The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB)

  • CCB orders ministers-designate to declare assets before inauguration

    The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has directed ministers-designate to declare their assets before inauguration or risk facing the wrath of the law.

    The bureau plans to verify claims submitted by the new ministers at land registry, banks and companies where they either have shares or wholly owned by them.

    It will however engage the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to confirm the assets and accounts of the ministers-designate abroad.

    The Chairman of CCB, Prof. Muhammed Isah, told The Nation that none of the new ministers would be inaugurated without first declaring his or her assets.

    He said the bureau has been liaising with the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office to ensure full compliance with the law by the incoming ministers.

    He said while some of the new ministers have collected assets declaration forms, some are yet to do so.

    “It is legally compulsory for the ministers-designate to declare their assets. If they do not declare their assets, they cannot be inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari. That is the most appropriate thing. We are determined to enforce the law,” Isah said.

    “So, the deadline for the declaration of assets is before their inauguration. From reports, a considerable number of them have collected but they have not completed the process.  Some have not obtained the assets declaration form.”

    Responding to a question, Isah said: “I have discussed the issue of declaration of assets by the new ministers with the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office. The same office has also requested for 100 copies of the Code of Conduct Bureau Act and the Code of Conduct Tribunal Act to guide the new ministers.

    “We are hopeful that CCB officers will be part of the induction for the ministers between August 15 and 16. We want them to know the dos and don’ts in public office.”

    Isah explained that the CCB will verify the claims of ministers-designate at home and abroad.

    “We engage in up site and on site investigation of the ministers’ claims. By invoking up site investigation, we will verify their claims from land registry, banks, property firms, and companies they have shares or fully owned by them.

    “On site investigation involves inspection of the properties or assets declared in our form. This requires our officers going to assess the claims made by the ministers.

    Read Also: Behold, the 43 ministers-designate

    “As for those with assets abroad, we will liaise with the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to liaise with relevant authorities in foreign jurisdictions to confirm the truth or otherwise of such assets.

    “Paragraph 12 of part 1 of the Fifth Schedule to 1999 Constitution confers the powers to verify assets on the Bureau.”

    It says the Bureau shall: “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.”

  • SERAP sues CCB over ‘claim on privacy of asset declarations of presidents, governors’

    The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit in the Federal High Court, Lagos, against the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) over the bureau’s claim that it could not disclose details of the asset declarations submitted to it by successive Presidents and governors since 1999.

    The group quoted SERAP as saying that doing so “would offend the right to privacy of presidents and state governors”.

    Last week, the CCB refused a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by SERAP, saying: “Asset declaration form is private information.”

    But in the suit it filed last Friday, SERAP said: “Asset declarations of Presidents and governors submitted to the CCB are public documents. Public interest in disclosure of the details of asset declarations sought by SERAP clearly outweighs any claim of protection of the privacy of Presidents and governors, as they are public officers entrusted with the duty to manage public funds, among other public functions.”

    The organisation cited many laws to buttress its argument for the request for the information.

    Read Also: SERAP to Ganduje: reject fat pensions, luxury cars for life for Kano lawmakers

    It is seeking the following reliefs:

    “An order granting leave to the applicant to apply for judicial review and to seek an order of mandamus directing and compelling the respondent to compile and make available to the applicant information on specific details of asset declarations submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau by successive Presidents, Vice Presidents, Senate Presidents, Speakers of House of Representatives, State Governors and Deputy Governors from 1999 to 2019 and to publish widely, including on a dedicated website, any such information.

    “An order granting leave to the applicant to apply for judicial review and to seek an order of mandamus directing and compelling the respondent to compile and make available to the applicant information on the number of asset declarations so far verified by the Code of Conduct Bureau and the number of those declarations found to be false and deemed to be in breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers by the Bureau and to publish widely including on a dedicated website, any such information.

    “An order granting leave to the applicant to apply for Judicial Review and to seek an order of mandamus directing and compelling the respondent to immediately take cases of false asset declarations to the Code of Conduct Tribunal for effective prosecution of suspects, and include banning the politicians involved from holding public offices for at least a period of 10 years and seeking refund of stolen public funds as part of the reliefs to be sought before the tribunal.”

    No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

     

  • Bayelsa Speaker, Clerk, others for arraignment at CCT May 22

    The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) has scheduled the arraignment of Speaker of Bayelsa State House of Assembly Friday Kombowei Benson and four others for May 22.

    Also to be arraigned are retired Clerk of the House,  Aaron W. Timiye; retired Accountant of the  House, Thomas Tamaraodubo; current Clerk of the House, Owudogu Edward and current Accountant of the House, Koroye A. Stephen.

    CCT’s spokesman, Ibraheem AL-Hassan said, in a statement on Tuesday, that the date for arraignment was fixed following a request by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

    Part of the statement reads: “The Chairman Code of Conduct Tribunal Justice Danladi Y. Umar, has approved 22nd May, 2019 for the commencement of trial against serving Speaker of Bayelsa state House of Assembly, Hon. Friday Kombowei Benson and four others for alleged abuse of office.

    “The offences filed was on four count charge of alleged abused of office against Hon Friday Kombowei Benson, the Speaker Bayelsa state House of Assembly, Cleark of Bayelsa state House of Assembly, Mr Aaron W. Timiye (retired) and Accountant, Bayelsa state House of Assembly Mr Thomas Tamaraodubo (retired).

    “Others are Owudogu Edward serving Clerk, Bayelsa state House of Assembly and Mr Koroye A. Stephen, serving Accountant, Bayelsa state House of Assembly.

    “This was contained in a correspondent from Code of Conduct Bureau, addressed to Chairman Code of Conduct Tribunal to commence trial, dated 30th day of April 2019, jointly signed by the operatives of Code of Conduct Bureau: Musa Ibrahim Usman and Fatima Kere Ahmed.

    “The application reads; ‘pursuant to section 24 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, I hereby apply to the Tribunal for the commencement of trial for the offence of Abuse of Office contrary to paragraph 9 of the fifth schedule, part 1 of the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended and punishable under paragraph 18 (1) and (2) of the same constitution, and as incorporated under section 13 and 23 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act CAP C15 LFN 2004.”

  • Onnonge: Centre provides US, UK others with perspective to ex- CJN’s suspension

    The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre has given an insight on the real reason behind suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen.
    The human rights group said the controversy trailing the ousting of Onnoghen was needless because the Constitution of the country was clear on the crime committed by the ex-CJN.
    According to SHAC, the United States of America, European Union and the UK government did not have full insight on why Onnoghen was asked to step aside.
    In a letter addressed to the Ambassador of the United States of America and signed by Patrick Akpokwu, Director of Communication, SHAC urged the diplomatic communities avoid unguarded public statements that could incite the general public given the peculiarities of the time we have found ourselves.
    The letter reads
    Please note that The 1999 Nigeria Constitution, as amended, is very clear on assets declaration by public officials. Declaration of assets by public officers in Nigeria is not a voluntary exercise. Instead, they are mandated by the law to do so before and after occupying public offices.
    The Constitution in Section 172 states, “A person in the public service of the Federation shall observe and conform to the Code of Conduct.”
    Paragraph 11 of the Code of Conduct (Ethics of Work for Public Officers) stipulates that, “Subject to the provisions 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 the 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.
    And that “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.”
    Hence public declaration of assets is best recommended so that both the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) together with its Tribunal (CCT) and the general public may work in agreement.
    Our Grouse:
    Your Excellency may wish to know that there are stipulated penalties for violation of the CCB law in Nigeria regardless of the position the individual occupies as the law is no respecter of persons.
    The case of the Chief Justice of Nigeria presented us a very challenging circumstance wherein the Chief Law Officer in Nigeria for inexplicable reasons decided to act in a contrary and morally bankrupt manner by not declaring parts of his assets. This act he attributed to “forgetfulness.”
    Your Excellency, such an act cannot be condoned in a sane clime, and even in America, Britain, and France.
    Consequently, we are at a loss as to the way, and manner statements have been credited to your esteemed persons which we firmly believe echoes’ the views of your home countries. It is, therefore, our considered opinion that such statements were not fair and maybe as a result of a lack of understanding of the issues at hand.
    For the Records:
    The Chief Justice of Nigeria is standing trial for false declaration of assets, and he was consequently advised to step aside pending the determination of the suit. But he refused and instead used all manners and means to frustrate the law from running its course.

    Read Also:Falana urges NJC to ask Onnoghen to step aside

    He was also advised on moral grounds that he cannot continue to denigrate the office he occupies because he is standing trial for an offense he committed and not an allegation. This much he confessed to in a written statement.
    What we expected:
    We expected some decorum in public statements from members of the Diplomatic communities in a case as sensitive as this.
     This is on the heels that it was public knowledge that on infraction was committed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria. We also expected that members of the Diplomatic community would be sensitive enough to know that Nigeria is a sovereign country bided by a Constitution.
    We also expected that members of the Diplomatic community would not join the select few that have given some form of political interpretation to the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria from office.
    We expected that the members of the Diplomatic communities would exercise restraint in public conduct given that the general elections are around the corner so as not to send the wrong message to the voting public.
    We also expect that members of the Diplomatic community would at some point appreciate the efforts of the present administration in sanitizing the system.
    Our Prayers:
    Nigeria is a sovereign country, and as such, that must be clearly understood and appreciated by all, including members of the Diplomatic community in Nigeria. Respect for our people and values are sacrosanct. Unguarded public statements could incite the general public given the peculiarities of the time we have found ourselves. And so they should be minimized or avoided if possible.
    The fact remains that the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria violated the law and not a case of witch hunting or political persecution. And there are penalties for breaking the law the world over, Nigeria inclusive.

  • Bauchi State: CCT okays trial of Commissioner, 54 others

    Mr Danladi Umar, Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal ( CCT ) has approved April 24 and April 27 for the arraignment of a serving Commissioner and 54 other public officers before him in Bauchi State.

    According to a statement by Mr Ibraheem AL-Hassan, Head, Press and Public Relations of the tribunal, the trial would be conducted at the state High Court Bauchi.

    The CCT said the routine inter-state became necessary in order to handle all pending cases brought to it by the Code of Conduct Bureau ( CCB ).

    The court said those to be arraigned for the alleged breached of code of conduct of public officers were both career and political office holders.

    Al-Hassan said the respondents included heads of federal, state and Local government Agencies, operating in the state.

    According to him, they include one serving commissioner, nine Senior Assistance operating from the office of Secretary to the Bauchi state government and three Personal Assistance to state Governor.

    Read Also: Troops kill 4, arrest 9 militiamen in Bauchi State

    Others, according to the spokesman of the tribunal, include four staff of the Nigeria Drugs Law Enforcement Agent personnel with a Commander operating in the state.

    Al-Hassan further listed Chief Superintendent of Custom and eight Police officers of different ranks in the state command to had allegedly breached the CCB’s Act.

    He said the aim of embarking on state’s trial was to bring justice to the door step of the defaulters spread across the country.

    “Also the itinerant session would serve as a means of reaching out to the state on the activities of the CCT.

    “It is our hope that this would serve as deterrent to other public servants who do not consider it necessary to promptly declare their assets’’, Al-Hassan said.

  • Buhari names CCB chair, nine others  

    Buhari names CCB chair, nine others  

    President Muhammadu Buhari, Wednesday, asked the Senate to confirm Muhammed Isa and nine others as chairman and members of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

    A letter read by Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, President Buhari requested the lawmakers to expedite action on the confirmation of the nominees.

    Buhari said in the letter:  “In compliance with section 541 of the 1999 constitution as amended and in pursuant to sections 1(2) and 1(3) of the code of conduct bureau act LFN 2004, I write to request for the confirmation of the following nominees for appointment as chairman and members of the bureau.

    “The curriculum vitae of the nominees are attached herewith. It is my hope that this Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will in their usual expeditious manner consider and confirm the nominees. Please accept Mr. Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

    Isa, who is expected to head the Bureau, hails from Jigawa, North West. Others members included Murtala Kankia (member, Katsina, North West), Emmanuel Attah (member, Cross River, South South), Danjuma Sado, (member, Edo, South South)  Obolo Opanachi, (member, Kogi, North Central), and Ken Madaki Alkali, (member Nasarawa, North Central.)

    Others are S.F. Ogundare, (member, Oyo, South West), Ganiyu Hamzat, (member, Ogun, South West), Sahad Abubakar, (member, Gombe North East) and Vincent Nwanne, (member, Ebonyi, South East.)

  • Appeal Court reserves judgment in appeal against Saraki’s acquittal

    Appeal Court reserves judgment in appeal against Saraki’s acquittal

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja has reserved judgment in the appeal by the Federal Government asking it to set aside the acquittal of Senate President, Bukola Saraki on charges of false assets declaration.

    A three-man panel of the appellate court, led by Justice Tinuade Akomolafe Wilson told parties, after they adopted their briefs of argument Tuesday, that the court would inform them when judgment was ready.

    The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), in a ruling on June 14 this year, discharged and acquitted Saraki on the 18-count charge of false assets declaration, among others, brought against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

    In his lead ruling on June 14, CCT;s Chairman, Danladi Umar upheld Saraki’s no-case submission and held that the prosecution was unable to prove it’s allegations against the defendant.

    Dissatisfied with the CCT’s decision, the Federal Government, through the CCB approached the Court of Appeal and sought among others, the voiding of the tribunal’s ruling.

    Details later…

  • CCT judge queries use of public funds to buy vehicles for politicians

    CCT judge queries use of public funds to buy vehicles for politicians

    Hon. Justice Agwadza William Atedze of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) has queried the use of public funds to buy vehicles for politicians.

    He therefore and counselled Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to research the issues “to see how best we can reconcile our social and cultural values viz-a-viz the entire war against corruption and advise our policymakers accordingly.”

    Justice Atedze said this Thursday at the launch of SERAP’s latest report titled Combating Grand Corruption and Impunity in Nigeria: An Agenda for Institutional Reforms in Anti-Corruption Strategies.

    The report is published under a project to promote justice sector and anti-corruption oversight mechanism reform, which SERAP is undertaking in collaboration with the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), USA.

    Mr. Dauda Joki-Lasisi, Head of Procurement and Fraud Section of the EFCC who represented the agency at the report launch said that, “the fight against corruption can be likened to an allegory of a giant in the midst of ants, as little as an ant is, it may not be able to wear the trouser of a giant, but will remove it.”

    The Head of ICPC Lagos Office Mr. Olufemi Nofiu; and Mr. T. Collins who represented the Chairman of the CCB, Mr. Sam Saba echoed similar sentiments, promising to “do anything and everything within their powers to curb corruption in the country in its entirety.”

    Chairman of the report launch Barrister Babatunde Ogala said that, “Corruption is simply a way of life for us all, it is deep, when you steal as a religious institution, you are as corrupt as any Nigerian. In my opinion, corruption is both cultural and religious, corruption is as big as this country, the way of curbing it is by changing our national orientation.”

    Barrister Ogala, who was former Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Judiciary, also said that, “The EFCC ought to have offices even at the local government level. The society itself encourages and invests in corruption. As a legislator, I was constantly measured by what I did for individuals and not by the amount of law making I engaged in.”

    All the anti-graft agencies present at the event renewed their commitment to work even harder to end the problem of grand corruption in the country, and end its devastating consequences.

    They include the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC); and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

    The report contains several recommendations among which is the call to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon Justice Walter Onnoghen, to “ensure that all judges fully utilise the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) in the hearing of grand corruption cases before them.”

    Among other key recommendations, the report urges Justice Onnoghen to “ensure that judges, in situations where the ACJA rules apply, are made to follow the dictates of these innovative statutory interventions or face disciplinary action, and to incorporate into ongoing judicial trainings these crucial statutes and procedures as well as include the ACJA as part of the mandatory continuing legal education for all judges in Nigeria.”

    The report also recommends that “The Chief Justice and all other judges should also periodically disclose and publish their assets. The Chief Justice should promote full independence for the National Judicial Council including by allowing retired judges of proven integrity to lead the council.”

    Executive summary of the report read in part: “Corruption is a threat to democracy. It erodes confidence in and respect for democratic institutions and emerges as an obstacle to social, economic and human development. The fight against corruption is therefore crucial to achieve economic development and stability.”

    “Anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria generally have not met widespread expectations mainly because of lack of political will of those in government to fight grand corruption; absence of an over-all national anti-graft strategy; inadequate legal framework and resources and/or lack of full and effective implementation of new initiatives; limited independence and public trust; lack of an enabling climate and necessary know-how, and lack of basic ethical values.”

    “Anti-graft agencies should seek stiffer penalties for convicted corrupt officials and minimise the use of plea bargaining, to serve as deterrence; and the judiciary at all levels should assume leadership in this regard.”

    “The Government of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Acting President Professor Yemi Osinbajo should instruct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, SAN to urgently ensure the full and effective implementation and enforcement of the Practice Directions on Serious Crimes, 2013, and the ACJA Act 2015 in all courts and tribunals handling cases of grand corruption to ensure that stalling of prosecution by defence lawyers becomes history.”

    “The Government of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Acting President Professor Yemi Osinbajo should reform the anti-graft agencies in Nigeria with a view to granting them independence, freedom of action and adequate resources, so that they can carry out their mandates effectively.”

    “The Government of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Acting President Professor Yemi Osinbajo should instruct anti-corruption agencies to urgently publish reports of their investigations into the allegations of budget padding by the leadership of the National Assembly and to prosecute anyone suspected to be involved in grand corruption. President Buhari and Acting President Osinbajo should also ensure adequate protection for the Whistle-blower Abdulmumin Jibrin.”

    “The Government of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Acting President Professor Yemi Osinbajo should prioritise and give sufficient political and operational attention to the coordination of anti-corruption efforts, with coordination issues considered from the design stage of anti-corruption policy making, as many coordination efforts in the operations of anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria have failed because of their original design flaws.”

    “The EFCC and ICPC should urgently come up with strategies for prioritising corruption cases within states and local government levels. Corruption should not only be fought at the Federal level but also at the state and local government levels.”

    “The EFCC and ICPC should intensify processes to investigate and effectively prosecute state officials involved in diverting bailout funds meant for payment of salaries and pensions but which the ICPC has disclosed have been diverted. The ICPC should publish the bailout report and name and shame all of those suspected to be involved.”

     

  • CCT: Prosecution to call Saraki’s account officer as witness

    CCT: Prosecution to call Saraki’s account officer as witness

    …Tenders Senate President’s statement

     

    The prosecution in the trial of Senate President, Bukola Saraki said Thursday that it planned to call the officer in charge of Saraki’s accounts with Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) Plc as its next witness.

    Saraki is being tried before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) for alleged false assets declaration.

    Lead prosecution lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs ‎(SAN) disclosed this at the resumption of proceedings yesterday after the prosecution tendered a statement said to be made by Saraki.

    The statement was said to have been made to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in 2013.

    The statement dated August 12, 2013, was tendered by the prosecution through its fourth witness, Alvan Gurummaal, a detective of the EFCC.

    He was subpoenaed to produce the statement before the tribunal as he was said to be a party to the investigation of the case.

    The content of the statement was not disclosed during proceedings.

    Saraki has consistently claimed that he was not allowed to respond to the discrepancies notice in his assets declaration forms before the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) referred him to the CCT for prosecution.

    After the witness tendered the statement, which was admitted by the tribunal, Jacobs said he could not continue because his nest witness was not available.

    Jacobs said the next witness,  who is Saraki’s account officer at the Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, informed him that he(the witness) would be absent from the day’s proceedings because he has a medical appointment to undergo surgery.

    He applied for an adjournment to a later date to enable him produce the 5th prosecution witness. He was silent of the proposed witness’ name.

    Tribunal’s Chairman, Danladi Umar, acceded to Jacobs’ request for adjournment in the absence of opposition from the defence team.

    He adjourn May 4 for continuation of trial.

  • ACLN react to Saraki’s proposed visit: Diaspora Nigerians can’t tolerate corrupt office holders

    ACLN react to Saraki’s proposed visit: Diaspora Nigerians can’t tolerate corrupt office holders

    The Association for Credible Leadership in Nigeria (ACLN) acknowledges the proposed visitation of the Senate President of Nigeria, Dr Bukola Saraki to the United States, unfortunately, he is not welcomed as planned in early May.

    We cannot hold back from revealing how disappointed we, like many Nigerians, are with the Senate President and his Senate, who have failed to address the several cases of corruption levelled against them.

    Sadly, Saraki in recent times said that a lot of stakeholders must respect the Senate institution; an institution that has only succeeded in further granting power and more wealth to elected few. No wonder the institution will demand respect that it could not earn.

    •Saraki

    Recall that Saraki, like many others in the senate, has ongoing cases that have practically been swept under the carpet. Among several corruption allegations which till date has not been answered but rather avoided are:

    1. Saraki’s operation of foreign accounts between 2009 and 2012 while serving as a public office holder.

    2. Saraki was the Kwara State Governor between 2003 and 2011. Till date, there are still unanswered allegations regarding his misappropriation of the public funds during his tenure.

    3. Similarly, he was involved in the Panama papers controversy of 2016 and yet to resolve allegations of corruption levelled against the senate by the Paris Club.

    4. According to the Head of Intelligence Unit at the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Samuel Madojemu, Saraki was wrong to have earned monthly payments from the Kwara State government at the same time when he was already elected to the Senate.

    5. Also worthy of mention is the fact that, it is under Saraki’s leadership that a key member of the Nigerian Senate was suspended for standing for the truth. Former Majority Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, was sent home for six months for filing a petition against Saraki and the lawmaker representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Senator Dino Melaye, who was involved in certificates forgery case. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria – Femi Falana in a recent interview declared this act of the senate as absolutely unconstitutional.

    Aside a 6-month suspension of a fellow senator being unconstitutional, Saraki’s (Senate) Committee on ethics failed to address the raised issues, instead, they attacked the person. What a shame of a body of lawmakers’ institution.

    6. For several years, the Nigerian Senate has operated a hidden budget despite the demand for transparency and accountability by taxpayers. A fight that the governor of Kaduna state Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has taken on himself by challenging the National Assembly to follow his example of releasing the Kaduna state audited budget.

    ACLN commends governor El-Rufai for this action and hereby demand that Saraki and his team, as well

    •Governor El-Rufai

    as governors across the nation, release their audited budget otherwise they are not welcomed in the United States and are not fit to occupy the seats at the Nigerian National Assembly or Governor and at the ACLN, we will continue to hold them accountable. They are public office holders not private.

    Unfortunately, what Saraki is expected to speak on at the Town Hall event at Crown Plaza Suites Hotel, 9090 Southwest Freeway, Houston on May 4th, 2017, is Brain Drain and ACLN could not but marvel at the disillusion of Saraki and his team. Our question is, what has he done with the brains of Bachelor and Master degrees holders who have remained jobless in Nigeria? What is the Senate doing to the youths unemployment/underemployment which according to the country’s bureau of statistics stood at an alarming rate of 45.65% for Q3 of 2016. Is that not chasing shadows?

    To ACLN, it shows that Saraki and his team are disillusioned if they are concerned about Brain Drain but have not found a solution to the worrisome level of unemployment, poor infrastructure, shameful public institutions and rate of corruption in Nigeria.

    With the facts stated above and more not mentioned herein, the ACLN insists that the Senate President is not worthy of coming to the United States to address learned, skilled and hardworking Nigerians who, in their little capacity, contribute to the uplift of the country back home.

    Consequently, if Saraki eventually visits Houston, we hereby urge Nigerians in Houston and across the United States to rise up and show him our displeasure along with those of his colleagues in the National Assembly by protesting his presence. We cannot allow these rogues the pleasure of a peaceful visit to the U.S.A while they leave our fellow Nigerians languishing in misery back home.