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Tag: riot act

  • Riot Act  

    Riot Act  

    • CBN should have sanctioned bank CEOs who failed to render returns on time rather than threaten them

    According to a report by this newspaper, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is set to wield the big stick against Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and chairmen of banks who fail to publish their annual financial statements of account 12 months after the end of the financial year. The erring CEOs and chairmen, it directed, should be fired with immediate effect. The directive is said to have been contained in CBN’s Monetary, Credit, Foreign Trade and Exchange Policy Guidelines for 2024-2025 posted on its website. The decision, it said, is backed by the provisions of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020.

    Excerpts of the report as published by this newspaper reads: “The CBN shall continue to hold the Board Chairman and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of a defaulting bank directly responsible for any breach and impose appropriate sanctions which may include – barring the MD/CEO or his/her nominee from participating in Bankers’ Committee and disclosing the reason for such suspension; suspension of the foreign exchange dealership licence of the CBN and its name sent to the Nigerian Exchange Group (in the case of a public quoted company); and removal of the Chairman and MD/CEO from office if the accounts remain unpublished for 12 months after the end of the bank’s financial year.”

    Interestingly, the banks, being publicly quoted entities, are also subject to the extant rules at the stock market which require quoted companies to submit their audited report and accounts not later than 90 days after the end of the financial year, or 30 days after the end of the quarter.

    Read Also: Fed Govt okays N350b to support dams, irrigation facilities, says minister

    The above obviously prompts the question: why was the directive necessary? Agreed, nothing in the directive remotely suggests that such breaches are industry-wide; yet, in the same vein it seems only reasonable to suggest that the apex bank could not have been crying wolf where none existed. In fact, the CBN, in putting out the information the way it did, while spelling out the dire warnings of the consequences of the breaches, not only attests to the existence of the problem, it highlighted the seriousness with which it views it.

    Could the affected banks be also in the breach of the capital market rules? Or is it a case of complying with one while ignoring the other? Nigerians will certainly like to know.

    By the way, who, aside the CBN ought to do the firing?

    At the risk of tarring every operator with tar brush, we would have expected the CBN to have provided more information than it had dared to put out. The matter, as it is, begs the question: how pervasive is the breach? In other words, how many institutions are involved? Other than cast the shadow on every operator in the sector, it is hard to justify the idea of bunching the guilty with the innocent. It neither serves any useful purpose nor serves the public cause.  

    In the absence of any ambiguity in the provisions of the regulations, the axe simply ought to have fallen with examples made of the offending players; after all, none of them could feign ignorance of those provisions. To the extent that the failure, which the CBN has already adjudged a dereliction, smacks of an intolerable abuse of public trust that should never in any circumstance, have been condoned, Nigerians would have gladly welcomed the sanction.

    It is certainly not too late for the CBN to offer the necessary clarifications. To fail to do that is to risk further damage to the trust held by the public in the financial services sector.

  • Polls: Again, FG reads riot act to INEC

    ..Says no more excuses

     

    The Federal Government has again read out the riot act to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The Federal Governmenton Wednesday said INEC is condemned to conduct election this Saturday; saying nothing less will be acceptable.

    Besides, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mathew Onyeama said the government demands 100% assurance that this Saturday is sacrosanct.

    Details shortly…

  • IGP reads riot act to corrupt, indolent, personnel

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, yesterday said the police force will no longer tolerate those he called ‘corrupt, indolent and disgruntled personnel’. He said this at the passing out parade of 285 graduates of the Police Training College, Eleyele, Ibadan. At the event, the IGP warned that erring police personnel would be sanctioned accordingly, adding that a total of 6,000 constables were recruited.

    Speaking through the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Abiodun Odude, IGP Idris said: “As policemen, you must have respect for the rule of law and fundamental human rights. Your loyalty to the nation and the force must be total. You are encouraged to toe the line of honour and shun acts capable of tarnishing the image of the force as there is no place for corrupt, indolent and disgruntled officers because erring officers will continue to receive  commensurate punishment.”

    He also enjoined the new police constables to be diligent, selfless, patriotic and constantly refresh their newly acquired knowledge and skills by putting all they have learnt into practice on the field in order to uphold the highest level of discipline and professionalism in the discharge of their statutory duties. “The Nigeria Police Force has the sole responsibility of policing the society in any democratic setting.

    “This could only be achieved through professional competence and equipment. To meet up with the United Nation’s recommendation ration of one policeman to 400 people, the Federal Government thought it wise to commence recruitment of another 10,000 policemen, our advertorials have since been opened for interested Nigerians to apply,” he said.

    The IGP noted that President Muhammadu Buhari has again approved and made funds available for the four premier colleges of Ikeja, Kaduna, Oji-River, Maiduguri and other police training schools across the country, adding that “this passing out parade comes, at the right time as the preparation for the general election, which will commence in few months time.

    “Our goal is to ensure that the members of the Force are made more competent, more confident and more efficient in the art and science of modern policing. As police constables, care has been taken to ensure that this training prepares you for new challenges whilst providing you with the necessary tools to understand and properly interpret government/force policies on matters affecting national security.”

     

  • Army reads riot act to troops, says mutiny will not be condoned

    Maj.-Gen. Abbah Dikko, Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, has said the military will not condone any act of mutiny by soldiers fighting Boko Haram.

    He gave the warning during a lunch at the Maiduguri Military Command Centre yesterday. He condemned the act of mutiny under any guise, maintaining that the law and ethics which the Nigerian Army was guided by would take its full course on errant soldiers.

    Dikko reminded them of their oath of recruitment pointing out that they voluntarily joined the military and as such must be disciplined.

    “You have decided to put your life on the line for the territorial integrity of Nigeria. So it is very important that we are reminded of our roles and responsibilities to the nation and our responsibility to the society, most importantly our responsibility to ourselves because we are not a conscript army. We are a regular military.

    “Those who have volunteered to serve and that is the only time you will volunteer, subsequently having offered your service, it is the responsibility of the services to deploy you where they find you appropriate.

    “So it is important that we continue to retain our professional comportment so that we can serve diligently. It’s important that we uphold the values and ethics of the system that we belong to,” said Dikko.

    The Theatre Commander was quoted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) as adding that, “It is also important that we understand it is a service to our fatherland. It is not a service to ourselves.

    “The bedrock of your service as a soldier is discipline. A soldier must remain disciplined at all times. A soldier must obey instructions.,

    On the fate of soldiers who protested at the Maiduguri International Airport, Dikko said they would be disciplined in accordance with military laws.

    “We don’t punish in the military. We discipline. Discipline is the bedrock of the job. If there’s no discipline, then we can’t have an army.  So if a soldier errs, he must be corrected.

    “We are focused and doing what we are supposed to do in order to finish the assignment that we’re given. No matter what it takes, we’ll do it professionally.  Everybody is motivated and well catered for.

    “There are some that are not here and you don’t know what they’re going through. You cannot say you’ve heard them complaining that they’re not in the townships. Some are in locations that are out of reach. S o we must understand the difficult times we find ourselves,” said Dikko.

  • LAGESC’s Corps Marshal reads riot act to officials

    •Don’t tarnish image of agency

    The Corps Marshal of Lagos State Environ-mental Sanitation Corps, LAGESC, ACP Daniel Isiofia (Retd), has read the riot act to officials of the agency warning them to desist from any action and/or inaction that can tarnish the image of the agency and embarrass the state government.

    He gave the warning while addressing its operatives at a special parade session in the agency’s premises at Oshodi yesterday. LAGESC is the rebranded Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI.

    According to him, “all acts of extortion, harassment, intimidation, illegal duty, absenteeism, and every other vices exhibited to sabotage or undermine the policy of the state government and the efforts of the agency will no longer be tolerated and they must stop forthwith.”

    He warned the enforcement team to ensure that whatever they do is within the ambit of the law, adding that within the seven months they started operation they have been performing above average which has attracted the governor’s commendation.

    “However, some of you have been performing badly and the agency cannot condone such, step up your act, all eyes are on you; your uniform is an identity you must protect. For those of you who still want to operate with the KAI mentality, there is no place for you here. For those who want to compromise and bring down the prestige of the agency, it will not be condoned. Anybody caught taking filthy lucre from street traders will be shown the way out,” Isiofia warned.

    While speaking to the press, Isiofia also called on the general public to cooperate with the agency and enforcement personnel to ensure effective and efficient discharge of their lawful duties for overall interest of the public.

    He said the agency is determined to promote and effect cleaner, healthier, safer and aesthetically resplendent environment in the state, which has necessitated beefing up enforcement activities in order to sustain the current momentum.

    Environmental abuses like indiscriminate dumping of refuse, patronage of hand cart pushers, urinating and defecating in public spaces, street hawking, illegal street trading worsening traffic gridlock on our roads, including several other abuses capable of compromising public health and safety in flagrant violation of the Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017, will not be tolerated

    The Corps Marshal advised the public to be vigilant and wary of any person (s) with dubious intents or acts to extort, mislead, harass or deceive law abiding citizens in the name of the agency.

    Adding that, “the agency has put in place effective mechanisms to checkmate acts capable of bringing its name into disrepute and will not hesitate to take drastic measures on any person (s) or officer (s) found wanting in this regard.”

    Speaking on challenges confronting the agency, Isiofia said it has just 800 personnel for the 57 local councils in the state which is grossly inadequate and that they need more operational vehicles and other equipment to work with.

    Isiofia promised that LAGESC operatives are significantly different from the old KAI brigade because the current enforcement team are properly trained and equipped. He enjoined Lagosians to go about their usual lawful businesses “as our men have been strategically mobilised and deployed to ensure sanity and assist in the maintenance of a cleaner environment for the benefits of all.”

     

  • INEC reads Riot Act to political parties

    INEC reads Riot Act to political parties

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Yakubu Mahmood, has warned that the commission will not hesitate to sanction any political party that violates the laws.

    Mahmood was also quick to remind the political parties in the country of the powers of the INEC to de-register parties.

    With the registration of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), All Democratic People’s Movement (ADPM), Advanced People’s Democratic Alliance (APDA), New Generation Party of Nigeria (NGP) and the Young Progressive Party (YPP), the number of political parties in Nigeria now stands at 45.

    The INEC boss, who spoke yesterday at the presentation of certificates of registration to five new political parties, said the commission would vigorously apply the law where necessary.

    He said: “The commission will continue to strictly monitor the activities of all political parties and will not hesitate to apply sanctions against any violation of the law governing the terms and conditions of your registration. I wish to remind all political parties that the law also provides for de-registration of parties. We shall vigorously apply this aspect of the law as the need arises.

    “ As we approach some of the outstanding bye-elections, the three governorship elections in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun states and ultimately the 2019 general elections, the commission will pay special attention to the conduct of political parties as well as their candidates and supporters. Hate speech and other violations of the electoral acts attract appropriate sanctions under the law.

    “I wish to assure all political parties that we shall continue to consult you as major partners in the electoral process. We will continue to work with the Inter-Party Advisory Council llPACl in our shared commitment to improving our electoral process. “

    Welcoming the five new political parties on board, Mahmood also urged them not to see their registration as an end in itself, rather “the registration should be an opportunity to exercise the critical role of political parties in the best interest of our growing democracy.

    “At the same time, I wish to remind you that from today, you are no longer political associations, but registered political parties. As you are aware, political parties are at the heart of our democracy. Under the constitution, no Nigerian can contest an election conducted by the lNEC unless he or she is sponsored by a political party. Similarly, under the constitution, you are registered to operate as national political parties. As such, you should remain committed to the politics of principles and development of the entire nation as articulated in your party constitutions and manifestos which you submitted along with your applications for registration.

    “You must eschew the politics of division, bitterness, mud-slinging and hatred. You must also be inclusive in all your activities by giving opportunity to all citizens, especially disadvantaged groups such as women, youths and persons with disabilities (PWDS).

    “To this end, I wish to assure you of the commission’s continued cooperation in promoting the growth of all political parties in Nigeria.”

    He also assure them of possessing equal status with all other political parties in Nigeria and all the rights and privileges of recognised political parties under the Constitution, the Electoral Act as well as a regulations and guidelines.”

    In his remark, IPAC Chairman, Mohammed Nalabo, warned against the proliferation of political parties, stressing that rather than seeking the registration for new parties, people should take a look into the manifestoes of the existing parties and join the one that fits their political desires.

    He argued that with a lot of political parties,the electorate may be confused during voting.

    He told the newly registrered parties that the IPAC is not a pressure group, but a common front for all existing political parties in the country.

  • Yuletide: Navy reads riot act to criminals in Abia and environs

    The Nigerian Navy School of Finance and Logistics Owerrinta in Abia State has issued a stern warning to criminals in the state to stay clear from the state during the Yuletide period or have themselves to blame as they are fully prepared to face them.

    Speaking with newsmen during the 4th quarter of the quarterly route match at the naval base at Owerrinta, the commandant of the school, Navy Captain Abdullahi Aminu, said that the navy in the state is prepared to face any challenges that criminals will come up with.

    Capt Aminu said that the route match is mainly to ensure the physical fitness and combatant readiness of the officers and men of the school, stressing that apart from learning that the naval men in the state are also security ready at all times to secure life and property of the people of the state.

    The Abia naval boss thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for providing them with the necessary equipment especially with the inauguration of three new naval ships, saying that with such gesture that it will go a long way in boosting the moral of the officers and men of the navy.

    The school commandant said that with the new equipment provided by Mr President that the issue of maritime piracy will soon be a thing of the past as the navy will ensure proper and adequate use of the materials to put a stop to such nefarious activities along the water ways.

    He commended the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Ibok, for his foresight in ensuring that the best equipment are provided for his officers and men to work, “We want to assure him that we are ready to defend the country and any where we may find ourselves at all times.”

  • Ambode reads riot act to building developers, contractors

    Ambode reads riot act to building developers, contractors

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday read the riot act to developers and contractors alike, saying that the Government would no longer tolerate flouting of building regulations in line with its resolve to restore confidence in the building control and supervision process to ensure a safer Lagos.

    Governor Ambode, who gave the warning at the celebration of 2016 World Habitat Day organised by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development with the theme, ‘Housing at the Centre’, held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, said that an additional 187, 500 new houses in the next five years would go a long way to reduce the housing deficit estimated at 2.5 million in the state.

    He said that much as his administration is addressing the challenge of housing deficit, the issue of safety concerns in the building sector was also top priority.

    “We are repositioning building control in the State with the engagement of qualified professionals in the built environment to inject the much required professionalism and safety.

    “Delivery of decent housing cannot be achieved in a chaotic environment. Hence, we are determined more than ever before to ensure compliance with town planning and building control standards as well as the implementation of our master and model city plans,” Governor Ambode said.

    Governor Ambode, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. (Mrs) Oluranti Adebule, also restated government’s commitment to simplifying the requirements for access to land and processes for the grant of Certificate of Occupancy and Planning Permits in the state.

    He said that that the demand for shelter and new houses had continued to rise due to population growth, increasing urbanisation and daily influx of people into the state, however assuring that his administration would rise to the challenge to address the situation.

    According to him, “Shelter ranks next to food as a human necessity and one of the social responsibilities of government. Provision of affordable houses remains a major focus of this administration in our quest to make life comfortable for the people.

    “We are determined to achieve this via policy initiatives such as Rent-To-Own scheme, Outright Purchase Home Ownership, Public/Private Partnership and strengthening the Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme,” he said.

    Also speaking, human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), commended the state government on the passage of the law on land grabbers, saying it would alleviate the sufferings of land owners.

    He commended Lagos State for being consistent in setting aside a day to celebrate the World Habitat Day, saying that it was a testimony to the fact that the government recognized the right of citizens to housing in accordance with Rule 11 of the International Covenant on Human and Peoples’ Rights which has been ratified by Nigeria and Section 16 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    In his welcome address, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, TPL Wasiu Anifowose, said that Lagos Metropolitan Area had attained a Mega City status due to its population of over 21 million.

    “This status is not only challenging to housing provision, but exerts pressure on infrastructure in the state.

    “This administration is repositioning strategies of delivering decent and affordable housing units to the citizens of Lagos,” he said.

  • Corruption: Customs chief reads riot act to officers

    Corruption: Customs chief reads riot act to officers

    The Comptroller- General of Nigeria Customs and Excise, Col Hameed Ali (rtd) has warned officers and men of the agency to desist from acts of indiscipline and corruption.

    Col. Ali issued the warning at Idiroko, Ipokia Local Government, during a familiarisation tour of Ogun Area Customs Command.

    He urged men of the command to adhere strictly to the rules and regulations of the agency in the discharge of their duties.

    He said: “I am here to meet with my officers and men. I feel that it is important to see your work environment and interact with you. I have made it a point that when I go round, I usually have salient points to emphasize because there is need to be on the same page in order to make customs service better.

    “The basic thing is discipline especially in a para-military organization like ours. Without discipline, nothing can be achieved. I want to say that in customs service today, discipline is lacking.

    “I am not saying that all the officers are undisciplined, but some of those that are undisciplined are the one giving us a bad name. Enforcement is lacking, people commit infractions, many of our men collect money under the table and that creates the impression that we are corrupt in the eyes of the public.

    “Henceforth, we have zero tolerance for corruption and indiscipline. When you do any of these things mentioned, we will punish you. Any officer caught taking bribe or conniving with smugglers would not only be charged to court and jailed but would also forfeit their illegally acquired property.”

    Expatiating further, Col Ali warned officers to desist from rejecting new postings and training programmes.

    “Under no circumstance must any officer refuse to be posted or refuse to go to where he or she has been asked to serve. You should desist from refusing to attend courses because training is also part of career development and uplift. Promotion shall henceforth be based on courses attended, promotion examination and evaluation of performance.

    “ I have also discovered that some officers have been promoted two steps above their colleagues because they have godfathers. That would henceforth stop because it is setting the service on the path of indiscipline.

    “Officers will be moved or redeployed every three years. And gone are the days when junior officers would look at their senior colleagues and spew out words of insubordination without being punished.

    “Officers must strictly adhere and apply the law governing our operations at all times. My parting words are that you must have integrity; be honest and transparent. When you imbibe these three virtues, chances of going wrong in the discharge of duty will be minimised.”

    During the visit, the leadership of licensed freight forwarders in Idiroko community called for the rehabilitation of the major roads leading in and out of the border area and reduction of import duty.

    The customs chief however urged the freight forwarders to comply with the Federal Government policy on import duty for a mutually beneficial relationship with customs service.

    Col Ali also inspected facilities at the customs command including vehicles and other goods seized from smugglers.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Area Controller of Customs in Ogun State, Mr. Haruna Mamudu, enumerated both the achievements of the command and some of the challenges encountered so far in curbing smuggling.

    He said: “The revenue collection of the command has been progressive since I assumed office in December 2013. In 2014, N6.6 billion was collected as against N5.4 billion in 2013. From January-September 2015, the command collected N5.154 billion as against N4.636 billion collected within the same period in 2014. The command has so many illegal routes with Benin Republic, notwithstanding, we are making progress in the command’s campaign against smugglers. From January to September this year, the command made 778 seizures which include 466 vehicles as against 1085 seizures in 2014.Also from June 2014 to March 2015, 65 trucks of seized rice (39,400 bags) from our warehouse in Abeokuta and Idiroko was delivered to internally displaced persons in Bauchi through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) as directed by the headquarters.

  • Corruption: Customs chief reads riot act to officers

    The Comptroller- General of Nigeria Customs and Excise, Col Hameed Ali (rtd) has warned officers and men of the agency to desist from acts of indiscipline and corruption.

    Col. Ali issued the warning at Idiroko, Ipokia Local Government, during a familiarisation tour of Ogun Area Customs Command.

    He urged men of the command to adhere strictly to the rules and regulations of the agency in the discharge of their duties.

    He said: “I am here to meet with my officers and men. I feel that it is important to see your work environment and interact with you. I have made it a point that when I go round, I usually have salient points to emphasize because there is need to be on the same page in order to make customs service better.

    “The basic thing is discipline especially in a para-military organization like ours. Without discipline, nothing can be achieved. I want to say that in customs service today, discipline is lacking.

    “I am not saying that all the officers are undisciplined, but some of those that are undisciplined are the one giving us a bad name. Enforcement is lacking, people commit infractions, many of our men collect money under the table and that creates the impression that we are corrupt in the eyes of the public.

    “Henceforth, we have zero tolerance for corruption and indiscipline. When you do any of these things mentioned, we will punish you. Any officer caught taking bribe or conniving with smugglers would not only be charged to court and jailed but would also forfeit their illegally acquired property.”

    Expatiating further, Col Ali warned officers to desist from rejecting new postings and training programmes.

    “Under no circumstance must any officer refuse to be posted or refuse to go to where he or she has been asked to serve. You should desist from refusing to attend courses because training is also part of career development and uplift. Promotion shall henceforth be based on courses attended, promotion examination and evaluation of performance.

    “ I have also discovered that some officers have been promoted two steps above their colleagues because they have godfathers. That would henceforth stop because it is setting the service on the path of indiscipline.

    “Officers will be moved or redeployed every three years. And gone are the days when junior officers would look at their senior colleagues and spew out words of insubordination without being punished.

    “Officers must strictly adhere and apply the law governing our operations at all times. My parting words are that you must have integrity; be honest and transparent. When you imbibe these three virtues, chances of going wrong in the discharge of duty will be minimised.”

    During the visit, the leadership of licensed freight forwarders in Idiroko community called for the rehabilitation of the major roads leading in and out of the border area and reduction of import duty.

    The customs chief however urged the freight forwarders to comply with the Federal Government policy on import duty for a mutually beneficial relationship with customs service.

    Col Ali also inspected facilities at the customs command including vehicles and other goods seized from smugglers.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Area Controller of Customs in Ogun State, Mr. Haruna Mamudu, enumerated both the achievements of the command and some of the challenges encountered so far in curbing smuggling.

    He said: “The revenue collection of the command has been progressive since I assumed office in December 2013. In 2014, N6.6 billion was collected as against N5.4 billion in 2013. From January-September 2015, the command collected N5.154 billion as against N4.636 billion collected within the same period in 2014. The command has so many illegal routes with Benin Republic, notwithstanding, we are making progress in the command’s campaign against smugglers. From January to September this year, the command made 778 seizures which include 466 vehicles as against 1085 seizures in 2014.Also from June 2014 to March 2015, 65 trucks of seized rice (39,400 bags) from our warehouse in Abeokuta and Idiroko was delivered to internally displaced persons in Bauchi through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) as directed by the headquarters.