit from two ternational implement- finance got to build projects yesterday said: “This inter- schools will establish kitchen projects it is funding in the ing partners would execute in the state were well spent vention has been designed gardens and psycho-social re- state. the projects over a period of and did not get into the pock- to build on the EU’s Educa- sources will be brought into The EU said the projects three years. et of corrupt officers. tion in Emergencies support schools with referral for chil- were aimed at providing im- The statement added: The European Union (EU) to North East Nigeria, but go dren with trauma. School mediate education services “The projects will target pri- has pledged to assist Borno beyond provision of imme- Based Management Com- with a view to strengthen- mary, secondary and Tsan- State with €20million, ap- diate services to strength- mittee (SBMCs) will be re- ing the education system in gaya schools, where class- proximately N8 billion, to re- en service quality and deliv- freshed, retrained and work Borno State. rooms will be rehabilitated vamp its educational sector. ery, to help increase learning with communities to engage It said the projects, for and furniture provided, wa- The state, the worst affect- outcomes for girls and boys in in education advocacy.” which €20million had al- ter points will be installed or ed by Boko Haram crisis, had the longer term.” Meanwhile, the Governor ready been earmarked for, repaired, and latrine cubicles its education crippled for The EU’s Head of Coopera- of Borno State, Prof. Baba- will expand and deepen constructed. Children will about two years as both pri- tion, was quoted to have said: gana Umara Zulum has said the already extensive EU receive vouchers for learning mary and secondary schools “Education is crucial for both that the state will take ac- humanitarian and devel- kits, girls and young wom- were closed even as scores of the protection and healthy countability in the running opment assistance to the en will receive dignity kits to teachers were slaughtered by development of girls and boys of reconstruction and re- victims of violence and manage menstruation, and the terrorist group. affected by crises. For girls, habilitation projects in the displacement in Nigeria’s young people will receive The EU, who is support- education reduces maternal state very crucial. North East while address- vouchers for business start- ing the United Nations Chil- and child mortality and edu- He said the state would ing some of the underlying up kits. dren Fund (UNICEF) and cated mother is more likely to continue to ensure that the drivers of violence extrem- “Teaching kits, textbooks Plan International to exe- have educated children.” finance got to build projects ism in Nigeria. will be provided and over cute the projects in the trou- He said that proven inter- in the state were well spent A statement released by 900 primary and second- bled state, said at the launch national implementing part- and did not get into the EU yesterday said: “This ary teachers will be trained, yesterday in Maiduguri that ners would execute the pro- pocket of corrupt officers. ...ensuring public accountability CR 16 NAT’L NEWS Monday, July 1st, 2019 Corruption REPORTER

Cross River’s $600m moribund Tinapa facility for sale he $600 million The first phase of the Donald Duke and policies and other of interest to acquire moribund Tinapa project fashioned after commissioned on April 2, factors, Tinapa died the facility by the Chief facility in Cross the similar massive 2002 to boost business in and remained a white Executive Officer and River State is one-stop shopping and the state and the country elephant project. President of ROPA upT for sale as American tourism resort of Dubai at large. Consequently, the Corporation Inc, Robert investors expressed was conceived and built But due to poor and state government has Glover, inviting him for interest. by former Governor inconsistent government replied to the expression further negotiations. After 30 months of abandonment, Edo Govt opens abandoned five star hospital After 30 months of ordered from a German- it without a sustainability been installed. abandonment, Obaseki based com¬pany with the plan, it is only a matter of Among those listed were finally opens the New Central latest technology and would time before it goes comatose. mammograph, an equipment Hospital built by former be manned by experienced The PPP would ensure its used for diagnosing and Governor Adams Oshiomhole. and qualified personnel from sustainability, functioning, locating tumors of the Adibe Emenyonu writes. the private sector. and efficiency”. breast otherwise known as Before his exit as Governor Oshiomhole explained that He further stated that the breast cancer, adding that of Edo State, Comrade Adams the hospital will not be run hospital would be affordable the hospital as at the time it Oshiomhole built a five-star by government but a pri¬vate to the common man because was commissioned was not hospital. The new ultramodern body for sustainability. the government was working fully equipped because of the hospital was erected beside the According to him, “I al¬most on a health insurance scheme sudden rise in the exchange old Central Hospital and was wept when I first vis¬ited plan that would capture every rate. commissioned on November the old hospital. What I Edo person, adding that a law Explaining the position of 8, 2016 by President found there was shocking is being drafted by the state government on the delay in Muhammadu Buhari. and I concluded that even to be taken to the assembly to response to Vamed’s memo While commissioning the if a healthy man visited the help initiate the scheme. requesting for training hospital, President Buhari hospital, he would be admitted “I believe that by the of workers to operate the who was then on a two- the next day. third quarter of next year, machines in the new hospital, day official visit to the state “This new hospital is fitted the people will begin to see Edo State Commissioner for noted the importance of with the latest technology in the health policy of this Health, Dr. David Osifo, said having such befitting ultra- healthcare delivery. Subject administration taking effect,” government does not just want modern hospital to ensure to what the next governor Adviser to Governor Obaseki, Osagie declared. to recruit any how medical that members of the public no will do, my position is that this Mr. Crusoe Osagie said Corroborating Edo personnel, but those specially longer suffer from accessing hospital will not be run in the government has a robust government’s position in the trained with experience to modern facility for treatment. same way the public service is healthcare delivery plan for area of equipment availability man the equipment. He said, The president lauded the run”, he said. the hospital and people of the to run the hospital, the firm “These special personnel are sacrifices made by Oshiomhole All these elicited accolades state which according to him which was awarded the not easy to come by”. and expressed his respect for from members of the are categorised into primary, contract to supply equipment In spite all the hurdles, there the personal sacrifice he made public who hope that a new secondary and tertiary. for the hospital, Vamed was a sudden cheer last week to complete the edifice. healthcare delivery system has He said Edo government has Engineering, through its as the Central Hospital was He further described the eventually come. started with the development spokesperson, Anthony unceremoniously opened to hospital as the best legacy Their hope however was of primary and secondary Azodo, said all equipment the public. Osh¬iomhole gave to the prolonged when the new healthcare and the Central and office furniture have been Although no explanation people of the state, pointing government under Godwin Hospital was being developed supplied and installed to full was given for the impromptu out that he was impressed Obaseki refused to open the to serve the tertiary healthcare capacity at the hospital. opening of the medical facility, with the project because “it hospital for public use. needs. Azodo’s clarification was it was however gathered that it takes a lot of courage for the Even in the midst of protest Osagie disclosed that as in reaction to protest and was politically motivated given former governor to do what and condemnation, the soon as the plan is completed, insinuations by some NGOs the present political crisis in he did”. governor was not moved. At the old Central Hospital will and the opposition PDP the state between Obaseki and Emphatically, President first it was the civil society be moved to Stella Obasanjo respectively, demanding his predecessor, and in a bid Buhari said: “I am impressed group that came up last year Hospital to provide secondary explanation on why the to score some political points, with the work. This is the by giving Obaseki a marching care to patients, adding hospital was still under lock decided to open the hospital. best thing Oshiomhole can order to open the hospital. The however, that the new Central and key more than two years Few days ago and at the do for the people. When I was second was the opposition Hospital would be run on a after it was commissioned. height of imbroglio at the state coming, I asked him, ‘whose Peoples Democratic Party Public Private Partnership He however, disclosed that assembly over the clandestine edifice is this?” (PDP) in the state who (PPP) bases. one of the hurdles preventing inauguration of nine members In his address during the came mocking the APC led His words: “Government the hospital from being put out of 24, and election of a new inauguration, Oshiomhole administration saying the wants to run Central Hospital to use was because they are speaker and deputy speaker by stated that his aim of so called state of the art on a Public Private Partnership waiting for personnel that will the nine, the hospital renamed building a hospital of such equipment purportedly (PPP) basis. We are bringing man the equipment. Edo Specialist Hospital was sophistication was to prevent in the new hospital was investors and several of them He said to that effect, seen attending to patients medical tourism. after all taking from the old have come to look at it but we several memos were written who reportedly went there for The general hospital, he Stella Obasanjo Women and are yet to come to agreement to Edo State government medical checks. stated was established in 1902 Children Hospital, also owned on which private organisation to get personnel that would Besides, workers were seen with 10-bed capacity but has by the state government should run it and the way and handle the various machines attending to patients when since been upgraded to 280 but built under the PDP manner it should be run”. which had not been replied THISDAY visited the facility. bed capacity by successive government of Chief Lucky Obaseki’s media adviser to, warning that some of the The hospital also offered free governments hence the need Igbinedion. also debunked the rumour equipment have a duration of radio diagnostics and CT scan for state of the act equipment. Against this barrage and insinuations that two years to wear out if not to patients. He add¬ed that his of criticism, the state the hospital was either put into use. Speaking, the Chief administration deemed government was forced to ill-equipped or facilities The Vamed Engineering Executive Officer of the it wise to build a new one issue a statement giving its therein borrowed when he spokesman who explained hospital Dr. Chukwuka Monye at the detriment of a new position on why the hospital declared, “the hospital is that the equipment came in said facilities in the hospital government house to provide was yet to be opened for public fully equipped and any right batches and that majority of are of specialist category and quality healthcare to both use. thinking government would them were installed last year not that of a general hospital. the rich and poor in the In the statement think of sustainability of the and early this year, added that According to him, patients state, noting that equipment signed by the Media and project and not just running 100 percent of the equipment who can afford it would get in the new hospital were Communication Strategy it because if you start running in the bill of quantity have world best standard services. ...ensuring public accountability CR Corruption Monday, July 1st, 2019 NAT’L NEWS 17 REPORTER NRC MD, Mr. Fidel Okhiria debunks reports of alleged overpricing, misappropriation of funds in the construction of the Lagos-Ibadan railway line he managing director that was awarded in 2006 was railway contract. the publication and state the facts of the Nigerian Railway implemented at the same cost According to him, “the point of the matter as, “the Ministry of Corporation (NRC), from 2015 with modern facilities is that the rumour-mongers are Railways Development signed a Mr. Fidel Okhiria, has as against the ones approved in comparing something (Lagos- Memorandum of Understanding debunkedT reports of alleged 2006. Ibadan rail project) with nothing (MoU) dated 21st March, 2019 overpricing or misappropriation On why the change from because there is no such rail with Messrs China Railway of funds in the construction of $1.488 billion to $1.58 billion contract in Ghana as it is being Construction Corporation the Lagos-Ibadan railway line. for the project, the NRC boss peddled by the mischief makers.” (CRCC)… There were reports that the said: “Don’t forget that in any In a letter to the managing “Messrs CRCC expressed Nigerian project was costlier than contract, there’s a part called director of the Chinese company, interest in supporting the a similar one in Ghana. contingency. When you talk about CRCC, the Ghanaian minister of ministry to develop and Also, the Ghanaian minister $1.488 billion that is from Ebute Railways Development, said that modernise Ghana’s railway of Railway Development, Joe Metta to Ibadan, but when this the $2 billion Ghana rail story is network, particularly the trans- Ghartey, has said that his country administration came in, the then fictitious. ECOWAS line, which runs along has no deal or contract with the minister (Rotimi Amaechi) said we Titled: :Re: CRCC to Construct the coast between Aflao, on the Chinese company handling the must get to the seaport; it won’t 560km Railway line for $2bn – border with Togo, and Elubo, on Lagos-Ibadan rail line. make sense terminating the rail, same cost as the 156km Lagos- the border with Cote d’Ivoire. The In the past few days, the media without reaching or entering the Ibadan rail’, the Ghanaian purpose of the MoU is for CRCC in Nigeria had been awash with of Transportation, Chibuike seaport. government through the minister to undertake feasibility studies stories that a Chinese company, Rotimi Amaechi, alluding that he “So that element of over 25 also cancelled the ‘non-binding’ through the use of independent CRCC had been contracted to may have inflated the cost of the kilometres from Ebute Metta Memorandum of Understanding consultants,“ he said. construct a 560km railway line project. junction, a place popularly called (MoU) they had with the Chinese The minister added that, in Ghana for $2 billion, which Okhiria spoke over the Alagomeji to the port and within firm. “CRCC has NOT submitted any the stories claim, was about the weekend in Abuja that the reports the port is going take more because The minister stated that, “my report of the feasibility studies same cost, the company is using were fake, noting that the project we have to link all terminals. So attention has been drawn to to the Ministry of Railways to build the 156km Lagos-Ibadan was first awarded in 2006, even that’s an additional addendum, a media publication with the Development, let alone the project line. before the coming of the present which is about $9 million,” he said. caption ‘CRCC to construct 560km cost estimate. The Ministry of Consequently, questions administration and Amaechi as a Okhiria, who denied that railway line for $2bn – same cost Railways Development has not were raised as per the cost of minister. any of such a contract exists in as the 156km Lagos-Ibadan received any offer from CRCC for the Nigerian railway line, with He explained that the former Ghana, challenged anyone that rail.’ I regret the said publication the construction of the proposed some persons casting aspersions minister insisted that a project says otherwise to publicly provide which contains a lot of factual Aflao-Elubo railway line (trans- on the immediate past minister proof of the $2 billion Ghana inaccuracies. “Ghartey rebutted ECOWAS line).” Court jails Yahoo Yahoo Kingpin, one other in Calabar Justice Simon Amobeda of the offshore accounts in China, and to waste the time of the court as Range Rover Envogue with pleaded guilty to reads: “That Federal High Court sitting in narrated how he started the he pleaded “guilty” to the charge. registration number FST 772 EQ you, Obabueki Eromosele Philips, Calabar, Cross River State, on business of defrauding people In view of his plea, counsel for (Lagos), Mercedes Benz E 300 (aka Leo Sim) ‘m’ on or about Wednesday, June 26, 2019, quite early, while he was still an the EFCC, A.S. Abuh, informed with registration number LSD the 30th day of May, 2019 in sentenced a notorious yahoo undergraduate at Delta State the court of a plea bargain 393 EG (Lagos) and the seven Nigeria within the jurisdiction yahoo kingpin, Akpojivi University, Abraka in Delta State. arrangement entered between bedroom duplex situated at of this Honourable Court did Onoriode, who was arraigned The charge against Akpojivi the convict and the Commission, Victory Way Extension, Satelite fraudulently impersonate one by the Economic and Financial reads: “That you, Onoriode Joel dated June 19, 2019 and filed on Town, Calabar, Cross River State.” Leo Sim, with intent to obtain Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Akpojivi, on or about the 4th June 20, 2019. Earlier, Justice Amobeda property from unsuspecting a one-count charge bordering on day of May 2019, in Nigeria “I hereby pray the court to convicted another graduate of persons, the pretence you knew cybercrime. within the jurisdiction of this convict and sentence him based Delta State University, Abraka, to be false and thereby committed The convict, a 29-year- Honourable Court did unlawfully on the terms of the agreement,” Obabueki Philips, who was an offence contrary to Section old graduate of Delta State produce, supply, procure for use she said. equally arraigned by the anti-graft 22 (2) (b) (ii) of the Cybercrime University, Abraka and a father and distributed a computer Delivering judgement, agency on a one-count charge (Prohibition and Prevention, Etc) of two, was arrested by operatives program (fake online banking Justice Amobeda held that: “It bordering on impersonation and Act, 2015 and punishable under of the Uyo Zonal Office of the link platform) designed for is a known fact that crimes of cybercrime. Section 22 (2) (b) (iv) of the same Commission in the early hours of the purpose of electronically this nature appear now to be When Obabueki was arrested, Act.” Saturday, May 4, 2019, following defrauding unsuspecting persons prevalent in our time. I do hereby he admitted that his area of In view of his guilty plea, Abuh intelligence report exposing him and thereby committed an offence sentence the convict to 6 months specialisation was impersonation, informed the court of the plea of living above his means. He was contrary to Section 28 (1) (a) of imprisonment with an option of and that he sends out fraudulent bargain arrangement entered picked up at his lavishly furnished the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, fine of N500,000. emails to defraud his victims. between the Commission and the duplex on Plot 10, Block VI, Prevention Etc) Act 2015 and “The convict shall forfeit to the A forensic analysis of his laptop convict and also prayed the court Unical Satellite Town, Calabar, punishable under Section (1) (c) Federal Government of Nigeria led to the recovery of quite a to convict and sentence him based Cross River State. of the same Act.” the instruments used in the number of highly incriminating on the agreements therein. Upon his arrest, the convict, Shocked by the weight of commission of the offence being scam documents that further The court thereafter sentenced popularly known as “Blinks” or evidence gathered against him thus: Acura ZDX with registration indicted him of the crime. him to six months imprisonment “Mr. White”, confessed to having by the EFCC, Akpojivi chose not number SMK 245 DQ (Lagos), The charge to which Obabueki with an option of fine of N50,000. EFCC gets final forfeiture order on N49m Justice Saleh Musa Shuaibu Zonal office, intercepted the by the zone. persons showed up and Consequently, the court of the Federal High Court money on March 14, 2017 EFCC spokesperson, claimed to be the owners of ordered for oral evidence sitting in Kaduna, has at the Kaduna International Tony Orilade, said the final the abandoned money. to be taken, as there were ordered the final forfeiture Airport. forfeiture order followed a They further filed conflictsa in the various of the sum of N49, 000,000 The money, all mint,motion on notice brought counter affidavit against the affidavits filed by the parties. to the federal government of stashed in five large 150 by the EFCC through Commission’s motion for the In his ruling, Justice Nigeria. kilogramme coloured sacks, prosecution counsels, Joshua final forfeiture in suit No: Shuaibu granted the EFCC The Economic andwas intercepted by EFCC Saidi and Onyeka Ekweozor. FHC/KD/CS/32/17 between motion for the final forfeiture Financial Crimes Operatives following an After obtaining an interim Oyebanji Olaitan Steve & of the sum as he dismissed Commission (EFCC), Kaduna intelligence report received forfeiture order, some others Vs EFCC. the claims of the applicants. ...ensuring public accountability CR 18 Monday, July 1st, 2019 Corruption FOREIGN REPORTER US warns Nigeria, African countries over debt burden

nited States of America, USA (HIPC) Initiative in 1996 to help the would be sympathetic to that kind of Chinese company in 2017 as part of a top Africa diplomat, Tibor world’s poorest countries clear billions situation,’’ he told reporters. plan to convert $6 billion of loans that Nagy, on Monday warned of dollars worth of unsustainable debt. Under Donald Trump’s administration, Sri Lanka owes China into equity. African countries to be mindful “But Africa is facing another potential the U.S. has criticized China for pushing U.S. officials have warned that a Uof their debt burden. debt crisis today, with around 40 percent poor countries into debt, mainly through strategic port in the tiny Horn of Africa Nagy, who spoke in Pretoria, South of low-income countries in the region lending for large-scale infrastructure nation of Djibouti could be next, a Africa, warned that African countries now in debt distress or at high risk of it, projects. prospect the government there has owing amount they cannot pay back, not according to an IMF report released a year Nagy has warned that those nations denied. to expect being bailed out by western- ago. risk losing control of strategic assets if From 2000 to 2016, China loaned sponsored debt relief. “We went through this, just in the last they cannot repay the Chinese loans, NAN around $125 billion to the continent, Nagy, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State 20 years, this big debt forgiveness for a reports. according to data from the China-Africa for African Affairs, said “The International lot of African countries. Sri Lanka formally handed over Research Initiative at Washington’s Johns Monetary Fund and World Bank began “I certainly would not be sympathetic, commercial activities in its main southern Hopkins University School of Advanced the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries and I do not think my administration port in the town of Hambantota to a International Studies. FBI is probing corruption in Puerto Rico government contracts The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation extraordinary week in which Puerto to offer a firsthand account of the “It’s fair to say that this is going to is probing potential corruption and Rican Treasury Secretary Raul governor’s efforts to alter a report on be a very busy summer for us,” he said, favoritism in how Puerto Rico awarded Maldonado used a radio interview to Hurricane Maria aid, an episode which adding that an announcement may be some government contracts and arrests disclose an “institutional mafia” within Rossello vehemently denied had taken forthcoming as soon as this week. may be forthcoming, according to the his own secretariat, revealed an FBI place. The corruption drama and insult- bureau’s special agent in charge on the probe into the matter, and subsequently Until now, the FBI hadn’t spoken slinging could hurt Puerto Rican island, Douglas Leff. lost his job for failing to tell the governor out on the matter. Leff confirmed the leaders’ efforts to restore confidence Speaking Thursday on local station about the problems before going to the existence of widespread probe into in their stewardship. The island Radio Isla, Leff said prosecutors would press. improper awarding of government commonwealth is navigating a record- have final say as to when enough Then, just hours after Maldonado contracts at various levels of setting bankruptcy and trying to ensure evidence had been gathered to justify was asked to resign, his own son took government, although he declined that federal aid money keeps flowing arrests. to social media to call Governor Ricardo to specifically say if the Treasury was to recover from the devastation of The remarks come during an Rossello himself “corrupt,” purporting involved. Hurricane Maria. New U.S. sanctions will cripple Iran’s corrupt leaders June 27 (UPI) -- U.S. President Donald pariah, its religious fascist regime of the Interior Sadeq Mahsouli, who is Trump’s announcement this week that he condemned for human rights abuse and nicknamed “the billionaire general.” had signed an executive order imposing the export of terror, while its 80 million Pompeo said he went from being a poor another round of “hard-hitting” sanctions beleaguered citizens, over half of whom IRGC officer at the end of the Iran-Iraq war on Iran has sent new shockwaves through are under 30, struggle to feed their families to being worth billions. He identified Grand the theocratic dictatorship headed by against a background of power outages, Ayatollah Makaram Shirazi, who is known supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. water shortages and food prices that have as the “sultan of sugar” for his illicit trading Indeed, the sanctions specifically targeted risen by more than 80 percent. Since the of sugar, which has generated over $100 Khamenei, together with Iran’s foreign second tranche of U.S. sanctions affecting million for him. And he said that Khamenei minister Javad Zarif and eight senior oil and banking came into effect at the end “has his own personal, off-the-books hedge commanders of Navy, Aerospace and of 2018, the economy has been in freefall, fund called the Setad, worth $95 billion.” Ground Forces of the Islamic Revolutionary with inflation reaching 52 percent in May. Pompeo concluded that judging by their Guards Corps, the elite military unit known vast wealth, the ayatollahs “seem more as the regime’s Gestapo and itself recently McConnell to allow vote on Iran war concerned with riches than religion.” He listed as a foreign terrorist organization authorization continued: “These hypocritical holy men by the Americans. These commanders Iran’s descent into economic chaos can be have devised all kinds of crooked schemes supervise the IRGC’s malicious regional traced directly to Khamenei and President to become some of the wealthiest men activities, including its provocative ballistic Hassan Rouhani. Their policy of aggressive on Earth while their people suffer.” This missile program, its recent sabotage of oil military expansionism across the Middle crushing exposé by the U.S. secretary of tankers in the Gulf and the shooting down East has drained the country’s resources. main organized opposition, the People’s state gives the lie to Khamenei’s contention of an American drone in international Combined with the mullahs’ own partiality Mojahedin of Iran (PMOI/MEK), which has that “foreign enemies” are to blame for airspace, as well as its ongoing support for corruptly lining their own pockets, set up “resistance units” across the country. Iran’s economic collapse. for Bashar al-Assad’s bloody civil war in it is little surprise that the country with The MEK is the key democratic alternative The extent of corruption by the mullahs Syria, the Houthi rebels in Yemen, terrorist the world’s second-largest gas reserves to the mullahs’ theocratic dictatorship is well known to the Iranian people, who Hezbollah in Lebanon and the brutal Shi’ia and fourth-largest crude oil reserves is and offers a future of freedom, justice, are sick of seeing their rich oil and gas militias in Iraq. now facing economic meltdown and mass democracy, human rights, women’s rights, wealth stolen and used to fund proxy wars U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin demonstrations from an angry public. abolition of the death penalty, an end to in Syria, Yemen, Lebanon and Iraq and to said the new sanctions would “lock up Over the past 18 months, the widespread international terror and aggression and fill the bank accounts of the mullahs, while literally billions of dollars of assets.” The protests have spread from the main cities an end to the nuclear threat. It is a vision they starve. venally corrupt Khamenei controls an to rural towns and villages, uniting the of such contrast to the current chaos and The oppressed millions in Iran will estimated $200 billion corporate empire working classes with middle-income oppression that young Iranians are now welcome Trump’s latest round of sanctions that includes hundreds of companies earners, whose chants of “leave Syria willing to risk their lives to bring it about. against their corrupt leaders. It is now the with interests in agriculture, energy, real alone, think of us instead” and “death to As U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo duty of the European Union to follow estate and other sectors, so those who say the dictator,” have clearly signaled the has said: “To the regime, prosperity, America’s lead and show their support for the new sanctions are simply symbolic burgeoning demand for regime change. security and freedom for the Iranian people the Iranian people. are mistaken. The sanctions will block The previously unimaginable cries of “death are acceptable casualties in the march Struan Stevenson is the coordinator of Khamenei and his closest advisers from to Khamenei” and “death to Rouhani” are to fulfill the revolution.” He accused the the Campaign for Iran Change. He served accessing the American financial system or now commonplace during every protest clerical regime of “lining its own pockets as a member of the European Parliament any American assets. The U.S. Treasury has and have been heard from striking while its people cry out for jobs.” Pompeo representing Scotland (1999-2014), also been authorized to impose sanctions steelworkers in Ahvaz in the southwest of has provided specific examples of the president of the Parliament’s Delegation for on any foreign financial institution that Iran, to defrauded investors in Rasht in the industrial-style corruption in Iran, citing Relations with Iraq (2009-14) and chairman conducts transactions for any of these listed north and even teachers, nurses and bazaar Sadeq Larijani, the head of Iran’s judiciary, of the Friends of a Free Iran Intergroup individuals or groups. merchants in Tehran. who is worth an estimated $300 million, (2004-14). He is an international lecturer Iran, despite its rich, civilized and open The coordinated nature of the protests embezzled directly from public funds. He on the Middle East and president of the culture, has now become an international has been blamed by the regime on the also cited former IRGC officer and Minister European Iraqi Freedom Association. ...ensuring public accountability CR Corruption Monday, July 1st, 2019 FOREIGNNEWS 19 REPORTER Switzerland says $133 million belonging to Gulnara Karimova to be sent to Uzbekistan Switzerland said it would send $133 statement by Karimova, and also that she had been convicted in 2015 on million in seized assets linked to criticized the announcement by the corruption charges Gulnara Karimova to Uzbekistan, amid Swiss Attorney General’s Office. But in March 2019, prosecutors a continuing international struggle over “The reason for the release of $131 announced that a Tashkent court had the fate of more than a billion dollars million is because [Gulnara Karimova] found that Karimova had violated the tied to the elder daughter of the late withdrew her opposition to the terms of her house arrest and ordered president of Uzbekistan. confiscation. She did this to show good her sent to the notorious Zangiota The order was announced June 24, just faith and to try to obtain the end of her prison in Tashkent. days after an unusual first-person appeal arbitrary detention,” he told RFE/RL in That order was followed two days from Karimova, who has been held in a a private message. later by the U.S. Justice Department Tashkent prison since March. announcing it had indicted Karimova In her appeal, which was posted to her Amassed A Fortune and a former longtime aide on bribery daughter’s Instagram account, Karimova Once seen as a possible heir to her and other charges. appealed to the current Uzbek president father, Islam, Karimova grew to become There’s no publicly known figure for clemency. She also said she had of Central Asia’s most powerful women on the amount or type of assets that ordered her lawyers to stop legal efforts in the 2000s, dabbling in fashion, pop Karimova had in various bank accounts to claim $686 million in frozen assets, music, charity work, and serving as a and other locations. But in announcing believed to be mainly in Swiss bank United Nations ambassador for the the indictment against Karimova in accounts. country. March, U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman The statement’s authenticity was who the male relative was, whether Court records showed that she said she was linked to a “$1 billion confirmed by one of her Swiss defense the announcement was connected to amassed a substantial fortune that, bribery scheme.” lawyers. Karimova’s first-person statementinvestigators say, was channeled In their statement, Swiss authorities Criminal investigations in Switzerland, issued over the weekend, and how through hidden offshore accounts into said more than $650 million in other the United States, Sweden, and the exactly the money would be transferred Swiss banks and elsewhere. assets remain frozen. Netherlands have linked Karimova to to Uzbekistan. Beginning in 2012, however, U.S. authorities, meanwhile, have also a years-long, massive bribery scheme Karimova’s statement was the first she news reports began uncovering a moved to seize some of the funds frozen that revolved mainly around foreign had issued since being accused in March multinational bribery scandal that in Swiss bank accounts, and have met telecommunications companies gaining of violating terms of her house arrest involved telecoms in Sweden and with Uzbek officials repeatedly in a bid access to the lucrative Uzbek cell phone and ordered to a notorious women’s elsewhere, who had sought to do to figure out what to do with the funds. market. prison in the Uzbek capital, Tashkent. business in Uzbekistan. But the talks have been stuck, in The U.S. Justice Department, which In the statement, Karimova said she By 2014, she fell out of the public part due to the Swiss proceedings, but indicted Karimova in March, days after had asked Uzbek President Shavkat eye, and later was reported to be under also due to the Uzbek government she was sent to the Tashkent prison, said Mirziyoev for clemency, and she house arrest. Her father died in 2016 insisting that it was the rightful owner Karimova’s case was one of the largest apologizes for “any disappointment that and was succeeded by Mirziyoev. of the frozen assets, according to people bribery schemes ever under the U.S. I may have caused.” The following year, the Uzbek familiar with the negotiations. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Karimova claimed that $1.2 billion Prosecutor General’s Office announced Activists and experts who have In its statement, the Swiss Attorney of her assets have already been she had been charged with “directly consulted on the negotiations have General’s Office said an unnamed male repatriated to Uzbekistan and is “now abetting the criminal activities of an noted that top Uzbek officials were likely relative of Karimova’s had concealed the working for the benefit of the budget organized crime group whose assets aware, if not complicit, in the efforts by seized funds by “opening bank accounts of the republic.” She also said that she were worth over $1.3 billion.” Karimova to solicit bribes from telecom on behalf of companies in order to told her lawyers to stop legal claims on In December 2017, Karimova was companies. fragment the money transfers.” another $686 million kept in foreign sentenced to a 10-year prison term, The current prime minister, The forfeited assets will be returned bank accounts. but several months later, the sentence Abdula Aripov, served as the to Uzbekistan, the office said. Karimova also said she needed was reclassified to house arrest and deputy prime minister in charge of The Attorney General’s Office did surgery for unspecified health problems. shortened to five years. telecommunications until 2012, when not immediately return a voice mail Her Swiss lawyer, Gregoire Mangeat, In 2017, nearly a year after her father’s he was ousted amid growing scrutiny of and e-mail seeking clarification on confirmed the authenticity of the death, Uzbek prosecutors announced Karimova’s business practices. Judge rules against Trump in federal corruption case n a significant blow to Donald J. him. his official duties with profits from the case, Judge Sullivan ordered Trump’s legal attempt to block The ruling is another setback in his private businesses is wrong, the two parties to begin requesting a lawsuit and investigation Trump’s attempt to block the courts especially business at the Trump records and other information as into how his private business from investigating his private International Hotel near the White part of a three-month discovery Ipractices violate the anti-corruption business practices and how they House where many foreign officials period from June 29 to September emoluments clauses in the U.S. violate a constitutional provision stay in an attempt to gain influence 27. Constitution, a federal court denied that makes accepting payments with the administration. Justice Department spokeswoman a series of motions by attorneys for or gifts from state or foreign Even the president’s dependence Kelly Laco said the federal the president this week and allowed governments a crime and grounds on U.S. Justice Department lawyers government would appeal. discovery of records to move forward. for impeachment by Congress. A to make his case rather than his “This case should have been U.S. District Judge Emmet G. similar case brought by attorneys personal, private attorneys in this dismissed. It presents important Sullivan in Washington denied general in D.C. and Maryland is also situation raises eyebrows with critics. questions that warrant immediate motions to drop or delay the lawsuit proceeding in the U.S. District Court At Trump’s behest, department appellate review and is another brought by Democrats in Congress in Greenbelt, Maryland. lawyers asked Sullivan to take the impractical attempt to disrupt and and ruled that lawyers could move Federal Judge Denies Trump’s unusual step of signing off on an distract the President from his official forward with their demands to Request for a Stay in Emoluments immediate appeal of his earlier duties,” Laco said in a statement. obtain financial records and conduct Clause Case rulings because of the “exceptional The judge disagreed, and the case interviews with members of the Both cases, which could eventually circumstances” of the case, but the moves the attempt to seek private Trump Organization. make it to the U.S. Supreme Court, judge refused. financial information about Trump “… discovery will conclude are unique and mark the first time “Plaintiffs are now poised to seek and the Trump Organization and cross motions for summary courts have been put in the position civil discovery against the President, forward. Many critics say it is judgment will be fully briefed within of interpreting the emoluments including into his personal finances unprecedented for a sitting president six months,” the judge wrote in a 12- clauses due to actions by a sitting and official actions, which will to maintain ownership of private page ruling rejecting Trump’s appeal president. They could reveal what distract the President from his trying to argue that members of critics have been saying all along, official duties,” the attorneys argued. Continue on Page 20 Congress have no standing to sue that the president’s commingling of Instead of going along and halting ...ensuring public accountability CR 16 FOREIGN NEWS Monday, July 1st, 2019 Corruption REPORTER

Zimbabwe: corruption convicts to lose wealth hose convicted of corruption Public Assets; and Money Laundering and Zimbabwe,” he said. will have their wealth and assets Proceeds of Crime Acts among others. “The slow pace of progress is also a forfeited to the State as part of The Government is also working on a reflection to some extent, of the level of restitution for their criminal Whistleblower’s Act to encourage and sophistication and complexity which the Tdeeds, President Mnangagwa has said. He protect those who see evil being done corrupt amongst us have brought to bear, said his administration will rapidly and and wish to stop it. so as to mask their crimes, cover their more effectively respond to legitimate President Mnangagwa said tracks and confound our law enforcement concerns of the general public with regard Government is in the final stages officials.” to tackling corruption head-on by holding of appointing commissioners to President Mnangagwa said corruption the corrupt fully accountable for their the Anti-Corruption Commission should be totally eradicated because misdeeds. and strengthening the Office of the it undermines Government efforts on The President said this in a speech Prosecutor-General. economic reform and progress towards read on his behalf by Foreign Affairs and Government, he said, is also building the national vision of a middle-income International Trade Minister Sibusiso capacity in key oversight agencies such economy by 2030. Moyo at a two-day Fraud and Corruption as the Auditor-General’s, Accountant- “Just as importantly, the scourge of Conference, which opened in Harare General’s and Attorney-General’s offices. fraud, the theft of public funds and yesterday. “We are seeking assistance from the seeming impotence of our law- “In parallel with such restitution must, international partners to build enforcement agencies and the justice of course, come retribution,” he said. investigative capacity within key system more broadly to effectively “Those found guilty of such corruption components of our law-enforcement stop such practices serves to further must be sanctioned where they can reflect agencies, those tasked with investigating erode public trust and confidence in upon the consequences of their greed and and building solid evidence-based cases President Mnangagwa said from the Government and its institutions,” he said. the shame and misfortune that that greed against the corrupt; cases which will hold onset, the Second Republic’s moto has President Mnagagwa, however, hailed has brought upon themselves and their up in court and lead to conviction and, been ‘Zero Tolerance to Corruption,’ but the conference saying its focus on fraud families.” where the court so-decides, incarceration progress has been slow. was not only welcome, but timely in that President Mnangagwa said and the forfeiture of assets,” he said. He attributed the slow progress to it coincided neatly with the enhanced Government has made progress in The President said the fight against resistance the State is facing which has efforts Government was making in the strengthening existing legislation and corruption was not one that Government tended to impede headway and undermine fight against corruption. introducing extra laws to boost the can wage alone urging the participants Government’s good intentions. The participants were drawn from all Second Republic’s anti-corruption drive. to play their role and work towards a “That, in turn, is a reflection of how stakeholders representing both public Some of the significant amendments Plan of Action, identifying roles and deep the rot has reached, how the and private sectors, academia, civil that have been made to tighten up responsibilities for the various sectors beneficiaries of that rot are able to society, the media, law enforcement mandatory reporting and oversight represented at the conference. manoeuvre and manipulate the system agencies and the legal fraternity. requirements feature in a number of laws “Government and yourselves to their advantage, to keep ahead of The objective of the conference is such as the Public Finance Management; collectively, can intensify our common law enforcement, weaken the justice creating greater awareness and a deeper Insolvency; Audit; Public Entities battle against the evil of corruption,” he system and, in so doing, to continue understanding of fraud in all its sinister Corporate Governance; Companies; said “Together, we can and must make a their nefarious activities, cheating forms and to appreciate the negative Public Procurement and Disposal of difference.” the Government and the people of impact it has on the national economy. Judge rules against Trump in federal corruption case From Page 19 provision,” Senator Blumenthal said running out the clock, an entire 2016 and the Trump administration in a statement. presidential term will have gone by recently tried to sell some of the most businesses while in office, leading Back in September, Judge Sullivan with the nation’s highest officeholder sophisticated weapons produced to all kinds of situations ripe for ruled that lawmakers had legal making countless foreign policy in the United States to the Saudi corruption. standing to sue and allowed the decisions under a cloud of potentially government, although the sale was The 4th Circuit Court, which case to continue in part because the divided loyalty and compromised blocked by a vote in the Senate. reviews cases from Maryland, heard foreign emoluments clause “requires judgment caused by his enrichment Also, former Governor Paul LePage oral arguments in March and could the President to ask Congress before from foreign states,” according to the of Main stayed at the hotel and issue a ruling at any time in an appeal accepting a prohibited emolument.” court filing from the Constitutional dined at its restaurant in 2017 in an of the case in Greenbelt. Sullivan issued an additional Accountability Center. attempt to curry favor with Trump. About 200 Democrats, led by opinion in April adopting a broad In his ruling this week, Judge Despite the lawsuits, the Trump Senator Richard Blumenthal of definition of “emolument” backed Sullivan said the president failed Organization did more business with Connecticut and Congressman by the congressional Democrats. to meet the legal standard for foreign governments in 2018 than Jerrold Nadler of New York, seek Sullivan described the record as showing that an immediate appeal it did the year before, according to a court order to stop the president “overwhelming evidence” from “over was warranted and might “advance reporting by the Washington Post. from accepting payments that appear two hundred years of understanding the ultimate termination of the The company says it received about to be violations of the Constitution’s the scope of the clause to be broad.” litigation.” $191,000 in profits from large foreign emoluments clauses. In an example of how the Trump “Even though discovery has events and hotel bookings paid for Lawyers from the nonprofit Hotel is being misused to influence not begun, it will be scheduled to by foreign governments last year, Constitutional Accountability Center the administration, it has been conclude and cross motions for money it claims to have donated say the clause in the Constitution reported that a Saudi-funded lobbyist summary judgment to be fully briefed to the U.S. Treasury. The previous was designed to guard against undue paid for 500 rooms at Trump’s hotel within six months,” Sullivan wrote. year the company reported about influence by foreign governments by after the 2016 election and recently The Trump International Hotel $150,000 in business from foreign barring any gift or payment without sought significant arms sales from on Pennsylvania Avenue, just a governments. prior approval from Congress. the U.S., which were recently blocked couple of blocks from the White On the face of it this seems “Judge Sullivan articulated by a vote in the Senate. House, has attracted a number of corrupt. But many things about what the law makes clear: there is Lawyers characterized the government clients, including the the Trump administration are absolutely no reason to delay one president’s request for an immediate Kuwaiti Embassy, which has held its different from anything seen by any more day in ensuring that President appeal as a delaying tactic designed National Day celebration there three administration in American history. Trump is held accountable for his to prevent any resolution of the case years in a row, for example. Lobbyists Trump’s hard core supporters don’t violation of the Constitution’s before the end of his term. representing the Saudi government seem concerned. His public approval preeminent anti-corruption “If the President succeeds in reserved blocks of rooms in December rating still hovers around 40 percent.

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