The Nation Newspaper

Tag: ICPC

  • Hajj: 400 persons denied privilege in 2014 get automatic slots in Plateau

    Hajj: 400 persons denied privilege in 2014 get automatic slots in Plateau

    The Plateau Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has offered automatic slots to 400 persons, who were denied the privilege to travel to Saudi Arabia for the exercise in 2014.

    Its Executive Secretary, Alhaji Dayyabu Garga, told newsmen on Tuesday in Jos that the intending pilgrims paid for the exercise in 2014 but did not travel because their monies “disappeared”.

    “We have traced their records and offered them automatic slots. We have not been able to trace their monies and have invited EFCC and ICPC to investigate,” he said.

    Garga said that the board had asked the intending pilgrims to pay the difference between what they paid in 2014 and the charges in 2017.

    He said that 1,100 persons had fully paid for the exercise for which Plateau was allocated 1,400 seats, adding that the first batch would travel to the holy land, via the Bauchi International Airport, on Aug. 16.

    Garga explained that the board would not allow people above 65 years to travel for the exercise because it was energy sapping.

    The official advised the intending pilgrims to respect the rules in the holy land and pray for the country.

  • Dropped ICPC nominees deny fraud allegations

    Dropped ICPC nominees deny fraud allegations

    Two persons who were dropped as nominees to the board of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission and Other Related offences Commission [ICPC], Dr. Saadu Alanamu and Hajiya Maimuna Aliyu, on Monday denied fraud allegations against them.

    The two nominees were dropped on Sunday by the Presidency following a report that they had been under ICPC probe.

    But in separate statements, the two nominees said they were never indicted by ICPC.

    Dr. Saadu Alanamu, who was a former chairman of the Governing Council of the Kwara State College of Education, said he was never indicted for any corrupt practice at any time when he served in various institutions in Kwara State.

    On her part, Maimuna Aliyu said the allegations against her were cooked up because she stepped on powerful toes while serving in Aso Savings and Loans Plc.

    Alanamu said: “First, I must say that appointment into public office is a trust to serve the humanity. I would rather protect my integrity than take any offer that would rubbish the highest standard I have maintained in my public service career.

    “I was never indicted nor convicted of any offence or crime by any institution. The records of my stewardship are there in various institutions I served.

    “Even though I am not a politician, I was chairman of various councils and institutions at different periods which include Kwara State Council of Supervisors for Health, Kwara State College of Education, Kwara State Scholarship Board, Kwara State Rural Water Supply & Sanitation Agency, Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board, Kwara State Teaching Service Commission, Governing Council, Kwara State College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies and Governing Council, Kwara State Polytechnic Ilorin.

    “When I was nominated for ICPC, I was extremely happy to have the privilege to serve humanity with utmost level of commitment, sincerity and honesty. Nevertheless, with the turn of event on the allegations, I strongly believe the government will conduct thorough investigation over the allegations.”

    When asked if he was ever invited by Anti-corruption agencies, Alanamu said “sometimes in 2015 members of the board and management of Kwara State Polytechnic where I served as the Chairman Governing Council for less than a year were invited over an allegation that they favoured contractors from Kwara State for TETFund projects rather than other bidders from outside the state

    “I as the Chairman as well as the Rector, Bursar and the Director of Works were invited to defend the approval which we insisted that we considered realistic and reasonable quotations rather than the lowest bidding that might not be realizable.

    “When the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) intervened on the contract issue, the lowest bidder from outside the state was giving all the seven contracts.

    “Since then, more than two years ago now, I didn’t hear anything from the BPP or the ICPC over the incident.”

    Speaking on her travails, two businessmen have sworn to get rid of her for exposing the fraud perpetrated in Aso Savings and Loans Plc.

    She said: “On the 21st June, 2017, I had written a  petition against Aso Savings and Loans Plc, where I  catalogued the several infractions, frauds and corruption of Mr. Tunde Ayeni and his protégé; Mr. Adekunle Adedigba  over funds that were misappropriated.

    “ I duly submitted  copies of the said petition in June 2017 to Directorate of State Security [DSS], Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation [NDIC], Economic and Financial Crimes Commission [EFCC],  Central Bank of Nigeria [CBN], Independent Corrupt Practices  Commission and Other Related offences Commission [ICPC] and the Attorney- General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

    “It is interesting to note that two clear months after I submitted the petition with weighty allegations against the Aso Savings and the persons earlier mentioned, nothing has been done about it, but they were quick to go to press that I was being investigated to deny me of the appointment earlier made by the Acting President.

    “No matter how long it takes; the real truth about the plundering and looting of Aso Savings and Loans Plc will be made open irrespective of the threat to my life and my family. I have been harassed and openly embarrassed as a result of this but I am resolute that the truth will vindicate me.”

     

  • Osinbajo stops two ICPC nominees over graft probe

    Osinbajo stops two ICPC nominees over graft probe

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has withdrawn the appointment of two nominees for the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC).

    The government, in a statement last Tuesday by the Director (Press) in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Bolaji Adebiyi, appointed 14 members and chairman for ICPC.

    But, a message on the Twitter handle of the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, said yesterday the appointments of the two nominees, which was subject to confirmation of the Senate, have been withdrawn due to allegations and petitions against them.

    The message, however, did not mention the names of the two nominees.

    The postings reads: “We are stepping down two of the new ICPC board nominees, who have ongoing investigation issues with the commission as this presents a conflict.

    “While existence of allegations or petitions against someone shouldn’t necessarily disqualify them from considerations for appointments, this case presents a peculiarity as we have confirmed that the agency in which they are to serve is indeed investigating the two of them.”

    The names of the nominees released on Tuesday are Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye as chairman. Members include Dr. Grace N. Chinda, Okolo Titus M, Obiora Igwedebia, Mrs. Olubukola Balogun, Group Captain Sam Ewang (rtd).

    Other members are Justice Adamu Bello, Hannatu Mohammed, Abdullahi Maikano Saidu, Dr. Sa’ad Alanamu, Yahaya Umar Dauda, Khamis Ahmed Mailantarki and Maimuna Aliyu.

    Prof. Musa Usman Abubakar was to serve as secretary in the ICPC.

  • Osinbajo cancels appointment of two ICPC nominees

    Osinbajo cancels appointment of two ICPC nominees

    Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has withdrawn the appointment of two nominees for the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

    The government in a statement by the Director (Press) in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Bolaji Adebiyi last Tuesday had appointed 14 members and Chairman for ICPC.

    But a message on the Twitter handle of the Senior Special Assistant on media and publicity, Laolu Akande, on Sunday said that the appointments of two nominees, which was subject to confirmation of the Senate, have been withdrawn due to allegations and petitions against them.

    The message, however, did not mention the names of the two nominees.

    The postings read “We are stepping down 2 of the new ICPC board nominees who have ongoing investigation issues with the commission as this presents a conflict.

    “While existence of allegations or petitions against someone shouldn’t necessarily disqualify them from considerations for appointments.

    “This case presents a peculiarity as we have confirmed that the agency in which they are to serve is indeed investigating the two of them,” it stated.

    The names of the nominees released on Tuesday are Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye as Chairman while members include Dr. Grace N. Chinda, Okolo Titus M, Barr. Obiora Igwedebia, Mrs. Olubukola Balogun, Group Captain Sam Ewang (Rtd.),l.

    Other members are Justice Adamu Bello, Hannatu Mohammed, Abdullahi Maikano Saidu, Dr. Sa’ad Alanamu, Yahaya Umar Dauda, Khamis Ahmed Mailantarki, Maimuna Aliyu.

    Prof. Musa Usman Abubakar was to serve as Secretary in the ICPC

  • DSS warns ICPC, others over ‘illegal’ operations

    DSS warns ICPC, others over ‘illegal’ operations

    THE Department of State Services (DSS) has condemned the way some “impostors”, including other government agencies carry out illegal operations that are made to look like DSS operations.

    In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday, the DSS Specifically mentioned the operation carried out at the Kaduna residence of former Vice President Namadi Sambo by operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices (and other related offences) Commission (ICPC).

    However, an official of the ICPC who felt alarmed by the DSS’ claims stated that there was never any need or decision to mimic DSS in any of its operations.

    The statement issued by DSS spokesman Tony Opuiyo claimed that impersonation of its operatives take place under the watchful eyes of some agencies, adding that members of the public should be on alert against such antics.

    “The Department of State Services (DSS) has noted, with dismay and total condemnation, the activities of impostors, including some security agencies, who have continually engaged in illegal security operations, allegedly in the name of the Service, in parts of the country.

    “These impersonators, in some instances, try to mimic the Service’s operational tactics by using its symbols and paraphernalia, especially operational dress codes.

  • ICPC inaugurates 100 volunteer whistleblowers in Ekiti

    ICPC inaugurates 100 volunteer whistleblowers in Ekiti

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, (ICPC) on Friday said more corrupt civil servants and other individuals would soon be exposed as the agency prepares to start using its volunteers as whistle blowers.
    The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Ekpo Nta, said in Ado Ekiti while inaugurating the state chapter of the National Anti- Corruption Volunteer Corps, (NAVC) that no corrupt person would have a place to hide when the volunteers begin full operation.
    The ICPC boss, who was represented by the National Coordinator of the Corps, Mr. Mike Sowe said the basic job of the volunteers, includes intense mobilisation against sharp practices as well as providing scoops that would lead to the apprehension of fraudulent persons or group.
    He said the commission had realised that no country had ever won a war against corruption without making use of volunteers.
    According to him, no fewer than 500 applications were received by the commission from the state, out of which 100 applicants were selected.
    He said applicants were not expected not to be less than 25 years, must already be in gainful employment and agree that they would not be paid by ICPC for the work.
    Sowe warned the volunteers against deviating from the noble ideals of the commission and should not use their position to engage in illegal arrests, harassment or intimidation of innocent persons.
    He announced that a  training programme would be organized for all the successful volunteers to enable them to understand the nature of corruption as well as the operational guidelines of the NAVC.
    The ICPC boss said that erring volunteers would have their memberships withdrawn adding that the commission would also not hesitate to take criminal action against any abuse of position
    by any volunteer.
  • ICPC enlists pupils in anti-corruption war

    ICPC enlists pupils in anti-corruption war

    Secondary school pupils from across the nation have been drafted into the anti-corruption crusade as part of a multi-pronged approach by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to reduce the menace to the barest minimum.

    ICPC Chairman Mr. Ekpo Nta, at the inaugural National Anti-Corruption Debate Competition among senior secondary schools, which began yesterday in Lokoja, Kogi State, said it will hold annually among selected secondary school pupils in the six geo-political zones.

    This year’s debate centres on the topic: “Corruption: An impediment to sustainable development”.

    He explained that the commission embarked on the national schools’ debate because of the determination to carry out its duties of enlightening and educating members of the public “on and against corruption and offering public support” in combating corruption.

    The effort, he added, was part of the bid to prosecute the anti-corruption war in a holistic manner.

  • Troops to begin solidarity march for democracy across Nigeria – DHQ

    Troops to begin solidarity march for democracy across Nigeria – DHQ

    There would be movements of troops across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, in support of the nation’s constitution and democracy, the Defence Headquarters announced Thursday.

    The march for democracy according to the Director of Defence Information, Major Gen John Enenche, would involve the Nigerian Army, The Nigerian Air Force, The Nigerian Navy, The Nigerian Police Force, The Brigade of Guards, The Department of States Security, DSS, The National Intelligency Agency, The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC).

    Others are the Nigerian Customs Service, The Nigerian Immigration Service, the Nigerian Prisons Service, the Nigerian Civil Defence and Security Corps, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, and the Federal Fire Service.

    The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA would not be left out in the march which Major Gen. Enenche, said would hold quarterly henceforth.

    Enenche however did not mention whether the march was in response to the tension generated in the polity following the alert sounded by the Chief of Army Staff, Gen Tukur Buratai that some civilians were approaching soldiers for selfish political interests, nor was it in response to the quit notice given to the Igbo ethnic group by the Arewa Youth Forum.

    Major Gen. Enenche who addressed journalists as the Chairman of the Forum of Security and Response Agencies, noted that the movement of troops throughout Nigeria would begin on 1st of July.

    Supported at the briefing by the Spokespersons of all the aforementioned agencies, Major Gen. Enenche added that the march was not just for physical fitness of members of Security and Response Agencies, but also for upholding the constitution of the country.

    Asked whether the march was in response to hate speeches that have been generating tension in the polity, Gen Enenche said no.

    He maintained that it is a corporate excersize meant to foster interaction and good understanding among the Security and Response Agencies, especially in the face of comtemporary security challenges in the country.

    Gen. Enenche said the exercize tagged “Together We Are” would be conducted on quartely basis and the slogan would be Together We Are: Protecting Lives and Property,  Ensuring Unity and Progress,  Supporting Democracy,  Upholding the Constitution, and Defending National Interests.

    Although Gen. Enenche did not disclose the routes of the solidarity march for security reasons, he however said there was no need for panic regarding the exersize.

    His words “The physical fitness of members of the Security and Response Agencies is germaine to the effectiveness of its members, especially in the face of contemporary security challenges in the Country. In the same vein, group interaction through an exercise such as route march is an enhancer of espirit de corps and harmony among members of the Security and Response Agencies.

    “It is in view of these, that a Route March Exercise titled “TOGETHER WE ARE” is to be conducted on quarterly basis involving the Military, Para Military and Security Responses Agencies in Nigeria. The slogan for the Exercise is: ”TOGETHER WE ARE ”

    a. Protecting Lives and Property.  b. Ensuring Unity and Progress.  c. Supporting Democracy.  d. Upholding the Constitution.  e. Defending National Interests.

    “Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  Long Live the Security Agencies.

    ” The maiden “TOGETHER WE ARE” route march exercise will take place across the Nation on 1st July 2017. The general public is hereby notified that there will be movement of troops and other security agencies in the course of this exercise.

    ” Your cooperation and understanding is highly solicited. Be rest assured that; Together we, as members of the Security and Response Agencies in Nigeria are always there to; Protect  Lives and Property; Ensure Unity and Progress, Support Democracy, Uphold the Constitution and Defend our National interests. ”

    Gen. Enenche appealled to the media to assist in passing the right message across to Nigerians, saying at this period in the nation’s history we should be working together for the peace, progress and stability of the country.

  • ICPC raids ex-VP Sambo’s home

    ICPC raids ex-VP Sambo’s home

    Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) operatives yesterday raided the Kaduna home of former Vice President Namadi Sambo.

    They had a search warrant and a bullion van.

    It was learnt that the operatives of the anti-graft agency stormed Sambo’s home on Alimi Road, Kaduna  about 3pm.

    Eyewitness accounts also said the ICPC operatives, who rode in a bus, two Hilux vans and a bullion van, searched the house for two hours.

    According to the residents, “They (ICPC operatives) came with heavily armed security personnel and raided the house for two hours between3pm and 5pm”.

    When our correspondent visited the house, fierce-looking securitymen threatened to shoot at anyone who came close to the house. They did not listen to reporters.

    “We are not sure whether this time they found something in the house. But we are suspecting something, because this time, they came with a bullion van,” a resident of the area said.

    A source close to the former VP said anti-graft agencies had raided the house five times without finding anything.

    He said: “I want to assure you that this time again nothing would be found because the former Vice President is not a corrupt person.”

    The spokesman of the former Vice President, Mallam Umar Sani, said the ICPC officials came with a court order to search the residence and tha it was not the first time.

    He added: “This is not the first time they are searching the house. They have csearched the house on several occasions. Today, they came with a court order and gave a copy of the court order to the CSO (Chief Security Officer) in the house.

    “After they finished the search, they wrote at the back page of the court order that they gave to the CSO that they didn’t find anything and they left. So, we are not surprised because it has now become a routine activity.”

  • BPE to directors: Violate code, face EFCC, ICPC

    BPE to directors: Violate code, face EFCC, ICPC

    • Institutes code of ethics for alternate directors

    The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) is placing investigation, sanction, sack and wrath of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Crimes Commission (ICPC) ahead of its directors.

    A highly place reliable source at the Presidency, who made this disclosure to The Nation in Abuja on Wednesday, added that the sanctions are part of the measures to tackle corruption in the Code of Ethics that the new Director General of the Bureau, Mr Alex Okoh has instituted.

    Enforcement and compliance with the code of ethics by directors and alternate directors shall be part of the monitoring mandate of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) that the ICPC will inaugurate on Friday.

    According to the source, “the BPE has instituted a code of ethics for directors and alternate directors representing BPE on boards of privatised enterprises on behalf Federal Government of Nigeria.”

    It was however learnt that the code of ethics applies to the director sitting on the board of privatised enterprises in which the federal government has equity or interest and any such person that may be nominated to act as alternate director of the directors’ behalf.

    A document that The Nation stumbled on in Abuja said that “in the event that the director/alternate directors violate the terms of this code of ethics, the bureau shall impose appropriate disciplinary measures of impropriety as contained in S.14 of the BPE staff manual.

    This would be without prejudice to the penalties imposed under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000; Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act, 2004; and any other relevant laws.

    “In addition to sanctioning regime contained in Clause 14 of the BPE Staff Manual, the Director shall withdraw the nomination of  Alternate Director found culpable of violating this Code of Ethics.”

    The Director General had on assumption of office on April 21 said that his administration would also work to sustain the positive image of the Bureau while at the same time strive to change the negative perception held by some people about the BPE in the execution of its mandate.

    He promised to step up the post-privatization monitoring activities of the Bureau to ensure that owners of privatised enterprises live up to the covenants they signed with the Bureau so that Nigerians could derive maximum benefits from the privatised enterprises.

    The code of ethics for director/alternate directors that he has now instituted is that they (directors) “Report to the Bureau any concerns about unethical behaviour, actual or suspected fraud or violation of the Enterprise’s Code of Conduct Policy.

    “Act within his authority to protect the legitimate interest of the Enterprise, the FGN, Shareholders and its Employees.

    Where he has concerns about the running of the Enterprise or a proposed action, ensure that these are addressed by the Board and to the extent that they are not resolved, insist that the concerns are recorded in the minutes of the Board meeting.

    “Refrain from intruding in administrative issues that are the responsibility of the management of the Enterprise, except to monitor the results and ensure that procedures are consistent with Board Policy.

    “The Director/Alternate Directors shall ensure that their interaction with other Board members and representatives of the company before a Board meeting or a Board function are above board with no real or perceived indication of compromise on his part.

    ” The Director/Alternate Directors shall ensure that decisions on aspects that are provided for in the acquisition documents with the Bureau must be adhered to. Where there is the insistence of going against enshrined provisions in divestiture Agreements, the Director/Alternate Directors must insist on being recorded as disagreeing with the decision.

    The Director/Alternate Directors shall develop the ability to listen well, courage to speak up, patience and capability to ask the tough, probing but tactful questions in a way that doesn’t alienate others and that is helpful, not embarrassing, to the management of the Enterprise.

    “The Director/Alternate Directors shall ensure that critical matters that have come before the Board for consideration have first been filtered and considered by the relevant Sub-Committees.

    “The Director/Alternate Directors shall undertake the diligent analysis of all proposals placed before the Board and act with the level of skill expected from Directors.

    “The Director/Alternate Directors shall carry out their fiduciary obligations responsibly, that is, to take appropriate measures to ensure that the Board uses the Enterprises resources efficiently, economically and effectively, avoiding waste and extravagance; and

    “Attend the interaction forum for Board Members within the Bureau as a peer review tool and also a learning curve for future improvement.”

    It was, however, learnt that the tenure of an Alternate Director so designated by the Director shall be one year, subject to renewal for a maximum of one more year, at the discretion of the Director-General.