The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Anti-corruption

  • AfDB calls for stronger anti-corruption measures in Africa

    AfDB calls for stronger anti-corruption measures in Africa

    President, African Development Bank (AfDB) Akinwumi Adesina has called for stronger anti-corruption measures on the continent.

    He  spoke at the bank’s headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire in commemoration of International Anti-Corruption Day, which had as  theme Break the corruption chain.

    He said Africa loses $148 billion to corruption yearly, adding: ‘’Just think of how many continents you could light up with that amount.”

    Adesina noted that it would cost $55 billion a year to light up and power Africa, and that this money was available given the continent’s $82 trillion in undiscovered resources. But, because of corruption, the continent still lives in darkness.

    “The cost of corruption is massive; it turns the whole continent into darkness. Because of corruption, Africa is known more for its darkness than light. It is important to understand the negative impact of corruption on the continent,” Adesina said.

    The bank’s chief pointed out that tens of millions of Africans still study without proper light, 700 million Africans are without access to clean cooking energy, and 600,000 people – 50 per cent of them women – die every year due to a lack of access to clean cooking energy. “That is an indication of government failure,” he said.

    Adesina called for strengthening of institutions to address corruption and he warned that stern measures must be taken: “If there is no consequence for bad behaviour, bad behaviour will continue on and on.”

    Whistle-blowing policies were cited as an important measure in combating corruption, while at the same time guaranteeing protection for whistle blowers.

    According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, protection of whistle-blowers from retaliation for reporting suspected corruption activities is integral to efforts to fight corruption, enhance accountability, safeguard integrity, and promote a clean business environment.

    Taking action against corruption is believed to be crucial in achieving the new Sustainable Development Goals, which aims to end poverty, the body said.

  • Church backs Buhari on anti-corruption war

    Church backs Buhari on anti-corruption war

    The United Evangelical Church has thrown its weight behind the ongoing anti-corruption campaign of the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration. Chairman of the Church, Rev. Chimaobi Emelogu, at a press conference after their 128th Annual Conference in Calabar, said corruption has been the bane of the country for too long.

    Emelogu who was in the company of the General Secretary, Rev Akpan Udoyen and the chairman of the Board of Trustees, Elder (Air Marshall) Nsikak Eduok (retd) among other clergies, said, “we support the stance of the Federal Government against corruption. We know that corruption is a cankerworm in the polity of our nation. The church very much supports all the anti-corruption drive that the government has embarked on.”

    The Church also called on the Federal Government to urgently do something about the deplorable state of roads especially in the South-South and Southeast parts of the country. His words: “We also say that some major roads in the country are impassable. Even for you to go to Uyo from Calabar, you know what you will pass through, or Uyo to Aba. The roads in the South-South and Southeast are terrible. We make a passionate appeal to the government to reconnect us with our brothers in other parts of the country by making our roads motorable for the safety of road users.”

    On politics, he said, “The Church does not take sides with particular politicians or parties. We support or condemn ideas or actions. If there is an idea that would not promote the nation, we come out openly and condemn such. If it is something good, we tell them to keep it up and improve on it. But to say we stand for any party, there is nothing like that.”

    He said the conference is meant to plan for the future of the church and commit everything to God for direction. The theme of this year’s conference is “Divine Increase”. Emelogu also said the church is fast spreading across the country but lamented that the insurgency in parts of the north is seriously affecting the numerical strength of the ministry.

  • Ilorin Emirate backs Buhari’s anti-corruption war

    •Honours Saraki, Idiagbon, 19 others

    The Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) yesterday backed President Muhammadu Buhari’s war against corruption and impunity.

    It said his victory at the March 28 election was because of his performance, doggedness, hard work, incorruptible track record and wish of God.

    The group decried the deplorable conditions of roads linking Kwara State to other states.

    IEDPU’s National President Alhaji Abdulhammed Adi, who spoke in Ilorin at its 50th anniversary and the launch of N500 million fund, said: “These roads have not only become a nightmare to motorists and commuters, they are death traps.

    “We appeal to the Federal Government to direct the resumption of work on the roads, particularly the Ilorin-Ibadan Road, which was started in 2000.”

    He urged the Federal Government to extend the dredging of River Niger from Lokoja to New Bussa in Niger State.

    IEDPU honoured the late icon of Kwara politics, Dr. Olusola Saraki, the late Gen. Tunde Idiagbon and the late Abdulkareem Adisa.

    It also honoured the ex-Kwara State Governor, the late Rear Admiral Mohammed Lawal.

    IEDPU inducted 16 dead and living heroes and heroines of Ilorin Emirate into its hall of fame.

    An indigene of Igbaja in Ifelodun Local Government and the proprietor of the first private university in Kwara State – AlHikmah University, Alhaji AbdulRahim Oladimeji, was inducted.

    The award climaxed the week-long activities.

    Others honoured posthumously included the ninth Emir of Ilorin, Zulukarnaini Mohammed Gambari, the first Mufti of Ilorin, Sheik Muhammad Kamamaldeen and the founder of Markaz School of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Agege, Lagos, Sheik Adam Abdullahi El-Ilori.

    Also inducted were two daughters of the emirate, the erstwhile Environment Minister, Halimat Tayo Alao and former Education Commissioner, Hajia Halimat Yusufa.

    Responding on behalf of the family of the late Saraki, the Senior Legislative Assistant to the Senate President, Alhaji Saka Onimago, said the award was the greatest honour to be bestowed on any indigene of the Ilorin Emirate.

    He said it would motivate the family to contribute to the emirate’s development.

    Alhaji Adi said the awardees were honoured, based on their contributions to the emirate’s progress and to encourage others.

  • Akiolu backs Buhari’s anti-corruption war

    Akiolu backs Buhari’s anti-corruption war

    Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos has urged President Muhammadu Buhari not to relent in the war against corruption in order to sanitise the country.

    The monarch said steps must be taken to prevent anything that will lead to a break down of law and order.

    He spoke during the installation of Alhaji Tajudeen Adio Durosimi-Etti as the  Etti of Lagos at his Iga Iduganran palace in Lagos on Saturday.

    With his installation, Chief Etti has joined the league of White Cap Chiefs in Lagos, bringing their number to 25.

    Oba Akiolu cautioned the new chief against using his title to undermine the traditional institution.

    He enjoined him to be passionate about the progress of the palace and the state.

    Responding, Duosimi-Etti assured the Oba of his adherence to the dictates of the traditional institution.

    He promised to consult the monarch regularly and also work with his fellow white cap chiefs.

  • Anti-corruption war needs fresh thinking

    Anti-corruption war needs fresh thinking

    Weeks of unbroken coverage of Dasukigate, a riveting financial scandal soap opera, have given the impression the Muhammadu Buhari presidency has either nothing else to do or that it believes the social, economic and political problems of Nigeria are anchored on corruption. The scale of the stealing is truly frightening, and even reckless. No sector is spared. The security services are involved; so too are the media, especially media moguls, banks, civil service, and the rest. By the time the probes shift to the oil industry, perhaps many more horrible ogres would be unearthed. When the probes expire naturally, with public and government interest drained of shock and excitement, and giddy spectators are disillusioned to discover that everyone is involved at one level or the other, the government may be forced to shift attention and begin confronting other national problems that have become unresponsive to conservative measures.

    Even now, the only approach adopted by the government is to probe the corrupt, publish the sordid facts, with the attendant risk of engaging in media trial, shock and awe a disbelieving public and stir them into general indignation, and hope that such naming and shaming and cajoling looters to disgorge their loots will both discourage future looting and deter looters from savouring the joy of looting. After a few weeks of frenzied pursuit of some of the looters, the government may be contemplating the quieter option of plea bargaining. Soon, the government will have to de-emphasise celebrating the anti-corruption war and reduce or subject it to the quiet and efficient routine it is supposed to be. The government has so far seemed to ignore other more pressing and damaging problems confronting the country. Now, given the urgency of those other problems, such as falling naira value, forex crisis, massive job cuts, general economic decline, and looming social chaos, the government may find that its refusal or inability to multitask has dangerously triggered national paralysis.

    It is time to quit exhibitionism, for that is what the anti-corruption war has become. Let the relevant anti-graft agencies do their work; but more importantly, let the government also boldly and comprehensively tackle the suffocating and disintegrating economy. The economic problems are not only very real, they cannot wait until the government finishes its anti-corruption war. Bold and innovative measures are required, but it is not clear from all the feelers coming out of government that the Buhari presidency has the stomach and the intellect to emplace these countermeasures. The government has seemed to be trapped in the jaded panaceas of the past, afraid to think revolutionarily or to experiment. The government has inundated the country with too much silence over the problems, whether social, economic or political. Nothing is coming out, even as new problems and complications are pursuing hard on the heels of the government’s feeble measures.

    More crucially, after weeks of excitement over the startling disclosures in the anti-corruption war, the Buhari government must enunciate fresh thinking on the subject. So far, he has tackled only the symptoms. It is time to go to the roots, the political economy of corruption. Tackling the symptoms of corruption, which involves unmasking only a few corrupt officials, the so-called big thieves, and punishing them to serve as deterrent, will not fundamentally curb corruption or even reduce it substantially. Few, if any, among those writing commentaries on corruption or rejoicing over those unmasked can stand close scrutiny. Those who receive small gratifications in unimportant and sometimes nondescript offices are as guilty as those who steal billions. Their mindsets are essentially the same; only the scale differs.

    If President Buhari does not examine closely the factors that predispose the country to corruption, whatever he does now will only be temporary; nothing more than tilting at windmills. He must seek answers to what the nature of Nigeria’s social and economic relations is; he must ask how the country’s polity was structured and sustained in such a way that allows patronage, paternalism and other vices to fester; and he must ask in particular how on earth he wants to do the magic of banishing corruption among those whose wages can neither take them home nor fund family challenges such as children’s education, health, transport and energy needs, etc. The malaise that troubles the ordinary citizen, they must not forget, also troubles the country’s security agencies. The simple truth is that as the country is currently structured, corruption can neither be banished nor tamed. It is impossible. As the anti-graft agencies are exposing corruption at the symptom level, and enjoying media blitz and hypocritical stone-throwing, let President Buhari more importantly focus on corruption’s political economy if he really wants to leave a legacy.

     

  • PDP BoT backs Buhari’s anti-graft war

    PDP BoT backs Buhari’s anti-graft war

    The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed support for President Muhammadu Buhari’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign.

    Secretary of the BoT, Senator Walid Jibrin, in a chat with journalists at the party’s secretariat on Friday, said the party would support any leader who is ready to rid the nation of corruption.

    Senator Jibrin spoke in the backdrop of the ongoing corruption and money laundering trial of former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki and other PDP chieftains.

    According to him, the party would support every legal measure put in place to recover funds from those who looted the treasury, adding however that the process must respect the rule of law.

    “The BoT of the PDP does not condone corruption in any form. Anyone found guilty should be dealt with according to the laws of the land. We are in support of any leader who is ready to rid the country of corruption,” the BoT scribe said.

    Senator Jibrin however cautioned against what he described as stigmatization of the PDP as a party of corrupt people and selective prosecution of the anti- graft war.

    “It is wrong for anyone to say everybody in PDP is corrupt. Corrupt people are everywhere in the country. They are in every sector of the national economy and their activities have given Nigeria a negative image in the eyes of the international community.

    “So it is the duty of every Nigerian to support the fight against corruption. But due process must be followed, in line with the laws of the land,” Jibrin added.

    The party chief disclosed that the BoT members will meet on January 14 where a substantive BoT chairman will emerge.

    The position is currently being occupied by Dr. Bello Hailru Mohammed in acting capacity, following the resignation of Chief Tony Anenih in July.

    According to him, the three months stipulated by the party’s constitution for any occupant in acting capacity and one month period of grace had since elapsed.

    He added that the meeting will also discuss the ongoing corruption trial of some of the party’s chieftains, with the view to taking a common position on the matter.

    Senator Jibrin added that other court cases arising from the conduct of the last general elections will also be discussed.

    The BoT meeting held on Friday failed to form the needed quorum. Jibrin attributed it to the inability of many of its members to connect flights to Abuja as a result of inclement weather.

    He also cited what he described as very crucial party activities going on in states like Ekiti, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers which prevented some BoT members from attending the meeting.

  • Anti-corruption war: Senate approves motion to back President

    Anti-corruption war: Senate approves motion to back President

    THE Senate yesterday resolved to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption crusade by carrying the Nigerian flay on Tuesday during the presentation of the 2016 budget.

    After resolving to back Buhari’s anti-graft war, the upper chamber rushed the consideration of six motions in less than three hours.

    The President will present the 2016 Appropriation Bill on Tuesday at a joint session of the National Assembly.

    Senate Leader Mohammed Ali Ndume made the proposal for senators to carry Nigerians flags on Tuesday in his contribution to a motion seeking legislative support for the Federal Government’s anti-corruption drive.

    The motion was sponsored by Senate Deputy Minority Leader Emmanuel Bwacha (Taraba South).

    Ndume, who lauded Bwacha for bringing the motion, asked the Senate to resolve to show solidarity to the President by carrying the flags at a joint session of the National Assembly.

    The Borno South lawmaker promised to personally produce and distribute the flags to the senators.

    He insisted that Buhari should be encouraged and supported to succeed in the fight against corruption.

    Majority of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators opposed the symbolic show of support.

     Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Buhari, ruled that those who supported the proposal carried the day.

    Bwacha, in his lead debate, noted the serious damage done to the country by corruption over the years.

    He said there was no doubt that corruption has brought untold hardship to millions of Nigerians living below the poverty line while others have been rushed to their early graves due to pervasive corruption.

  • Anti-corruption war is on course, says NLC

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said the anti-corruption war of the Federal Government is on course, urging President Muhammadu Buhari not to relent in his efforts to stem corruption.

    Addressing reporters in Abuja on Monday, NLC President Comrade Ayuba Wabba called on the the government to, among other things, probe the power sector reform programme, which has delivered darkness instead of light, in spite of the billions of dollars sunk in the sector.

    “We urge President Buhari not to relent in his war against corruption; even if it is his only major achievement in four years, it will suffice,” he said.

    Wabba said the ongoing revelations on the $2.1 billion arms deal have vindicated NLC’s  support for the fight against graft.

    He said the revelations by former National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd) and his Director of Finance, Shuaibu Salisu, Labour believes, are just the tip of the iceberg. The mind-boggling revelations reinforce Labour’s call for capital punishment for corrupt public officers.

    “We believe with prescription of more stringent punishment for corruption cases, few will dare to go to this extent. We need not be told that massive corruption in the system is responsible for our lack of development and our present economic woes,” he said.

    Wabba added that rising cases of alienation, civil disobedience, crime and insurgency are traceable to corruption in high places, which did not only create avoidable diseases, ignorance and poverty, but have totally incapacitated the people.

    “We as a people and as a nation cannot continue like this, except we want to continue to be the laughing stock of other nations and except we want to create a state of anarchy. Because, certainly, our teeming youths and the army of the unemployed who look up to their country for their means of livelihood will not fold their hands while a few individuals corner the national resources.

    “We urge civil servants to follow the sterling example of Shuaibu Salisu as well as call upon the government to ensure the safety of such civil servants. We assure such civil servants of our protection, as we will not hesitate to shut down any organisation that attempts to oppress or witch hunt any whistle blower,” he stated.

    Wabba said the action would have, at least, succeeded in recovering the loot as well as set a national moral barometer capable of attracting international confidence and respectability.

    He said NLC would not allow any attempt to politicise the anti-corruption efforts.

    “While we urge the anti- corruption agencies to follow due process, we also demand that those who cry foul play and call for equity must come with clean hands,” Wabba said.

    He said the war against financial criminality is, by nature, exclusive against criminals, regardless of their political affiliation.

    His words: “We must look at the bigger picture of national recovery. Recently disclosed seizures totalling about $5billion from various suspects are a lot of resources needed for national development.

    “Money pocketed by these big-time criminals cannot be made available to pay police salaries nor can it be available for payment of minimum wages, Universal Basic Education and health. Financial crimes also worsen the image crisis of Nigeria and undermine national economic recovery”.

  • I ‘ll ginger up anti-corruption campaign, says Magu

    I ‘ll ginger up anti-corruption campaign, says Magu

    The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, said yesterday that he would ginger up the anti-corruption campaign.

    He said he would be guided by the fear of God, patriotism, the rule of law and national interest.

    Magu pledged to work in an open and transparent manner to ensure accountability.

    He asked the commission officials to sit up because he would not condone indiscipline.

    Magu, who unfolded his agenda after taking over from the outgoing Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, said he knew he had a heavy burden on his shoulders.

    Said he: “Indeed, there is no better time to ginger up the anti-corruption campaign than now that we are faced with economic downturn and the attendant sharp decline in government revenues.

    “There is need to make sure whatever is got for common use does not end up in private pockets.

    “To attract foreign investments that will complement the income of the government, we need to clean up our systems to the level of global best practices. We intend to pay attention to these important areas.”

    The acting chairman listed four things that would guide his administration.

    He said: “In all we do, I will be guided by the fear of God and patriotism. We will also have as our watchword, the rule of law and national interest.

    “We will work in an open and transparent manner to ensure accountability. We will take whatever decision with the highest sense of responsibility.”

    Magu said although the burden of leadership on his shoulders was heavy, he assured the nation that he would “not falter.”

    He said: “I am today faced with mixed feelings. I have that instinctive happiness for being the one chosen among an array of senior colleagues and competent contemporaries to take over the mantle of the leadership of this very professional institution.

    “I also feel something heavy around my shoulders, occasioned by the burden of leadership and expectations. This call to duty is a no mean challenge, it is a huge task that requires commitment. I am humbled and challenged by this choice.”

    The acting EFCC boss enjoined the officials to sit up, vowing that he would not tolerate indiscipline.

    He noted: “To the workers at all levels, I seek your maximum support and cooperation. This is a collective responsibility that can only be driven by the spirit of teamwork.

    “I pledge to be a listening leader and one that is responsive to your welfare and capacity development.

    “I am ready and willing to work with everybody without primordial concerns. However, everybody must sit up and demonstrate willingness to do the work.

    “While we will intensify on our work out there, we will also keep an eye internally. I will not tolerate indiscipline nor condone abuse of office or acts of corruption.

    “We have to remove the pecks in our eyes first, to clearly face the outside world. You have no place in the fight against corruption if you are corrupt yourself. We cannot be caught napping in our own primary calling.

    “The task ahead is enormous and challenging, but with our collective commitment, we can deliver.”

    He, however, told the management and workers that he would not undermine the achievements of his predecessor.

    His words: “Let me, by way of paying tribute to the founding team of this institution, state our resolve not to falter on the well-established tradition of patriotism, dedication, courage and fearlessness. We will take this responsibility with  the utmost seriousness it deserves.

    “There may be no need to rehash the facts of the enormity of the corruption endemic and why fighting corruption to a standstill is a lifesaver for our country. Indeed, corruption cannot coexist with any meaningful development.

    “The former chairman of this commission and the senior management team have worked assiduously in this regard, in accordance with the founding objectives of the commission. We shall keep the spirit alive and improve on it.

    “I use this opportunity to thank the outgoing executive chairman for his leadership and wish him the best in his future endeavours.”

  • Kumuyi backs anti-corruption fight

    Kumuyi backs anti-corruption fight

    The General Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) Pastor William F. Kumuyi has thrown his weight behind President Muhammadu Buhari’s fight against corruption and insurgency.

    He said the onslaught against vice and terrorism is “legitimate and necessary”.

    The clergy was speaking to journalists at the end of a worship service of the church which was held at Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, Abia State.

    H e said, “I am a layman when it comes to politics. But from what we can see, I believe that the President is in the right direction and if we support him with our comments and in other ways, I believe that we will see all these things brought down very quickly.”

    Speaking on how the church can help the President and other leaders in the fight against corruption, Kumuyi said “When we say the church, we are not just talking of buildings; we are talking of people that comes to church who also goes to offices. And for the church to support, preachers should teach our people to learn how to contribute positively to the progress of the country anywhere they are and so if you are a governor, commissioner, teacher, minister and among others, be your best for the country. Don’t think of what you can get out of the place that you are working, but how they can contribute to the place in order to support the efforts of the government”.

    He further advised politicians to always remember to fulfill their campaign promises which have attracted criticisms from their subjects.

    Earlier in his sermon, the DCLM GS preaching on the topic Riches of Christ’s Supernatural Love” described Gods love for man as inexhaustible and one that is beyond the imagination and understanding of man, adding that it was because of the love of God for man that made God to send His only begotten son to die so that man can be redeemed and reconciled back to God.

    According to him, God is on a rescue mission and is ready to reach out to the deepest part of the earth to rescue anyone who wants to turn a new leaf.

    He said, “Abia is Gods Own State and because I will like to plant in a place where the seed will germinate.”

    The theme of the programme was, “Open for Extraordinary Blessings”.