Assets declaration: Suswan, Imoke, four other ex-govs to face trial

•Ex-North-East gov flees abroad
• Hidden assets of 15 other former govs uncovered

The Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Mr. Danladi Umar, has signed the warrant for the arraignment of six former governors for falsifying their assets declaration forms.

Danladi Umar

The six former governors, according to investigation conducted by our correspondent, include ex-Benue State governor, Gabriel Suswam, and his Cross River State counterpart, Liyel Imoke.

The identities of the four others could not be ascertained at press time.

Also to face trial is a retired permanent secretary for abuse of office while a former governor from the North East is beleived to have gone on exile barely a week after the conclusion of paperworks for his trial.

Investigation conducted by our correspondent revealed that the the trial of the ex-public office holders will start any moment from now.

A source who spoke in confidence said: “The next batch for trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal includes six ex-governors and a retired permanent secretary. The former governors are from the North-Central, North-West, South-South and North-East.

“All these ex-governors will be formally notified of their pending trial next week. Some of them have got wind of it and were already scouting for the charges.

“In fact, security reports indicated that the ex-governor from the North-East got wind of his likely arraignment before the CCT and chose to go on self-exile.

“When all is set for his trial and he fails to show up, a bench warrant will be issued for his arrest and the International Police (INTERPOL) will be mandated to fish him out.”

At press time, there were findings that more than 15 former governors under-declared their assets in gross violation of their oaths of office.

“Most of these governors preferred to hide their assets but, unknown to them, their aides or aggrieved members of their cabinets or parties and short-changed business partners used to expose them,” a source in the Code of Conduct Bureau said.

The constitution says: “Subject to the provision of this Constitution, every public officer shall within three months after the coming into force of this Code of Conduct or immediately after taking office and thereafter (a) at the end of every four years; and (b) at the end of his term of office, submit to the Code of Conduct Bureau a written declaration of all his properties, assets, and liabilities and those of his unmarried children under the age of 18 years.

“The Bureau shall have power to receive declaration by public officers made under paragraph 12 of part 1 of the Fifth Schedule to this Constitution.

“Examine the declarations in accordance with the requirements of the Code of Conduct or any law.

“Retain custody of such declarations and make them available for inspection by any citizen of Nigeria on such terms and conditions as the National Assembly may prescribe.

“Ensure compliance with and, where appropriate, enforce the provisions of the Code of Conduct or any law relating thereto.

“Any statement in such declaration that is found to be false by any authority or person authorized in that behalf to verify it shall be deemed to be a breach of this Code.

“Any property or assets acquired by a public officer after any declaration required under this Constitution and which is not fairly attributable to income, gift, or loan approved by this Code shall be deemed to have been acquired in breach of this Code unless the contrary is proved.”

“Receive complaints about non-compliance with or breach of the Provisions of the Code of Conduct or any law in relation thereto. Investigate the complaint and, where appropriate, refer such matters to the Code of Conduct Tribunal.”

But disturbed by the legal issue surrounding the constitution of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, President Muhammadu Buhari has initiated moves to put in place a full panel.

There are only two members in the tribunal instead of three recommended by 1999 Constitution.

The one-judge vacuum has made some of those arraigned to seek redress at the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court on the ground that the tribunal was not fully constituted for a proper trial.

Three nominees have been recommended out of which the President will appoint one as a member of CCT. This will put paid to any complaint about the constitution of the tribunal.

“The three nominees are undergoing security checks after which the President will appoint one of them, “ a government source said last night.

Section 15 of Part 1 of the Fifth Schedule to 1999 Constitution says: “There shall be established a tribunal to be known as Code of Conduct Tribunal which shall consist of a chairman and two other persons.

“The chairman shall be a person who has held or is qualified to hold office as a judge of a superior court of record in Nigeria and shall receive remuneration as may be prescribed by law.

“The chairman and members of the Code of Conduct Tribunal shall be appointed by the President in accordance with the recommendation of the National Judicial Council.

“The National Assembly may by law confer on the Code of Conduct Tribunal such additional powers as may appear to it to be necessary to enable it more effectively to discharge the functions conferred on it in this schedule.”

Assets declaration: Suswan, Imoke, four other ex-govs to face trial

Senate to probe SURE-P spending

SENATORS yesterday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate all expenditures made by former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration under the Subsidy Re-investment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P).

Senate

The lawmakers specifically urged the President to ensure  that every kobo spent on SURE-P and other poverty alleviation programmes is accounted for.

The Senate, however, rejected a proposal that Buhari should immediately begin the payment of N5,000 monthly stipend to most vulnerable Nigerians — one of the campaign promises of the ruling All Progresives Congress (APC).

The SURE-P probe resolution followed an additional prayer by Senator Babajide Omoworare (APC Osun East) on a motion for “Urgent need to curb the soaring rate of unemployment in Nigeria.”

Senator Bassey Albert Akpan (Akwa Ibom North East) sponsored the motion.

After adoption of the main prayers of the motion, Senator Philip Aduda (FCT) raised additional prayer, asking the Senate to urge the Federal Government to fulfill one of its numerous campaign promises.

Aduda said the Senate should ask”the Federal Government to immediately commence the payment of the N5,000 monthly stipend it promised during the election campaign.”

Senate Minority Leader Godswill Akpabio promptly seconded the additional prayer.

Senator Omoworare raised the Senate Standing Order 53(6) to oppose the additional prayer.

This led to bickering between senators of the majority APC and opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Senate President Bukola Saraki intervened after about 22 minutes of argument to calm what could have degenerated into a rowdy session.

Saraki mandated Aduda to repeat his additional prayer.

Aduda did. When Saraki put the additional prayer to voice vote, he ruled that the ‘nays’ had it.

Saraki gave Omoworare the floor to raise his additional prayer.

Omoworare said: “I want to move that the immediate past government be made to account for every penny spent on SURE-P and other poverty alleviation programmes. I so move, Mr. President.”

Saraki put the question to voice vote. APC Senators responded with a thunderous “aye” while PDP Senators kept silent when Saraki said those opposed should say “nay.”

Akpan had observed in his lead debate that the latest figures of Nigeria’s soaring unemployment situation by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBC) has increased to 8.2 per cent in the second quarter of 2015 from 7.5 percent in the first quarter of 2015 and 6.4 per cent in the last quarter of 2014.

He added that “The latest statistics as released by the Bureau reveals that economically active population, or working age comprising Nigerians within the age range of 15 to 64, is now 103.5 million, increasing from 102.8 million in the last quarter of 2015, while the unemployed labour force now stands at 74 million Nigerian youths. This is truly a calamity,” he noted.

The lawmaker expressed concern that about N2 million has been expended on intervention funds by the Federal Government to boost the productivity of various sectors of the economy in the last five years without any commensurate impact on employment generation.

He noted: “With a projected population growth of 200 million by 2020, we project an unemployed population of about 100 million Nigerians or more. Where lies the economic future of this country?

“If the unemployed youths of this country are effectively engaged in gainful employment, terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery and other socio-economic and cultural vices will be drastically reduced as the saying goes, ‘an idle mind is the devil’s workshop.”.

The Senate urged the Federal Government and sub-national governments to intensify efforts on employment generation activities.

The Senate also urged the Federal Government to take steps to boost entrepreneurial developments and employment capabilities as well as integrate entrepreneurial, savings and investment culture and education into the educational curriculum at appropriate levels.

The Senate President charged lawmakers not to play party politics with unemployment issues.

He said: “We should stay above party lines on this issue that is so important. We have seen growth in the last years but this has not translated to employment.

“Government alone cannot do it, the private sector has a role and the enabling environment must be created.”

The Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) was created in 2012 following the nationwide protests that greeted the cut in petroleum subsidy by the Jonathan adnminstration.

The programme was driven by the resources that accrued to the Federal Government as savings from the partial removal of fuel subsidy. Billlions of dollars was voted for the body.

The objectives according to the government are:

To mitigate the immediate impact of the partial petroleum subsidy removal on the population by laying a foundation for the successful development of a national safety net programme that targets the poor and vulnerable on a continuous basis. This applies to both the direct and indirect effects of subsidy withdrawal.

To accelerate economic transformation through investments in critical infrastructural projects, so as to drive economic growth and achieve the Vision 20:2020.

To promote investment in the petroleum downstream sector.

Senate to probe SURE-P spending

Probe: Be ready to face the consequences of your actions - Wike tells Amaechi

By Ehi Ekhator, Naija Center News

The Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike has asked the immediate past governor, Romiti Amaechi and others who shunned the probe to be ready to bear the consequences of their actions.

Nyesom Wike and Romiti Amaechi

The Governor also vowed to implement whatever recommendation the judiciary commission of inquiry may recommend without fear or favour.

The Justice George Omereji seven-man commission of inquiry concluded its proceedings over the weekend after several failed attempt to invite Amaechi to clear some inditing allegations.

The commission of inquiry was set up by Governor Wike to probe the sale of the state valued assets by Governor Chibuike Amaechi.

 

According to the special adviser on media and publicity to the governor, Pounabo Inko-Tariah, the state government is eagerly waiting for the recommendation of the Justice Omereji Commission, which will be implemented without considering friends or foes.

Inko-Tariah denied the cry by Amaechi that the commission was set up to witch-hunt him, instead it was legally constituted to investigate  financial transactions like $39.2m paid to a contractor that never executed the Justice Adolphus Karibi Whyte special hospital project, and sale of state owned four gas turbine power stations.

“ The commission was set up to ascertain certain financial transactions under Amaechi. Rivers State funds were involved in these transactions and we assume some of the funds might have been embezzled and that is the reason for the commission.”

Probe: Be ready to face the consequences of your actions - Wike tells Amaechi

Obasanjo"s Probe: Buhari won"t interfere in Senate probe - Presidency

The Presidency has said that President Muhammadu Buhari will not interfere in the ongoing probes being carried out by the National Assembly.

Olusegun Obasanjo

It said the Senate’s probes of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, and the power sector from 1999 to 2015, were purely legislative matters and that the President could not stop them.

The Senate Committee on Business and Ethics is currently probing an allegation of diversion of N1tn proceeds of corruption recovered by the EFCC.

The Chief Executive Officer of Panic Alert Security Systems, Mr. George Uboh, had, in a petition submitted to the committee, accused Lamorde of diverting the money.

Also, the Senate Ad-hoc committee on power is investigating expenditures in the power sector under former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan.

When asked if Buhari had confidence in the probes of Lamorde and the former presidents, the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said the President could not interfere with the probes because of his respect for the principle separation of powers.

Adesina, who spoke with SUNDAY PUNCH, said, “There is separation of powers and the Senate has the power to conduct probes. Thus, the Presidency does not need to endorse or oppose any probe being carried out by the legislature. It is within their power to do so.”

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Power, Mr. Goodknows Igali, had on Monday told the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Power that the government had spent a total of N2.7tn on the power sector from 1999 to date.

He said that power generation had risen   from 3,500 megawatts in 1999 to 4,600 megawatts presently.

Why we can’t investigate EFCC boss – PSC

There is also a strong indication that the Police Service Commission may not act on the report of the probe of Lamorde, which began in the Senate on August 26.

The PSC said it could not probe or sanction Lamorde over allegations of graft because he was not under the commission.

The PSC Commissioner in charge of media, Comfort Obi, said although Lamorde is a policeman, he is not subject to the supervision of the commission as he is an employee of the Presidency.

Obi said she could not comment on the allegations of graft against the EFCC chairman because the petition against him was not addressed to the PSC.

According to her, the petition was addressed to the Senate, which is investigating the allegations of graft levelled against Lamorde.

She said, “Though the EFCC chairman is a police officer, he is not under the Police Service Commission. We cannot comment on his case; he is now an employee of the President. Besides, the petition against him was not addressed to the Police Service Commission; it was addressed to the Senate, which is probing it.”

When asked if the commission discussed the petition with the Force headquarters, Obi said it was not discussed.

Afenifere, others dismiss probes

Some socio-political groups have dismissed the ongoing probes in the Senate. The pan Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, described the probes as a waste of time.

Its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, in an interview with SUNDAY PUNCH, said “If you are probing all your immediate past presidents at the same time and the chairman of your anti-graft body is also under the radar for corruption, should it not occur to you that you have a systemic crisis?

“Probes are a mere waste of time under a structurally defective arrangement like this. Beyond exciting the public, nothing is going to be achieved. What we need to do is to smash the architecture of corruption. If we don’t, the vicious cycle continues.”

Uboh, had in his petition, alleged that Lamorde fraudulently diverted over N1tn proceeds of corruption recovered by the anti-graft agency.

According the petitioner, part of the money allegedly diverted by the EFCC boss included the loot recovered from a former Governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha; and ex-Inspector-General of Police, Tafa Balogun.

But the commission had in an August 24 statement by its spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, described Uboh’s petition as mischievous and intended to smear Lamorde.

The statement read in part, “The EFCC as an agency that is founded on transparency is not afraid of any ‘probe’ or request for information regarding its activities by individuals, groups or organs of government; so far as such requests followed due process of law.”

Obasanjo"s Probe: Buhari won"t interfere in Senate probe - Presidency

EFCC begins probe of Alison-Madueke

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has commenced a full investigation into the activities of the immediate past Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

Alison Madueke

It was learnt on Sunday that the commission constituted a four-member committee of crack detectives to probe all the NNPC accounts which were supervised by the former minister.

It was learnt that the committee was led by a Superintendent of Police, who was seconded to the commission.

Investigations revealed that the other three members of the committee were pioneer civilian operatives of the commission with high capacity for investigation.

Sunday PUNCH had on Sunday reported that the ongoing probe of the immediate-past administration by President Muhammadu Buhari was to beam its searchlight on the alleged purchase of three mobile stages, costing $6.9m, by former President Goodluck Jonathan and two of his officials.

According to a document, which was obtained from the Presidency on Saturday, the deal, which is now a subject of investigation, was allegedly carried out by Jonathan; his Chief Security Officer, Mr. Gordon Obuah; and Alison-Madueke.

The fund was said to have been withdrawn from one of the numerous accounts of the NNPC.

The $6.9m (about N1.37bn) was said to have been withdrawn for the purpose of buying three pieces of 40-feet mobile stages for use by Jonathan during the campaign.

Besides the latest allegation, it will be recalled that a group, Crusader for Good Governance, had petitioned the EFCC accusing the former minister of squandering million of dollars of public funds to charter private jets.

The petitioners also accused her of spending $300,000 on an average international trip.

The group also alleged that the NNPC, a government agency she oversaw, maintained a Challenger 850 Visa jet which serves the former minister’s needs as well as those of her family. The cost of running the jet is $500,000 per month.

She was also accused of going to a meeting of the Oil Producing and Exporting Countries in Austria in a private jet.

It was gathered on Sunday that the committee set up by the EFCC had since commenced probing the NNPC accounts and activities of the former minister.

A top operative of the EFCC, who confided in The PUNCH, said, “I think the commission has commenced investigation into this Diezani issue. It is not just about inviting her, the commission has set up a four-man team of crack detectives to investigate her operations in the NNPC.

“The terms of reference of the committee include to look into all the NNPC accounts which were under the supervision of Mrs. Alison-Madueke.

“The committee has since commenced work; they are still working. I think a very senior police officer, a Police Superintendent, is leading the other operatives in the probe of Diezani and multiple accounts of the NNPC.” The source said.

When our correspondent contacted the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, on the activities of the EFCC Special Committee on the NNPC, the calls to his mobile telephone line did not connect.

But Uwujaren had earlier said that he was not aware if the commission had commenced a probe into the allegation that $6.9m was spent on campaign stages.

Uwujaren said that he had not been briefed on any such investigation.

“I am not aware of such a probe; I have not been briefed on such a probe,” he said.

Meanwhile, Obuah has denied the allegation of purchase of three mobile stages, costing $6.9m, for public appearance of the then President.

Obuah, who spoke through his lawyer, Mr. Andrew Tsekiri, in a telephone conversation with one of our correspondents on Sunday, said the allegation was false and challenged the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to produce evidence instead of putting him on trial in the media.

Tsekiri said his client had been confronted with the allegation while in the detention of the Department of State Services, which he said investigated it and found it to be untrue.

The lawyer said, “Let me tell you, nothing like that exists. Obuah did not make demand for that money for any stage. Let them show to Nigerians evidence that he took the money. When Obuah was in their (DSS) detention, they investigated this particular matter and found out that it was false.

“He was confronted with the allegation. Mr. Obuah told them that he knew nothing about it, and they found that the allegation was false. They released him, why are they bringing it up again?”

He said since the release of the former President’s CSO from the DSS detention in July, he had not been contacted over the allegation by any government agency since then.

He said, “They have investigated the allegation and they found out it was false, since then no government agency had contacted or invited Mr. Obuah.

“They should show how Diezani authorised the payment of the money and how it left Citibank to Zenith Bank, to Access Bank to Sterling Bank and they should show how it ended in Obuah’s account.”

Tsekiri said the outcome of the allegation would soon show that the Buhari Administration was not interested in governance but to frame up allegations against people.

“They are just lying against Diezani and Mr. Jonathan. That is what they are doing. Let me tell you what they want to do. They will charge Obuah to court, make all the noise about the allegation that has been published, knowing full well that the matter will not be decided in about a year or two, and by then, the public would have forgotten about it but they would have spoilt your name.”

EFCC begins probe of Alison-Madueke

Arms deals panel begins sitting in Abuja

The 13-man investigative committee set up to probe the procurement of hardware and ammunition in the Armed Forces has started its sitting, albeit in camera, The PUNCH has learnt.

The committee has been meeting in the office of the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (retd.), a source in the Presidency confided in The PUNCH on Wednesday.

The source said, “I can confirm to you that the committee members have started meeting. They even started meeting before their appointments were announced. This is because they do not need any confirmation or any formal inauguration.

“Available information showed that members are getting the needed assistance and support from interested parties.

“It is the government’s belief that a lot of ground would be covered by the committee in its desire to ascertain what went wrong in the past as far as the procurement of arms is concerned.”

Presidential spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, had on Monday announced the composition of the committee, which is saddled with the responsibility of probing arms purchase from 2007 till now.

Adesina had said the President directed the NSA to set up the committee with the mandate of identifying irregularities and making recommendations for streamlining the procurement process in the Armed Forces.

Members of the committee include AVM J.O.N. Ode (retd.) –chairman; R/Adm. J. A. Aikhomu (retd.); R/Adm. E. Ogbor (retd.); Brig. Gen L. Adekagun (retd.); Brig. Gen. M. Aminu-Kano (retd.); Brig. Gen. N. Rimtip (retd.); Cdre. T.D. Ikoli; Air Cdre U. Mohammed (retd.); Air Cdre I. Shafi’i; Col. A.A. Ariyibi; Group Capt. C.A. Oriaku (retd.); Mr. I. Magu (EFCC); and Brig. Gen Y.I. Shalangwa – Secretary.

Adesina explained that the establishment of the committee was in keeping with Buhari’s determination to stamp out corruption and irregularities in Nigeria’s public service.

He added, “It (the committee) comes against the background of the myriad of challenges that the Nigerian Armed Forces have faced in the course of ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North-East, including the apparent deficit in military platforms with its attendant negative effects of troops’ morale.

“The committee will specifically investigate allegations of non-adherence to correct equipment procurement procedures and the exclusion of relevant logistics branches from arms procurement under past administrations, which, very often resulted in the acquisition of sub-standard and unserviceable equipment.”

No timeline was given for the committee to carry out its assignment.

Meanwhile, South Africa has said that it is not involved in the investigation into the purchase of arms by the administrations of late President Umaru Yar’Adua and former President Goodluck Jonathan.

It described the arms probe panel as a Nigerian affair, saying it did not involve in the aborted botched $15m arms deal by the administration of Jonathan in 2014.

The South Africa’s High Commissioner in Nigeria, Lulu Mnguni, stated this in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Wednesday.

Mnguni was asked to react to a report that South Africa might be invited by the Buhari’s arms deal probe panel.

Also asked if his commission would appear before the panel if summoned, the envoy said his mission had nothing to do with the failed arms deals, stressing that it was purely a Nigerian issue.

He added that the South African mission would be guided by directives from the home government, noting that the embassy was a member of the diplomatic community which only follows official instructions.

“We don’t know anything about the arms issue; that is a Nigerian matter. We are not involved. You know what, we are guided by our government and you must also know that we are in the diplomatic community,” he said.

Arms deals panel begins sitting in Abuja

Niger State Assembly Asks Governor to Probe Aliyu

The Niger state House of Assembly on Thursday passed a resolution asking the Governor, Alhaji  Abubakar Sani Bello to probe the immediate past government of the state headed by Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu.

Governor Aliyu, Niger State

However, the governor has said that he was not moved by any probe as there are enough documents to defend the activities of the eight-year government.

Also, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Sani Bello, Alhaji Ibrahim Boba who described the motion as an unnecessary distraction of the present administration stated that since it was the wish of the people at least coming from the House of Assembly, the administration will consider it on its merit.

The motion for the institution of a probe panel by the executive arm of government was moved by member representing Bida 11 constituency alhaji Mohammed Haruna and was seconded by member representing Gbako constituency Alhaji Abdullahi Mamagi.

MORE TO FOLLOW

Niger State Assembly Asks Governor to Probe Aliyu

Buhari probes Ministry of Finance over alleged diversion of $1.005bn

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday queried the Ministry of Finance over alleged diversion of foreign loans obtained for rail projects by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

President Buhari

Specifically, the President is seeking clarification on alleged diversion of a substantial part of a $1.005bn loan obtained from the Chinese Exim Bank for the construction of a standard gauge rail line linking Lagos to Kano.

The funds were said to have been moved elsewhere.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said this in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja.

Shehu said Buhari’s query followed the visit of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Alhaji Mohammed Bashar, who briefed the President on the ministry’s activities at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The President was reported to have described as disappointing to find that foreign loans obtained in line with signed agreements were moved from one project to another.

“I hope that due process was followed before such diversions were carried out. Taking money from one project to another has to be done properly,” the President warned.

Bashar was said to have informed the President that only $400m of the $1.005bn loan remained with the finance ministry. Thus, the remaining amount in the ministry is $605m (N119.16bn).

The President regretted that government had over the years failed to meet its counterpart funding obligations on some projects, leading to such projects being either uncompleted or abandoned.

He added that there was a clear need to “streamline, harmonise and prioritise ongoing projects in the transportation sector.”

Bashar also briefed the President on other challenges facing the transport and maritime sectors, such as encroachment on railway land, lack of security on inland waterways and the confused nature of agreements between the Nigeria Ports Authority and ports concessionaires.

He later told State House correspondents that the ministry would meet the December deadline for the completion of the Abuja-Kaduna rail track.

He said, “The rehabilitation programme of the old gauge lines, as you are aware, we have completed the Lagos-Kano and it is operational. Twice a week, people move from Lagos to Kano and back to Lagos.

“We have also recently commenced operation from Kano to Port Harcourt, and Port Harcourt to Gombe and from Gombe upwards we have some challenges.

“With regard to Abuja-Kaduna, track has been completely laid and we are now waiting for locomotives to arrive, which have been ordered and paid for. Our belief is that we will meet the deadline of December, 2015.”

Meanwhile, Buhari on Monday appointed a Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption. The committee is to be headed by Prof. Itse Sagay, a professor of law and civil rights activist.

The birth of the PAC is coming at a time three international development partners floated a $5m Anti-Corruption and Criminal Justice Reform Fund in support of the Federal Government.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, disclosed this in a statement.

Adesina said the committee’s brief was to advise the administration on the prosecution of the war against corruption and the implementation of required reforms in the nation’s criminal justice system.

He said the committee would be saddled with the responsibility of developing comprehensive interventions for achieving the recommended reforms.

Other members of the committee include a Professor of Criminology, Ahmadu Bello University, Femi Odekunle; an Associate Professor of International Law, University of Jos, Benedicta Daudu; Professor of Sociology, University of Jos,   E. Alemika; Professor of Criminology, Bayero University, Kano, Sadiq Radda; a civil society activist, Hadiza Bala Usman; and Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, who will serve as the committee’s secretary.

Adesina’s statement added, “In support of the Federal Government’s efforts, an Anti-Corruption and Criminal Justice Reform Fund has been established by three international development partners namely the Ford Foundation, MacArthur Foundation and Open Society Foundation.

“The $5m fund is to assist implementation of key components of the Action Plan and the work of the Presidential Advisory Committee.

“The fund will be managed by Trust Africa, an international development civil society organisation with programme presence in more than 25 African countries.”

Buhari probes Ministry of Finance over alleged diversion of $1.005bn

Buhari to probe arms purchase under Jonathan

President Muhammadu Buhari will order an investigation into contracts involving the procurement of weapons for the military under the Goodluck Jonathan administration .

Jonathan vs Buhari

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, disclosed this while featuring on a Channels Television programme, Politics Today, on Sunday evenin

Shehu spoke a few days after the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, Alex Badeh, said he led a military that was ill-equipped.

A former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), had also said while some weapons and equipment procured by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan were used to fight insurgency during the latter days of his tenure, some others were still being awaited.

The presidential spokesman said Buhari was interested in taking stock of every naira that left the national treasury and for what purpose.

He said Nigerians were aware that books were already being checked and the exercise was not limited to the oil sector.

He said, “The President is interested in every penny that leaves the Nigeria’s treasury.

“As you are aware, records are being checked right now, not only in the oil sector, but also in the various departments of g overnment.

“So, Mr. President is really interested in what has happened to the equipment that have supposedly been bought and supplied, some of which might be there on the ground or might not be.

“Only a thorough audit will actually reveal this. The disclosure has been made about substandard (equipment) in the Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram.”

Shehu reiterated Buhari’s desire to urgently end the activities of the Boko Haram sect.

While saying that normalcy is gradually being restored, the presidential spokesman noted that there is currently no territory in the control of Boko Haram.

“The insurgents have been degraded. They are in disarray without a central command and coordination,” he declared.

Shehu said the President would not send troops to the warfront without ensuring that they are properly equipped and taken care of.

“Just on Friday, at the National Defence College, Mr. President was committing himself to the fact that our military will be well taken care of in terms of their welfare, in terms of their equipment and in terms of the motivation they need to confront these insurgents.

“We are already beginning to see the fruits of this because as we speak right now, Boko Haram is in disarray.

“And what we are witnessing now; that is, occasional bombings and suicide attacks, characterise only one thing globally. And that is that, the dying days of the insurgency. It’s just a matter of time, we’ll get there,” he said.

Buhari to probe arms purchase under Jonathan

EFCC to probe Amnesty programme

•Orders Kuku to appear for questioning July 28

•I’m ready for probe, Kuku replies from America

By Soni Daniel, Regional Editor, North

THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFFC) has started probing the activities of the Presidential Amnesty Programme and has invited immediate past Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, for questioning on July 28.

President Buhari

On his part, Kuku,  has said that he is ready to assist the anti-graft agency in its bid to probe the accounts of the agency under his leadership.

Kuku, who spoke from the United States of America where he is undergoing a medical procedure, said that the allegations of conspiracy, stealing, abuse of office and diversion of public funds being made against him, did not arise as the records of his administration were clear and available for scrutiny.

“I’m currently in the U.S for an urgent surgery on my knee and will certainly return to honour the EFCC invitation once I recuperate in September. The record of my stewardship under the Presidential Amnesty Programme is an open document and it is available for scrutiny since I have nothing to hide about what we did,” Kuku said on the phone.

The former presidential aide was responding to an invitation by the EFCC, directing him to report to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja for questioning on July 28, 2015 by one of its operatives named, Chris Owobu, over allegation of diverting public funds running into hundreds of millions of Naira.

The EFCC letter with ref: CR 3000/EFCC/ABJ/EG/T7/vol.25/263 and dated July 22, was signed by the Head of Economic Governance, Olufunke Adetayo Ogunbode and was sent and received by the Presidential Amnesty Office in Maitama, same day.

In it, the EFCC said: “The commission is conducting an inquiry into a case of conspiracy, stealing, diversion of public funds and abuse of public office involving you.

“In view of the above, you are kindly expected to be interviewed by the undersigned through Chris Owobu on Tuesday July 28, 2015 at No 5 Formella Street, off Adetokumbo Ademola Crescent Wuse 2, Abuja at 10 am.

“Kindly accept the assurances of the Executive Chairman’s best wishes and highest regards, please,” the invitation letter said.

But Kuku, who is outside the country on medical grounds, wrote back to the EFCC that he was indisposed to appear before the commission on July 28, since he was scheduled for an operation on July 30, at the Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Centre, United States.

Kuku’s letter to the EFCC dated July 24, 2015 was signed by his lawyer, Chief Karina Tunyan, SAN.

The lawyer wrote: “Our client is currently in the United States of America to keep appointment with his doctors at the Andrew Sports Medicine and ‘Orthopaedic Centre for surgery on one of his knees.

“He is expected back in Nigeria at the end of September, 2015 after the surgery and recuperation. He will definitely report in your office as a law-abiding citizen by 10.am on 30th of September, 2015,” the lawyer explained.

The documents from the Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Centre were also attached by the lawyer for the attention of the EFCC.

The Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed the invitation extended to Kuku by the commission.

 

EFCC to probe Amnesty programme

Why Buhari Decided To Probe Only Jonathan"s Administration - Presidency

ABUJA—The Presidency, yesterday, said President Muhammadu Buhari will limit his probe to the immediate past government of Dr Goodluck Jonathan. President Buhari had vowed, Wednesday, to arrest and prosecute former ministers and government officials who looted funds and stole Nigeria’s crude oil.

Buhari, who said the suspected officials stashed the funds in foreign bank accounts, spoke during his three-day visit to the United States.

The Presidency which said yesterday that there were trails of monumental fraud everywhere that would be too difficult to ignore, however, explained that it will be a distraction to exceed Jonathan’s regime.

Before leaving office, former president Jonathan had said any probe by the new government would be seen as a “witch-hunt” if it fails to go beyond his administration. The Presidency, however, argued that it was not a witch-hunt.

Speaking in an exclusive telephone chat, yesterday, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said the probe was the proper thing to do.

Jonathan and Buhari

His words: “It is a simple thing. Before he was inaugurated, the President said that it will be a distraction for him to start digging deep into past governments. He said so. I don’t see anything new. But it will be irresponsible of any government to leave things of the immediate past that are glaring and evident and not do anything about it.

“It is not a witch-hunt. You have evidence and they are glaring. A responsible government should do something about it. It is not about the former president. It is about how they acquitted themselves in the responsibility they were given. When you are given a public responsibility, you are responsible to the people.

“You must account. When you bury a corpse and the legs are sticking out, have you buried the corpse? No. Once there are trails of money, in dollars everywhere, a responsible government should investigate. It is not as if they are witch-hunting anybody”, he said.

We are not against it— PDP

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has said it was not against President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to single out the past administration of President Goodluck Jonathan for probe.

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Olisa Metuh, who stated this yesterday in Lokoja during the conduct of the state’s delegates congress of the party, said the probe is in line with the party (PDP)’s stand against corruption.

Metuh said: “Corruption is not only a crime against President Muhammed Buhari, nor is it a crime against the All Progressive Congress. Corruption is against the interest of mankind and it’s against the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“If President Buhari singled out the past administration and PDP members for probe, so be it. We are not against it. If one is not guilty he has nothing to be afraid of if he or she is singled out; at the end, it will amount to vindication for such persons. Only the guilty will be afraid.

“We (PDP) are not against the selective probe of our members because we, as a party, are against corruption, and this will show that we abhor it. We only urge that the probing is done with ‘clean’ mind and not out to villify the past administration”.

Metuh had during the week accused the Federal Government of treating the PDP as ‘prisoners of war’ in view of the way the party members were being treated.

Buhari will lose credibility if he fails — Gbagi

Also, ex-Minister of State for Education, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, said: “Buhari will lose credibility if he does not bring to book any former minister and any one found to have embezzled the wealth of this nation. It is very important because he has the credibility and the world is watching him. He has to do that because the amount of money that these people stole is so much and can be used to perpetuate criminal activities. Buhari’s searchlight should not be limited to ministers who were involved in oil deals only.

“Anyone found to have robbed this country of its resources should be brought to book according to the law. I must also state that Buhari has no powers under the law to shield anyone from prosecution. He must ensure that there are no sacred cows in the fight against corruption because if he excludes anyone, some of us who have been in the campaign for accountable governance will be forced to seek asylum outside the country, because we will not be safe in a country where corrupt people are institutionally shielded from prosecution. He has the support of Nigerians to embark on the probe because so much was stolen in this country. I also want the President to make sure that our international friends are committed to this task. That should be done by making them repatriate our stolen wealth in their respective countries. We need their support to achieve the desired result.”

We should commend Buhari for his courage – Mohammed

In his response, Second Republic lawmaker, Dr Junaid Mohammed said Nigerians must admit that President Buhari’s decision to probe oil theft is a good example of leadership courage.

He said:

“We must commend him for that decision because what he is talking about, other former presidents like Obasanjo, Yar’Adua and Jonathan knew about it but did nothing to stop it. What Buhari has said is not only common to the political class or ministers, it is also known to common people in the Niger Delta and other areas where oil is found and oil is stolen.

“Oil theft has been happening for so long and to even control it is a big task because some people in the Niger Delta can tell you who and who among the elite are stealing this crude; military and politicians who are into this oil bunkering and are directly involved. Buhari has only assented to it as a matter of courage and I am glad he said he will investigate, probe and prosecute the people behind oil theft.”

Mohammed added: “I must also say that people complaining that too many probes are taking place should be very careful. Nigerians need to know, you cannot eat your cake and have it. Nigerians need to give time so that things can be properly investigated because oil theft has taken place for so long. So it is now left for Nigerians whether they want the truthfulness and straightforwardness of Buhari or not because there are no two ways about it. If you have to know how our money was packed in billions out of this country, then some of these probes must take place.”

I’m not interested in probes — Babatope

In his reaction, a former Minister of Transport, Chief Ebenezer Babatope said: “I don’t have interest in the probes. I am an Awolowo son and we have different approach to such issues.”

 

Why Buhari Decided To Probe Only Jonathan"s Administration - Presidency

PMB asked to probe Anyim over Centenary City

President Muhammadu Buhari has been asked to probe Anyim Pius Anyim, former secretary to the government of the federation, over the Centenary City project in the FCT.

Anyim Pius Anyim

The city, whose foundation stone was laid by former President Goodluck Jonathan in June 2014, is described as a private sector-led project to build a smart city similar to Dubai, Monaco and Singapore.

It covers 12.6 square kilometres and is given a free trade zone status, with only 20% allocated to residential.

However, a group, which calls itself Ohaneze Ndigbo Christian Youths in Diaspora, has asked Buhari to probe the entire project, alleging that Anyim acquired shares by proxy against civil service rules.

In the petition signed by Cosmas Elechi, its president general, the group said Centenary City Plc, from  Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) records, is partly owned by Company First Limited represented by Esther Onoji and Basic Start Limited represented by Jennifer Onah, whom he described as Anyim’s aides.

He alleged that other directors of Centenary City did not have a single share under their names.

“The scheme of declaring the Centenary City as a Free Trade Zone is to give waiver to the owner which has been robbing Nigerian government of revenue,” he wrote.

He also alleged that Anyim acquired property in Abuja, including a four-star hotel, against public service rules, and implored the president to probe the allegations.

PMB asked to probe Anyim over Centenary City

Assembly constitutes panel to probe Aregbesola

The Osun State House of Assembly is divided over the composition of an ad hoc committee to investigate the allegations of financial recklessness levelled against Governor Rauf Aregbesola by Justice Folahanmi Oloyede.

Aregbesola

Oloyede, a serving judge in Osun State Judiciary, had written a petition to the House against the governor asking the lawmakers to impeach him based on the allegations contained in her petition.

The Speaker of the House, Mr. Najeem Salaam, on Thursday inaugurated a seven-man committee headed by the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Akintunde Adegboye. He stated that they had two weeks to investigate the matters and report back to the House.

Although the ruling All Progressives Congress has 24 lawmakers out of the 26 members in the House, none of the two Peoples Democratic Party lawmakers was included in the committee.

When asked why the House excluded lawmakers from the opposition party in the committee, the Speaker explained that the House of Assembly was one as there was no division among the legislators along party lines.

The Speaker   said that it would be necessary for the petitioner and the governor to appear before the committee which would sit in camera.

He expressed the confidence that the committee would do a thorough job and send their report to the House where every lawmaker would have an opportunity to comment on their findings.

He said, “I acknowledge that the whole world is waiting for what we have to do with the petition forwarded to us by Justice Folahanmi Oloyede. I must disclose to you that Governor Rauf Aregbesola has obliged us his response to the petition and we have constituted a committee to look into the matter with a view to investigating the allegations levelled against him and I am confident that the honourable men in this committee would do justice to the matter before them without fear or favour.

“The House stands as one; there is no opposition in the House. We are one, we see ourselves as one.

“The two of them – the judge and the governor – will be invited separately. Some of them can employ the services of lawyers but their physical appearance will be necessary. This will allow them to give evidence to back up their positions if they have any.”

But the Minority Leader, Mr. Oladejo Makinde, a PDP member, who represents Ife Central at the House, kicked against the exclusion of the members of the PDP from the committee.

While speaking with journalists after the inauguration of the committee, Makinde said he disagreed with the explanation of the Speaker, saying there was no way the ‘lopsided committee’ would be transparent against Aregbesola who is also from the ruling party.

Assembly constitutes panel to probe Aregbesola