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Tag: corruption

  • BPP challenges NIQS members on corruption

    The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has employed a transaction adviser on  contracts.

    By this, BPP hopes that the cost of construction projects would be reduced.

    Its Director-General, Mamman Ahmadu, made this known when the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) executives, led by its President, Mr. Femi Onashile,  visited him in Abuja.

    The BPP chief praised the NIQS for its readiness to partner Federal Government’s agencies to reduce construction costs and ensure compliance with best practices.

    According to Ahmadu,  corruption cuts across ministries and agencies, saying it was high time professionals, particularly cost experts in construction, did more than talking to check corruption.

    He urged professional bodies to punish members found guilty of corruption.

    Onashile canvassed the adoption of stricter project monitoring.

    He said by limiting BPP’s oversight to due diligence at pre-award stage of projects and not  monitoring the projects, corruption would thrive.

    “For BPP to make better impact in delivering value-for-money, it must take its oversight influence beyond the pre-award of contracts; even throughout the construction phase of the projects. This is to ensure that approvals are not circumvented through the possible corrupt compromise of either quality standards or the specified sizes of such projects or both to reduce the actual costs without passing the cost reduction to the government,” Onashile said.

    He implored the BPP to develop an alternative contract form, adding that while the current one was working well for civil engineering projects, it was not in building projects.

    Acknowledging BPP’s effort in fast-tracking due diligence and ensuring faster take off of projects, the NIQS chief called for the engagement of more quantity surveyors in the agency to enable it discharge its oversight effectively.

    “We believe as experts in cost and procurement management of capital projects from conception to completion, we have vital roles to play in prudent costing of projects, procurement management and project monitoring to ensure better earned value for money,” Onashile added.

  • Smell of corruption

    Now that a Senate insider has given a curious public an idea of how things are run in the country’s upper legislature, what next? Senator Shehu Sani had told the world that every senator got N13.5m monthly to run things. This fantastic figure is in addition to their salaries, he said.

    Public reaction to the information was predictably negative because it didn’t make sense that senators got so much to cover so-called running costs. But Senate spokesman, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, had defended the indefensible figure, saying, “Almost all holders of elective and appointive offices have running costs allocated to their offices and that cannot be said to be part of their salaries.” Abdullahi’s defence didn’t help matters.

    Talking of reaction, Sani was quoted as saying during a radio programme on March 18: “I know that I will lose friends and colleagues within the very establishment that I serve… I know things are not going to be easy because when I made the disclosure, there was explosion, even right in my own house.”  So, things may not be easy for Sani at work and at home because of the revelation.

    Why would Sani lose friends and colleagues in the Senate because he spoke the truth about a matter of public interest that had bothered the public for a long time, and which still bothers the public? Why would this particular truth hurt? The answer is simple. Those who have been exposed won’t like it because the exposure showed them in a bad light.

    It is interesting that Sani said: “The National Assembly is made up of distinguished personalities – doctors, lawyers, engineers, academics and all who have made it in life. But because of this culture of secrecy and silence, people who found themselves in the National Assembly are criminalised and stigmatised. The dome of the National Assembly is being seen to house people of questionable character and integrity. So, what I did was to rescue the honour and credibility of the parliament by removing the veil of secrecy to bring it once and for all to an end.”

    Sani got it right by exposing things. But he got it wrong by thinking that it would help to show the senators in a good light.  Revealing what the senators get, which had been kept secret for so long, showed the Senate’s dirty underbelly.  Sani said: “Everybody collects this money, but the rule is that when you collect, you keep quiet.” Is this morally correct? Is this morally commendable?

    It is a striking coincidence that the former Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Abdulmumin Jibrin, who was controversially suspended for singing about alleged rot and stench in the House of Representatives, has been allowed to resume his legislative role at a time when Senator Sani has just shockingly revealed what senators get for running costs.

    In an interview published on October 9, 2016, Jibrin had declared: “The corruption in the House of Representatives is massive. I have not exposed more than 10 percent of the corruption going on in the House of Representatives. It is that bad.”

    Jibrin had added: “I have said a whistleblower is not necessarily a saint. But people often support him (a whistleblower) because what he reveals is usually beneficial to all. This issue is beyond Jibrin.  I had written a petition against the Speaker and three other principal officers in the House. I am talking about people who committed budget fraud of N40bn, another budget fraud worth about N20bn and there is another budget fraud with a cumulative sum of N284bn. I am talking about a person who diverted Federal Government projects to his farm; short-changed members in the N10bn Sustainable Development Goal projects of 2015; used subterranean means to create a new House rule that is the subject of litigation; and a man who collects rent from multiple sources. I have also exposed the fact that members are collecting votes for running costs. I am not saying money should not be voted for lawmakers’ running costs. The point is that this money is (sometimes) diverted to private pockets.”

    Talking of running costs, each member of the House of Representatives gets between N8m and N12m for running costs monthly, findings published on March 18 by SUNDAY PUNCH revealed.  The revealing report said: “A member representing one of the federal constituencies in Ondo State, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “Our (monthly) running cost is not stable. It fluctuates. There were some months that we collected N8m. We are supposed to be collecting N12m every month but most of the time we make do with whatever they give us. There are things we don’t even know in the entire arrangement because the shortfall will not be included in our subsequent allocations. The whole thing is shrouded in secrecy. Only the presiding officers know the correct situation.”

    What does it take to run the offices of federal legislators? How much is surplus to requirements? How do the legislators produce evidence that the money for running costs was spent for running costs?

    Sani said: “I will continue to collect as others are collecting too, until there is a law or there is an adjustment to say we should collect half of what we now collect. I will continue to collect because I am not collecting it for myself. I am collecting it for my people…The good thing is that the Senate has been courteous to me because as soon as I said it, the spokesperson of the Senate confirmed it. That is maturity. And for now, there has been no sanction. I don’t know whether tomorrow or next there will be. I tried to make my colleagues to understand, though many don’t want to…”

    None of the legislators in the National Assembly may be ready for change, given what they enjoy because things are the way they are. But change is necessary. How can change happen?   Sani bragged:  ”To even open up is a monumental step… For me, I believe I have done my own best… The next step is for pressure to come from Nigerians.”

    The beauty of democracy is that it gives Nigerians the power to do something about what they want to do something about. The question is: Will they do something about this smell of corruption?

  • Osinbajo warns board members against corruption 

    Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday warned new board members against corrupt practices in their assignments.

    He spoke through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, while inaugurating boards of agencies under his office supervision.

    The boards  included the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), National Boundary Commission (NBC) and Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA).

    Harping on government’s determination to win the battle against corruption, Osinbajo urged the new chairmen and members to totally eschew corruption.

    He said “Let me at this point reiterate the determination of this administration to succeed in the fight against corruption. In carrying out your responsibility as Board Members, you must therefore eschew corruption totally as Government will not hesitate to sanction all infractions.”

    He also urged the new board members to focus on economic development and revive the country from recession.

    Osinbajo also charged them to key into the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan of the Federal Government.

    He said “Nigeria has over the last 24 to 36 months, passed through a period of economic recession which necessitated the development of a home grown Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.

    “Which you are expected to key into, in view of the importance of your institutions to national economic stability.

    “I therefore expect robust policies initiatives from you as members of the board being inaugurated today,” the Vice President said.

    The Chairman of NIPSS Board,  Ignatius Longjan, who spoke on behalf of the members promised to be diligent in their duties.

     

  • Osinbajo warns board members against corruption 

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday warned new board members against corrupt practices in their assignments.

    He spoke through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, while inaugurating boards of agencies under his office supervision.

    The boards inaugurated on Tuesday included the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), National Boundary Commission (NBC) and Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA).

    Harping on government’s determination to win the battle against corruption, Osinbajo urged the new chairmen and members to totally eschew corruption.

    He said “Let me at this point reiterate the determination of this administration to succeed in the fight against corruption. In carrying out your responsibility as Board Members, you must therefore eschew corruption totally as Government will not hesitate to sanction all infractions.”

    He also urged the new board members to focus on economic development and revive the country from recession.

    Osinbajo also charged them to key into the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan of the Federal Government.

    He said “Nigeria has over the last 24 to 36 months, passed through a period of economic recession which necessitated the development of a home grown Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.

    “Which you are expected to key into, in view of the importance of your institutions to national economic stability.

    “I therefore expect robust policies initiatives from you as members of the board being inaugurated today,” the Vice President said.

    The management of the various organisations under the boards, he said, should be allowed to perform their duties without any interference from the board.

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, who was represented by Femi Gbajabiamila observed that the board was critical to national development.

    “There is a lot of work to be done and I believe you will do a wonderful job.” he said

    The Chairman of NIPSS Board, Ignatius Longjan, who spoke on behalf of the members promised to be diligent in their studies.

    He said “In this national assignment given to yes, we will do it diligently and appropriately, we will not let you down.

    “We will carry out these assignments to the best of our ability, whatever will make Nigeria better, we will do it,” he added

    While Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is the Chairman of National Boundary Commission (NBC) and Border Community Development Agency (BCDA) Boards, Ignatius Longjan is the Chairman for NIPSS.

    Read Also: Osinbajo: Buhari administration is building a bright future for the youths

  • N4.7b corruption charge: Ladoja’s trial resumes today

    The absence of a prosecution witness yesterday stalled the trial of former Oyo State Governor Rashidi Ladoja, for alleged N4.7 billion money laundering charge at a Federal High Court in Lagos.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Ladoja alongside a former Commissioner for Finance, Waheed Akanbi.

    Both men were arraigned on December 14, 2016, before Justice Mohammed Idris on an eight-count charge bordering on N4.7 billion money laundering.

    They pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bails.

    But at the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday, the EFCC Prosecutor, Mr Oluwafemi Olabisi, apologised that he could not proceed because of the absence of his witness, a director in the employ of Oyo State government.

    Olabisi said the witness was attending a meeting with the World Bank in Lagos but pleaded to be in court today.

    He urged the court to adjourn the matter till today  and tomorrow as the dates were set down for the continuation of the trial.

    Mr Bolaji Onilenla and Mr Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, counsel to the first and second defendants, did not object to the request for an adjournment.

    But the lawyer urged the prosecuting counsel to ensure that his witnesses were in court on the agreed dates.

    Justice Mohammed Idris adjourned the matter till March 20 and March 21 for continuation of trial.

    The defendants are said to have conspired, siphoned and laundered N4.7 billion from the coffers of Oyo State.

    The EFCC is also accusing the defendants of converting N1.9 billion belonging to the state to personal use, through the account of a company — Heritage Apartments Limited — to commit the crime.

     

  • ASUP pledges commitment to campaign against corruption

    The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics ( ASUP ) at the  Federal Polytechnic,  Kaura Namoda, has  expressed its commitment to the campaign against  corruption in the institution.

    The Chairman of the association, Mr Umar Usman, made this known while briefing newsmen in Gusau on Wednesday.

    The Chairman said ASUP had passed a vote of no confidence on the management of the institution over a N3billion alleged fraud.

    He said the case was reported to the Governing Council and a panel of investigation was constituted to look into the allegations.

    Usman said for the investigation to go on smoothly, four principal officers of the institution– Deputy Rector, Librarian, Registrar and Bursar– were relieved of their duties.

    Similarly, he said recommendation in respect of the rector was  forwarded to the Minister  of Education for necessary action.

    While commending the efforts of   members of the investigation panel, he said the union as one of the major stakeholders in  the institution would  not relent in  its efforts to tackle all acts of corruption in the institution.

    NAN

  • Nigeria’s intriguing corruption

    Nigeria’s intriguing corruption

    Before the age of computers, the internet and all forms of modern media generally, oral story telling was a big part of cultural integration processes, especially in Africa. Great story tellers existed and their traditional tales thrilled children and adults alike, with many twists and turns crowned by the inevitable moral lessons inherent in them. Fables were especially popular, and the tortoise was at the centre of many funny tales. It now seems like a wave of nostalgia about those times has come upon the corrupt elements in our society.

    Like many incredulous stories that have come out of Nigeria in recent times, the rave in the past few weeks has been about a few cases of missing beans, which is not in itself strange news to Nigerians. This time though, there has been an unexpected twist to the tales of corruption – animals. Like scripts from one of the many fables we used to be so entertained by, we have heard of how mysterious snakes and monkeys made off with staggering sums of money. The story tellers, of course, were civil servants and government officials who were confronted with questions for which they could not give any satisfactory answers to.

    In the first case, a sales clerk at the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board, JAMB, office in Makurdi, Benue State, produced an unbelievable account of how a mysterious snake made repeated trips into a vault that held JAMB money and swallowed a combined sum of at least N36 million. The clerk accused her house maid and other staff at the office of being accomplices or puppeteers of the mystery snake. The incredible storytelling was caught on tape, despite the fact that the story teller denied making the statement in an interview with CNN.

    Without going into details of how a domestic help at the home of a JAMB sales clerk got caught up in the case of missing beans, one wonders why the clerk thought it wise to relay the tale to her superiors, truth or not. If the clerk believed the story to be true, why had she never raised alarm before the JAMB audit uncovered the deficit? Furthermore, there has been no word from the alleged maid or other implicated people, or the snake for that matter. Yet, the news spread like wildfire, intriguing the eventual victims of this very real theft – the Nigerian people.

    In the next case, which is even more embarrassing than the implausible snake story, the now former head of the Northern Senators Forum, Senator Abdullahi Adamu has been implicated in the disappearance of the sum of N70 million. Senator Shehu Sani from Kaduna State spoke on the floor of the Senate after the letter of removal of Senator Adamu as leader of the forum was read at the Senate. He commented that there had been rumours that some monkeys raided the farm of Senator Adamu and carted away the millions. It was not readily clear whether the comment was serious or jocular, but the very fact that it wasn’t clear says a lot about where we are as a country today.

    Beyond the intrigues of this incredible storytelling, there are real issues of concern in these matters. First is the cash culture that is still prevalent in the country despite the supposed cashless policy of the government. In the JAMB case, at least, one is thankful that Ishaq Oloyede, the new registrar, has been able to phase out the cash transactions that enabled clerks in Benue gulp down a whooping N36 million with no credible explanation. This is why the joke or no joke about N70 million and monkeys involving senators is a shame.

    Government officials are amongst the most frequent handlers of large sums of cash, some of it coming straight from the Central Bank, as recent corruption cases have shown. With the knowledge that cash transactions increase the potential for corruption and minimises the accountability window in official transactions, one would expect that government offices and officials would be the pilot grounds for the implementation of the cashless policy. All evidence points to the contrary.

    Another quite disturbing issue is the reception of the incredible tales by Nigerians. It appears that the weight of corruption has worn down the minds of Nigerians into a dispassionate state where we are majorly interested in the intrigues of corruption cases while losing sight of the real issues. In this case, one can describe the reaction of Nigerians as that of fascination, rather than something like righteous indignation, in the least. Maybe the case of the clerk presented a scenario most could relate to as opposed to a governor making up the same story.

    In any case, Senator Shehu Sani displayed this fascination the most while attempting to masquerade his delight with sarcasm. Before his likely-made-up statement about monkeys, which only served to disgrace the country further, the senator had been the one that visited the JAMB headquarters in Abuja with snake charmers to further make light jokes about a serious matter of embezzlement while on the clock for his constituency of Kaduna Central. The man was simply so enthralled in the admittedly comic dimension of the whole affair that he lost touch of the real issue. Many Nigerians unfortunately mirror this reaction.

    A country where looting becomes funny because some ridiculous tale has been told to cover it up, is not ready for real change. Soon after the snake and monkey episode, other ridiculous stories made the rounds, all supposedly in good humour. The fact that many other JAMB offices around the country had cases of missing sums that could not be accounted for became suppressed under the comic weight of the snake and monkey, and of course with assistance from a Senator of the Federal Republic.

    Another disturbing aspect of the matter is the quarter of the population that actually believes the story. In a vastly religious country where older voodoo customs are still practiced by many, one cannot be too surprised that the clerk’s story of the snake sounds plausible to a section of the population. One can bet also that those that believe this will hold other ideas as to how to move forward in the case now. There are many mysteries in the world, but civilised society cannot be run on logic-defying beliefs and notions.

    The fables now being told by suspected looters and irresponsible lawmakers may rival the best stories we heard in old times, but there is no moral to these tales of corruption. The only lesson we learn is that we are not winning the war of greater accountability. Whether the clerk believed the tale she presented or not, the truth is that the mind-set of the custodians of the common purse at any point in time may be a barrier to accountability in official practices. If one were to believe the clerk, for instance, it is altogether possible that she was busy fasting and praying or visiting witch doctors of her own when she should have been reporting lost money.

    It is indeed shameful also that these tales are getting international attention. That CNN interviewing the clerk is a deeply embarrassing episode for the country. Whichever way one looks at it, it casts us all in a terribly bad light, just as the appointment of dead men into government boards and other sorry tales that have emerged from the country in recent times. The comedy must appear to never stop for observers in other countries, particularly neighbouring African countries who are in the same race for greater development as we are.

    The world is always watching, and no matter the statistics, figures and charts we put out there, a foreigner wants to feel like they are in a civilised country when they visit, instead they pick up the morning papers and are greeted by these ridiculous tales. It is all at once sad and uninspiring that these are the kinds of matters that are generating the most attention in an election season. Too bad!

  • Corruption, religion and politics

    Corruption, religion and politics

    In  my time as an undergraduate  at the great Ife  in the early  seventies, more  final  year students  chose  to work at  the Department  of Customs  and Excise  than in any  government institutions on  offer  for  employment   and recruitment   after  graduation at  that time. Most never  wanted the Civil Service  and working in oil  companies  and banks   were the more  preferred  places for new  graduates.  The  reasons were obvious. Those  in Customs  who   left  the campus on graduation got richer quickly  and built  houses in a year  or two, while those in  the civil  service  only showed traces of toil  after getting their first  cars in  record  time. Those in banks and oil companies  were the rich  boys and girls in town.  These  in those  days were the eligible bachelors  who  married  the most  beautiful ladies  in town  and threw  the most  expensive parties.

    That  was in the seventies  and I  was  part  of it   and let  me use  myself as an example because I  cannot sue myself   for  defamation   or  slander   as my Sociology Professor,  the late  Pa  Sam  Adenola  Igun  use  to  say  in those days at  Ife. I was in the Civil Service   after   graduation as  an Assistant  Secretary on level 08. I  managed  to get  a job at the Daily  Times  as Staff Writer  and made it to  a bank   where  I worked  for 27  years before  retiring a decade ago. That  was  my time, a far  yesterday   and a far cry too,    from   the realities of today  which we will  look at  in the  context of today’s topic.

    Nigeria  today  has a government in place  that came into power on the  reputation  of a presidential candidate   renowned   for  integrity  and discipline. That  government was elected  in the  2015  presidential  elections and has fought  corruption massively  and seized looted  properties  from  looters.  Recently   there was   talk of selling seized  properties  from  looters  and two strong voices came up  like thunder.  The  first was that of the Sultan  of  Sokoto  the Head of the Nigerian  Muslims who  said despite the  war on corruption,  corruption is still  very  much  with  us. The other was that of the  governor of Ekiti State,  Ayo  Fayose   who  said  that  the names  of looters should be published  before seized  assets  are sold. Obviously  anti Corruption  forces  have fought back desperately  and the government itself  is fighting for its political  life  just  as the next elections of 2019  is around the corner.   I  have put this scenario  of the nature of the government of the day in perspective so one can  appreciate  the   comparison  I  want to make between  the eligible  bachelors of  my time and those  of the present time.

    The eligible bachelors of today are not in the Customs or  banks or oil  companies  as before. They are in the Political Class,  the Civil Service, the Security services,   and    the religious institutions. Special Assistants –SAs for short are the dream  husbands  for parents who  want the best for their daughters in marriage  nowadays. Pastors  are elegant  and very  wanted,   budding grooms  grooms  that  most Nigerian  mothers    seek   for their  unmarried  daughters  so  that the immediate future  can be bright for them  and their family at  large. Of  course  politicians and Honorables are the toast  of high  society  in any or all  of our 36  state capitals  and  the numerous  local  governments,  where  even  local  councilors will  get  a royal  treatment  before  any teacher  or  university  lecturer. That is the situation on the ground nowadays  in  Nigeria  as we battle corruption   and prepare  for another  presidential  election next year.

    What  is however  pathetic  about  the scenario  I  have  dug  up is that  in the battle against  corruption  of  the  present Administration    today, and in  the nation at  large,  the professions and calling I  have highlighted   as  reeking with  the most  eligible bachelors in society   nowadays,  are  in the   front  line of the government  of the day’s     fight  against  corruption. Your  guess  is as good as mine  therefore  how  successful  they  have been.  I   add  very   significantly   that   these  Nigerians   are  mainly  from the two  major  religions in  Nigeria namely   Christianity  and Islam  and   again  they   are  the toasts of   sermons and  praises   at all  our mosques   and churches  where  they  are blessed    as  products of divine benediction   and salt   of the earth,   regardless of the source of huge  donations and grants they  bring personally   for  the welfare    of the leaders   of  these  religious institutions. I will    therefore  illustrate  with  three  events   both  here  and in  the USA to  show that  corruption  is hydra headed  and that those  who  are  expected  to fight it must  like Caesar’s wife  be above reproach as  those who  live in glass  houses  should   not  throw  stones.

    I  will  comment  on the news in the media that there  was  corruption in the election of the Bishop of  Lagos by the House of Bishops in  the   Nigerian Anglican  Communion in Ilorin, the capital  of Kwara  State  recently.  I will  take issues  with  the suggestion of the US President Donald  Trump  that  teachers  should be trained  to use guns after  a mad student walked calmly to a school  from where  he had been dismissed  in Florida, USA,   and killed  17  of his school mates. I will  round up with the  observation  of  the Sultan  of  Sokoto  that corruption  is still  very  much  a way  of life in Nigeria   in  high   places   and  that criminals  should   be called  criminals regardless  of whether   they   are  Christians  or  Muslims.

    The  news  that bribery  was involved in the election  of the new  Bishop of Lagos  by the House  of Bishops in Ilorin bothered   me as I am an Anglican  and worship at Christ Church  Cathedral,  Marina, Lagos,  the Mother Cathedral  of  the Anglican  Communion in Nigeria and the seat  of the Bishop of  Lagos. The  pedigree  of this   Cathedral   is an  important  one in the  history of the Anglican  Communion  and the House  of Bishops  should accord that respect to history  and know that  the election of its Bishop is important   and  should  be treated  with great  respect and circumspection  given  its huge  contribution now and in the  past, to the fortunes  and growth  of  Anglicanism in Nigeria.

    Christ  Church  Cathedral, Marina   should  not be treated  as  just   a part  of  the Anglican  Community in Nigeria because it has paid its dues  in  terms of the quality  of its congregation  and its leading role  as  center of  high  quality  church music, its impeccable Choir  and communal  rendering of liturgy and Songs  of Praise  of   the highest quality  in  Nigeria. Succession  to the seat  of the Bishop  of Lagos should not be stage managed  as alleged  and not at  all  by those who  think money  can  buy anything in Nigeria  including the House  of  God. The  end should come decisively  to  an era of those who have  said the clergy  should not be given second hand cars and should only use new Camrys  when  most of the congregation  in many Churches  do   not even own cars and are  expected to buy such expensive spiritual  fringe  benefits  for their spiritual  leaders. Money  indeed is the root of all evil  but it should  not  affect  the choice  of who is the  Anglican  Bishop  of  Lagos.

    On  Donald  Trump’s suggestion  that teachers  should bear  arms I  think  he was just  trying  to dance to the  powerful    guns lobby  on the right of Americans to bear  arms. His excuse was that if teachers  have arms mass killers  could be stopped faster. But then teachers according to analysts did not enter their profession to bear arms but to educate.  The US’  problem  is that it has over pampered  its youths  and the result  is the  unprecedented  killings by teenagers of their  mates.  The  present generation  of  Americans  glorify  rights at  the expense   of  God  and   even   their own security. Even  the present killer of 17  innocent kids  was given a VIP treatment in  court  with the female police officers handling  him  so  carefully  and with something  akin  to affection. That will not deter crazy people like  him  from envying and wanting to emulate  him.  In  addition the students of the school    who   were  killed  by one of them   were  allowed   to   lead a delegation    to  the White  House   to  meet  the president of the US  who  simply said he has heard  them   and was thinking of  making a law   to check  mental  history   and raising the age of gun owners   to  21, well  beyond the age of the students.  It   is the moral  right of parents   in the US   to  control   and discipline their   children   in school   as   students   not   turn them  on society  as protesters  when  one of   them   turns  the gun on his fellow    students    in  this crazy  manner.    The   US  motto    is ‘In   God  we trust ‘   but  in reality  Americans    value  their rights  to  own  guns   and    live   as gays   more  than  their God  or even their security.  Indeed   America  has not been truthful to its own on the guns  issue  and is going to  pay a huge price  now  for that moral  corruption  that can  only spew  out  more violence and killings after  the six  that have occurred  in  schools   in   the two  months of this year  alone.

    Lastly,  the  Sultan  of  Sokoto  at a recent  book launch  observed  that the Fulanis as a tribe  have been  branded  as killers because  of  some Fulani  herdsmen killing people all  over the nation. According  to reports, the Sultan said – There  are millions of  Fulani who don’t even know what a cow is. I am Fulani I am not  a herder. He then concluded –Lets  give criminals their ideal  name, not Christian criminals, not Fulani criminals, not Muslim criminals. If  the government   has  failed, let  them call us to come and help  out. I cannot agree more with the Sultan. Once  again,  long live the Federal  Republic of Nigeria.

  • Nigeria’s structure breeds corruption, says Atiku

    Nigeria’s structure breeds corruption, says Atiku

    Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar yesterday reiterated his support for the country’s restructuring.

    He said the present structure is “deformed”, arguing that Nigeria’s political system of government breeds corruption.

    “Our current structure facilitates corruption and makes it more difficult for the kind of leadership being clamoured for to emerge.”

    He called for proactive decentralisation. While urging that corruption and bad leadership in the country be addressed, he observed that Nigeria was in dire need of restructuring in the face of its challenges.

    Atiku made the submissions at the public presentation of the book, ”In the Belly of the Vultures”, by veteran journalist, columnist and administrator Chief Adetola Adeniyi.

    The book, published by Canada Press, was reviewed by Prof. Ademola Popoola.

    Atiku, who was represented by Prof. Maxwell Gidado, called for civility and peaceful dialogue in the pursuit of the issue. “When we restructure, we will be forced to pay greater attention to production rather than rent-seeking. And the federating units will have greater autonomy to decide on their priorities and peculiar challenges.

    “While the strengthening of national unity, which it would promote, it is important, it is also critical for our economic development and wellbeing, which, in turn, are also important for political peace.”

    Vanguard Publisher Mr. Sam Amuka-Pemu noted that the real issue is not just restructuring but how the restructuring would be directed.

    Amuka-Pemu said the reality in the country should be confronted and the ideas expressed by the author be put to test.

    Former Managing Director of the defunct Concord  Dr. Doyin Abiola said things might continue to go bad until Nigerians took decisive steps to salvage the situation for the sake of the younger generation.

    “I hope Tola’s book will spur us to another level, where we stop talking and start doing”, she said.

    Former Military President Ibrahim Babangida, chief launcher, was represented by former Minister of Communications Maj.-Gen. Tajudeen Olarenwaju.

    Also in attendance were former Daily Times Editor Mr. Areoye Oyebola; former Ogun State Governors Olusegun Osoba, Gbenga Daniel, Sen. Gbenga Kaka; former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko; former Ekiti State Deputy Governor Prof .Modupe Adelabu; General Overseer of The Latter Rain Assembly, Dr Tunde Bakare and his wife, Olayide; Ambassador Olatokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu; eminent scholar Prof. Adebayo Williams and Prince Femi Banjoko among others.

  • Corruption: CJN unfolds 13 reforms as judges get travel guide

    Corruption: CJN unfolds 13 reforms as judges get travel guide

    THE judiciary is not relaxing the efforts to restore its pride, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, has said.

    Backlog of cases, delayed proceedings and corruption allegations agaisnt officers are some of the stains the institution has been battling to remove.

    Unfolding 13 reforms designed to sanitise the judiciary and rid it of corruption, the CJN said he must henceforth approve all overseas’ trips by judges.

    The CJN, who spoke yesterday at the “Dialogue of organs of government on campaign against corruption and reform of the justice sector at the Presidential Villa in, Abuja, said all travels outside Nigeria by judges will now be with his permission after an application would have been made.

    The forum was organised by the Prof Itse Sagay-led Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC).

    Onnoghen also directed the court at any level to award punitive cost for frivolous litigation or delays caused by counsel.

    In the reforms, judges are now all to go to work and sit in their courts from Monday to Friday from 9am to at least 4pm.

    He listed the reforms in an address read by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa.

    Onnoghen said:  “In the recent past, the judiciary has been accused of corruption along with the allegation that when complaints of corrupt practices and unprofessional conducts are brought before the National Judicial Council (NJC), the Council shields or delays investigating the allegations so levelled against judicial officers.

    “Without considering the merit or otherwise of the criticisms, it goes without saying that the judiciary, like every other human institution, needs a rejigging every now and then to improve the functionality of the institution towards a speedy delivery of justice.

    “I have recently authorised the issuance of a set of reforms which ultimate objective is the speedy and transparent delivery of justice.

    “The delay in our justice delivery system is of great concern to me. This unacceptable situation inevitably dictates the need for a thorough and comprehensive reform of our justice sector to ensure access to justice at affordable costs and within a reasonable time

    “Such a reform agenda must of necessity require the cooperation of the three arms of government, namely; the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary, as well as other relevant stakeholders

    “The reforms I have introduced cover a wide range of issues; from establishing new modalities for appointment of judicial officers, to tightening judicial discipline regulations, and fashioning out a speedy way to clear backlog of cases, among others.

    “Clearly, any unnecessary delay of justice is equally an act of corruption. Therefore, to enhance speedy dispensation of justice, we are ensuring that the Rules of Court Procedure must contain a provision for the award of punitive cost by the court for frivolous litigation or delays caused by counsel.

    “In the same vein, I am reviving and strengthening the Inspectorate Division to go round the country and ensure that, in line with Public Service Rules, all judicial officers go to work and sit in their courts from Monday to Friday from 9am to at least 4pm.

    “And, in line with the NJC’s Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers, I have directed that travels outside Nigeria should be with the permission of the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria, after an application would have been made.

    “For enhanced performance, all Judges of Lower Courts in the country have been directed to submit Returns of Cases quarterly to the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) for assessment as it is done by the National Judicial Council (NJC) in respect of serving Judicial Officers of Superior Courts of Record.

    “The area of appointment, all judges of lower courts and other public officers such as chief registrars and secretaries, among others, are henceforth required to write examinations and be interviewed, in addition to submission of copies of their judgments to the NJC when they are to be considered for judicial appointment.

    “For members of the Bar who seek judicial appointments, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) will, in addition to the requirements in the NJC Guidelines on Appointment of Judicial Officers, assist the NJC with a separate assessment report on all NBA candidates being considered for judicial appointment.

    “In the area of discipline, members appointed to serve in any fact-finding committee will henceforth be expected to complete their investigation and report their reports within 21 days.

    “And, considering the increasing number of petitions written against judicial officers, we will constitute more committees to investigate the allegations therein.

    “We have a lot more in our agenda to strengthen and reposition the judiciary, but suffice it to say that fighting corruption is not the responsibility of any particular arm of government but that of every citizen of Nigeria.

    “Corruption or any other form of injustice, for that matter, thrives in a culture of impunity. To carry out a successful campaign against corruption, we have to fight the culture of impunity which is an attitudinal phenomenon. If we allow the rule of law to reign, then there will be a dramatic reduction in corruption and injustice.

    “Corruption starts with a decision by an individual or a group of individuals to do the wrong thing. It is as simple as that. Corruption is never an accidental act. The person who commits a corrupt act has an option to do the right thing.

    “As a democracy, Nigeria is guided by the Rule of Law where the Constitution is the ground norm. It is pertinent to mention that there is no ambiguity concerning the role of the judiciary in our Constitution. It is an arbiter between parties. The core issue in the mind of an arbiter is for justice to be done and seen to be done.

    “Corruption in the judicial arm of government happens if an arbiter, in this case a magistrate, a judge, a justice or a panel, having heard from all parties and having determined where justice lies, decides to do the wrong thing by giving judgment to favour a particular individual or party over another.

    “On the part of the judiciary, the NJC under my watch has constituted the Corruption and Financial Crimes Cases Trial Monitoring Committee (COTRIMCO) under the chairmanship of Hon. Mr. Justice Suleiman Galadima, CFR, JSC (rtd), to serve as a check on the excesses of some bad eggs in the Judiciary. I am confident that in due course of time; our efforts to rid the Judiciary of questionable persons shall yield results.

    “To match words with action, we did not just set up COTRIMCO but we have devoted a 20 per cent of our already lean budget in the Judiciary to the committee to ensure their mandate is effectively executed.

    “I have also issued a directive to all heads of courts to designate some courts in their jurisdictions as Special Courts to handle corruption cases. This is a step in the right direction as lingering corruption cases will be expeditiously dispensed with.”

    He reminded Nigerians that their collective efforts would be required to tackle the monster called corruption.

    Onnoghen said: “Every individual must resolve to do the right thing, at the right time and without compulsion if we are determined to fight the scourge of corruption to a successful finish.

    “Whatever solutions the experts will proffer at the end of this dialogue, let me add this, establishing a reward system in all strata of our society to encourage the good in us, will go a long way to encourage the values of honesty, hard work and integrity.

    “More importantly, we must, as a nation, humble ourselves in prayer, turn from our evil ways and find our way back to God.”

    The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption, Chukwuka Utazi, said: “There is too much lip service to the fight against corruption. We need to do more to strengthen our anti-corruption agencies to discharge their duties to all whether you are in the ruling or opposition party.”

    On his part, Justice A.D. Yahaya of the Court of Appeal said: “If PACAC was not there, Nigeria would have been at the worst end in corruption.

    “We keep talking about corruption. It is so endemic and it is alarming. The problem is the indiscipline with us. I am sorry for this country; I do not see any light at the end of the tunnel unless we face the campaign against corruption, the way it should be faced.”

     

    The Reforms

    • Establishing new modalities for appointment of judicial officers
    • Tightening judicial discipline regulations
    • Fashioning out a speedy way to clear backlog of cases
    • Speedy and transparent delivery of justice.
    • Rules of Court Procedure now to contain provision for the award of punitive cost by the Court for frivolous litigation or delays
    • Reviving and strengthening the Inspectorate Division to ensure judicial officers go to work and sit in their courts from Monday to Friday from 9am to at least 4pm.
    • President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to assist the NJC with a separate assessment report on all NBA candidates being considered for judicial appointment.
    • All Judges of Lower Courts and other public officers such as Chief Registrars and Secretaries, among others, are henceforth required to write examinations before being appointed
    • To constitute more committees to investigate allegations against judges
    • All Heads of Courts to designate some courts in their jurisdictions as Special Courts to handle corruption cases
    • 20% of Judiciary Budget to be devoted to Corruption and Financial Crimes Cases Trial Monitoring Committee (COTRIMCO)
    • All travels outside Nigeria by judges will now be with the permission of the CJN after an application would have been made.
    • All Judges of Lower Courts in the country have been directed to submit Returns of Cases quarterly to the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC)