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Tag: Security agencies

  • Wike: security agencies plotted to make Rivers ungovernable

    Wike: security agencies plotted to make Rivers ungovernable

    •Police: we’re not aware   •‘Stop blaming APC, INEC for your self–inflicted misfortune’

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has accused security agencies of being the brains behind the violence that marred the December 10 legislative rerun in the state.
    The governor said such a plot was orchestrated by security agencies with the motive to make the state ungovernable for politically motivated reasons.
    He said the police high command arrested his police detail who accompanied him to stop the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) Commander Akin Fakorede from allegedly rigging the Rivers East Senatorial District poll.
    Wike said the “indicted” policemen had been detained in Abuja by the police high command.
    The governor made the accusations yesterday in Port Harcourt, the state capital, while addressing members of the State Traditional Rulers Council who visited him for the Yuletide.
    He said the police high command insisted that the policemen should not have accompanied him to stop Fakorede.   Wike said he was compelled to take action because the previous day, a party allegedly used some policemen and soldiers in Ikwerre Local Government Area to beat up agents of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and force collation officers to “concoct results”.
    He said: “Security agencies orchestrated plans to cause violence with a view to making the state ungovernable for ulterior motives.
    “As I speak with you, all my police detail, who accompanied me to stop Fakorede from successfully rigging the Rivers East Senatorial District election have been arrested and detained  in Abuja.”
    Wike drew the attention of Nigerians to the fact that Rivers State had been peaceful since the conclusion of the rerun.
    He said: “Look at how peaceful Rivers State has become after the elections. Why was the election violent? It was because they wanted some particular candidates to win and they wanted to rig in favour of such candidates.
    “I was called to share seats. I said I would not participate in such a fraud. I insisted that the votes must count. Let everyone go for elections.”
    The governor berated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for allegedly conniving with APC to print fake result sheets ahead of the elections.
    The chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, King Dandeson Jaja, Amayanabo of Opobo, warned against the militarisation of elections.
    He hailed Wike for defending the rights of the residents.
    Police spokesman Nnamdi Omoni, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said he was not aware of the police detail Wike claimed to have been arrested.
    He said he could not speak on the matter.
    But Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) Publicity Secretary Chris Finebone faulted the allegation that INEC connived with his party to print fake result sheets ahead of the elections.
    Finebone said: “It appears that Governor Wike is allowing his present state of quagmire to affect him so badly that instead of heeling wise counsel and begin to act and speak with decorum, he is still struck with his battered old refrain. He should stop blaming APC and INEC for his self–inflicted misfortune.”

  • Abe urges INEC, security agencies to ensure credible polls

    Abe urges INEC, security agencies to ensure credible polls

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Rivers Southeast in the legislative rerun, Senator Magnus Abe, has urged Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure a level-playing field in the December 10 rerun.

    Speaking on Channels Television programme, Sunday Politics, Abe said APC was not asking for INEC and security agencies to favour the party, but demands that every voter be allowed to cast his vote without molestation.

    He said: “I am amused by some of the things I was hearing from the governor of Rivers State. First, let me say this: I think it is important that before anyone holds any office, he should understand what is expected of the office he holds. I believe that in all this, part of the problems we are having is that probably the governor of Rivers State has not taken time to study the Constitution and to understand his role as a governor.

    “If anything, it is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State that has received a lot of help from INEC. I have said it before, I can count the number of favours that INEC has done for the PDP. Let Wike mention one favour that INEC has done for APC. We don’t want any favour from INEC. What we want is a level-playing field where all parties can compete fairly.

    “Let me give you an example. In the last rerun, some of the seats in the election were inconclusive. The rule of the election put forward by INEC clearly says that where the margin of win is less than the number of voters that have voted, that election is inconclusive. So, those people who have not voted should be allowed to vote before those seats can be returned.

    “But in the last election, over seven seats, which were inconclusive, were returned in favour of PDP. We shouted all over, nobody responded to that.

    “In this December 10 election, the date was first pronounced by Governor Wike. He announced it when he met with some people that INEC was telling him that the election would hold on December 10. Where did he have that meeting with INEC, where that date was given to him? We were not invited to that meeting. That is not what the rule of this election says. There is no special provision for governors when it comes to electoral matters. He is an interested party in the election and he cannot have any meeting with INEC where we are not part of, where sensitive information, such as the date of the election, would be divulged to him alone.”

  • Amaechi: security agencies’ll arrest troublemakers

    Amaechi: security agencies’ll arrest troublemakers

    Transportation Minister Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has said law enforcement agencies will deal with those who break the Electoral Act during the December 10 legislative rerun in Rivers State.

    Speaking during the Freedom Thanksgiving Service in honour of Ojukaye Flag Amachree at Buguma town in Asari Toru Local Government, the minister, who was represented by All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Rivers Southeast, Senator Magnus Abe, said he was aware of threats by some people to deal with electoral officials and intimidate the public from performing their civic duties.

    He said law enforcement agents would arrest anybody who foments trouble.

    Amaechi cautioned law enforcement agents, who he said might allow themselves to be financially induced.

    The minister noted that such officers were enemies of the state and the constitution.

    He said: “Any policeman who refuses to carry out his constitutional duties because of anything whatsoever, whether by inducement or threat, is a traitor to the constitution of Nigeria.”

    The minister said he was aware that Governor Nyesom Wike had been encouraging his supporters to break the law and resist arrest.

    Amaechi said: “It is the job of the law enforcement agents to arrest those who do not respect the law. So, no governor can give you immunity from arrest. Let Wike send his brothers to go to the road and break the law. When the police come to arrest them, let them resist arrest. When he has done that, then we will know that he has the power to stop the police from arresting criminals when they break the law.

    “People who break the law before, during and after the elections will be arrested. People who are members of PDP and APC who break the law will be arrested.”

    Amachree thanked those who prayed for his release, particularly Amaechi.

    The APC chief said he was incarcerated for the crime he did not commit because of his support and loyalty to the party.

  • Embattled judges: Security agencies probe NJC Secretary

    Embattled judges: Security agencies probe NJC Secretary

    • S’Court defends strange account
    •Account opened under ex-CJN Katsina Alu’s tenure

    Security agencies have added the outgoing Secretary of the National Judicial Council (NJC), Mr. Danladi Halilu to the list of top level judicial officers under probe for corruption.

    This followed an intelligence report that some hefty bags said to contain valuable items and vital files were moved from the office of the outgoing Secretary to his residence.

    The council had last Thursday confirmed the appointment of Ahmed Gambo Saleh to replace Mr. Danladi Halilu who is due to retire soon.

    Also, the Supreme Court yesterday said the alleged account intercepted by the Department of State Security Services (DSS) was actually “an operation account for payment of subsidies” for judges.

    It dismissed suggestions that the account was to serve corrupt purposes as against logistics and trip estacodes of judges for which it was opened.

    It clarified that the account was opened in 2009 during the tenure of a former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu. It has since been in use because it is backed by law.

    Investigation showed that security agencies have been reviewing the activities of the NJC Secretary following the intelligence report. Some vital files were moved into the residence of the NJC Secretary.

    A top source said: “Security agencies have placed the NJC Secretary under watch following allegations that he is in possession of some documents.

    “They said they wanted to confirm the contents of these documents he shipped home, which they suspected to be classified.”

    It was unclear last night if the NJC Secretary might be quizzed or not.

    “We are certainly looking into some allegations against him but we will brief you later,” a top security source added.

    The NJC is statutorily mandated to receive petitions and evidence against corrupt judges.

    But the council has been under attack for allegedly shielding some corrupt judges from sanctions.

    In a related development, the Supreme Court has faulted the DSS claim that it was operating a strange account.

    It said the account intercepted by the DSS is an operation account for logistics, utilities and traveling allowances of Justices of the apex court.

    Some top staff of the Supreme Court are under investigation.

    They include the Registrar of the Supreme Court, Ahmed Saleh, the Director of Finance, Muhammed Abdulrahman Sharif and Rilwanu Lawal.

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who is counsel to one of the suspects, said the DSS was not fully in the picture of the account.

    He said: “The account was opened in 2009 during the tenure of His Lordship, Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu to cater for the logistics, utilities and foreign travels of the Justices of the Supreme Court.

    “This account was established by the ex-CJN after obtaining relevant approval for same in line with the relevant financial regulations. It was opened to mitigate hardship been incurred as a result of the introduction of e-payment exercise then.

    “It is from this account that essential services like water and electricity bills, purchase of diesel, fueling of vehicles and foreign trips of Justices of the Supreme Court are paid for.

    “You do not expect a Supreme Court judge to leave his job to go and look for foreign exchange to travel either for a course or international conferences.

    “In fact, the process of maintaining the account is transparent with cash officers designated to manage it. When the DSS operatives came, they were shown all the vouchers and the procedures for payment to judges.”

    Responding to a question, the counsel added: “The account was not a slush type as being insinuated.

    “In fact, those arrested by the DSS, including the Director of Finance, were elevated into their various offices years after that account was opened. They did not initiate it, neither were they operating it outside the dictate of the law under which it was established.”

     

  • Intelligence sharing critical in tackling crimes – Ambode

    Intelligence sharing critical in tackling crimes – Ambode

    …..Reiterates zero tolerance for criminality in lagos

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday harped on the need for all security agencies in the country to scale up intelligence gathering and information sharing to ensure effective protection of lives and property.

    Ambode also called for synergy in analysing opportunities and threats to national security, as well as the most effective methods to nip security breaches before they happen.

    Speaking while formally declaring open the 2016 3rd Quarterly Meeting of Federal and State Security Administrators’ Forum held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja, the Governor said there was the need for security agencies to re-invigorate their intelligence gathering mechanisms for effectiveness.

    Ambode, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, said the call became imperative since perpetrators of criminal acts are not invisible as they operate around and among the various communities.

    The Governor, who said security administrators have a great role to play in translating government policies to positively impact on the people and enhance economic viability of the country for prospective investors, added that security chiefs need to raise the bar in making the society safer and better secured for the people and investors taking into perspective the challenging global realities.

    “It is our duty on behalf of the people to ensure the territorial integrity of our country; this is the reason why we have the mandate of the people to serve as leaders and keepers of public trust.

    “As we approach the “ember” months, let us review our security surveillance and intelligence gathering frameworks to ensure peace and serenity across the land. Notwithstanding the glaring economic challenges, there is still a bright light at the end of the tunnel,” Governor Ambode said.

    The Governor, who recalled the massive investment of his administration in purchase of security equipment such as saloon and pickup cars, powerbikes, Armoured Personnel Carriers, gun boats, helicopters among others, assured of continuous commitment of the State Government to offer required support to security agencies.

    He said: “We are aware of the changing dynamics of crime across our country, ranging from attacks by Marauding herdsmen who have killed many people, the rash of kidnappings which is rapidly becoming the norm and the disturbing sabotage of government economic infrastructure which has resulted in huge financial haemorrhage that has impacted negatively on revenue generation with the attendant implications on our economy in the face of a global recession.”

    He, however, reiterated the zero-tolerance posture of his administration towards crime and all forms of criminal acts in Lagos.

    Earlier, Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello said the meeting which witnessed the presence of delegates from all the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, epitomized the primary essence of government as amplified in the constitution, adding that meaningful development can only occur in an environment with effective security.

    In his keynote address, Chairman of the Forum and Permanent Secretary of Special Services in the Office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Ambassador Aminu Nebagu said the negative consequences of pipeline vandalism in recent time on the economy was of massive proportion, and called on all those involved in the act to lay down their arms and embrace dialogue with government to achieve lasting peace.

  • Saraki seeks probe of diversion of IDPs relief items

    Saraki seeks probe of diversion of IDPs relief items

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Thursday asked security agencies to immediately set machinery in motion to investigate allegations of diversion of relief items meant for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps.

    The Senate President also asked the Attorney General of the Federation, Mallam Abubakar Mallami to prepare grounds to prosecute anybody found wanting in the diversion of items meant for IDPs.

    This is contained in a statement by the Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) to the Senate President, Yusuph Olaniyonu in Abuja.

    The statement said that with recent reports of aid relief deliverables being diverted by some officials in charge of ensuring the distribution of materials to the IDPs, Saraki urged the security agencies to immediately set up a team of crack detectives to investigate the allegations while the Attorney General should ensure the prosecution of individuals found culpable in the misappropriation of relief items.

    “Such reports are totally unacceptable. The IGP must immediately take action and bring all those that have carted away relief materials meant for the people of the North East to book,” Saraki was reported to have said.

    It said that Saraki commended the pledge of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to continue providing relief assistance to millions in the North-east, despite last  Thursday’s (June 28th, 2016) attack on a its relief convoy that left two aid workers, one contractor and two soldiers  injured.

    It said that the Senate President also “called on the security agencies and the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami to investigate the allegations that some aid deliverables meant for the internally displaced persons are being diverted by officials in charge of distributing to the people.”

    It said that the Senate President applauded UNICEF for not turning its back on the troubled zone, which has witnessed increased cases of malnutrition – primarily amongst women and children – since the Boko Haram insurgency in the region led to suspension of agricultural activities, destroyed markets, and hindered access to clean water.

    Saraki was quoted to have said, “UNICEF’s decision to press on in the North East despite Thursday’s attack is truly commendable. On our part, the Nigerian government must back the resolve of our international partners with greater coordination platforms in terms of security for aid workers and thorough mandate mapping exercises to ensure that we are meeting the needs of those in crisis areas.”

    Saraki further reiterated his call for an immediate review of the security situation in the North East by the relevant authorities, and urged domestic and international partners to step up humanitarian intervention projects in the region to save more lives.

    “It is a difficult situation, whichever way we look at it,” he said, “however, its situations like these that should prompt aid agencies on the ground to scale up their activities and coordination in order to save thousands of lives.”

    It said that late last week, unidentified assailants attacked a humanitarian convoy that was on its way to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital from Bama.

    The convoy included staff from UNICEF, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). Following this attack, UNICEF announced that it would be temporarily suspending “humanitarian assistance missions pending review of the security situation” in the North East.

    In recent months, the organisation has repeatedly issued warnings that of the 244,000 children suffering from acute malnutrition in Borno State alone; one in five would die if they do not receive the appropriate treatment.

    Last month, Saraki led a delegation to IDP camps in Maiduguri, Borno State where he pledged that the Senate would work on expediting the passage of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) Bill as well as look into the issue of malnutrition and shortage of medical supplies in the North East.

    The NEDC Bill aims to create a multi-state platform for the coordination of relief and donations to the zone.

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  • Lagos spends N6.6b on security agencies

    Lagos State has spent over N6.6 billion to equip security agencies in the last six months, the Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Samuel BabatundeAdejare, has said.

    He said the state government made security a priority to create the enabling environment for businesses to thrive, and as well encourage local and foreign investors to continue to do their busineses  within the state,

    “The administration boosted the Police with equipment worth N4.8billion last December, with more added recently by President Muhammadu Buhari. In other words, the state has, in all, spent over N6.6billion to equip security agencies in the past six months,” he said

    The Commissioner spoke on the sideline of the “Business Luncheon for Managing Directors/CEOs” organised by the Ikeja branch of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in Lagos, at the weekend.

    With Manufacturing in a depressed economy: The way forward as its theme, the forum ex-rayed the challenges facing manufacturers particularly under the current foreign exchange (forex) crisis with a view to proffering solutions.

    Adejare, who was Special Guest of Honour at the luncheon, said with the huge investment in security, the Police now have more attack helicopters, patrol vehicles, power bikes, gunboat armoured personnel carriers (APC), and bullet proof vests.

    He also said an aggressive inter-modal infrastructure provision in the transport sector has seen the injection of 434 new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) vehicles in the Ikorodu corridor as well as the re-launch of the Blue Rail Project.

    According to him, an ambitious water transport scheme is in the pipeline, while the health sector is also receiving attention, with the state approving a-N49billion Medical Park in Ikoyi. He said in addition, about 114 local government roads are currently being delivered.

    The Commissioner assured that with the state’s huge investment on security, infrastructure, power, transport and related needs of the manufacturing sector, “our government will continue to put in place policies that will make the state the premier investment destination in Nigeria.”

    According to him, the state already accounts for over 60 per cent of the industrial and commercial activities in Nigeria, which makes it a major hub and headquarters of key national and international businesses and professional organisations.

    Adejare however, said regular dialogue between the state government and manufacturers was imperative in order to sustain the administration’s economic reforms and innovative policies aimed at making Lagos an investment destination of choice.

    The Commissioner pointed out that such regular dialogue or synergy between the state government and private sector operators would lead to improvement in production capacity, rise in domestic and cottage industries, and more funding access to industries.

    He listed other benefits that would flow from such synergy as stimulation of new ideas, greater use of home-made inputs and products, improvement in standardisation of products, and boost in export products.

    Adejare also canvassed a more robust relationship between the government and MAN. “Some of our expectations from MAN include the need for manufacturers to strictly abide with the state laws on environment, sanitation and pollution; improve on occupational safety and health laws of their employees; continue the payment of statutory taxes and levies,” he stated.

  • Security agencies meet before polls

    Every arm of the security forces attended a crucial meeting ahead of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council elections, report GBENGA OMOKHUNU and VINCENT IKUOMOLA

    It was just as well that the council elections earlier scheduled for March 19 were pushed forward to April 9. Though the reason for the cancellation was to shore up ad hoc staff, it was soon found that security was also a big issue. For instance, after the polls were shifted, crisis erupted at Abaji, one of the councils where election was scheduled. Many said virtually all the parties were involved in the crisis.

    The minister of the FCT has called a comprehensive meeting of its Security Committee to forestall crisis in the forthcoming council elections in the territory.

    The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello who presided over the meeting said it was summoned to assess the security situation and keep the territory peaceful.

    At the meeting were Permanent Secretary, Dr. Babatope Ajakaiye, the FCDA Executive Secretary, Mr. Adamu Ismaila, Police Commissioner, Director of DSS, Commander Guards Brigade, Commander, DHQ Garrison, Com-mander, Navy Unit, Commander, NAF Camp, Commander, NSCDC, Commandant, FRSC, Heads of Prisons, Head, NDLEA.

    There were several other attendees including all the council chairmen, vehicle inspection officers, a traditional ruler, Ona of Abaji, who chairs the council of chiefs, among others.

    The Security Committee condemned the recent political violence in Abaji Area Council and promised to arrest the perpetrators and bring them to book.

    In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary of the minister, Muhammad Sule, the committee warned that the political gladiators should not test the will of the security agencies in the FCT as anybody involved in the Abaji Area Council incident would surely face the full wrath of the law, because the situation, if not quickly checked, may degenerate.

    The minister at the meeting stressed that under no circumstance should the security agencies allow anybody to cause a breakdown of law and order in any part of the territory.

    “The security agents must fish out perpetrators of the violent attack and be made to face the full wrath of the law because nobody is above the law,” Bello emphasised.

    Speaking to the security agents, he said, “I urge you to arrest any of those involved in the Abaji incident and make example to others, even if the perpetrator is a sitting council chairman here, because the law is a respecter of nobody.”

    He reiterated that all the political parties, particularly contestants, must check their overzealous supporters and put their houses in order.

    While appreciating the support the security agencies have been giving to the FCT Administration, he assured that his Administration would continue to work very closely with them to make Abuja safer.

    Making contributions during the meeting, the FCT Police Commissioner, Mr. Wilson Inalegwu addressed the political gladiators stressing, “enough of rascality”.

    He informed the meeting that the suspects are now fugitives, because they no longer sleep in their houses but assured that the Police is on their trail; adding that they must surely be brought to book.

    It would be recalled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), rescheduled the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Elections earlier scheduled for March 19.

    The elections  will now hold on April 9.

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for the FCT, Prof. Jacob S. Jatau, announced the rescheduling at an emergency stakeholders meeting

    Explaining the reason for the rescheduling the elections,  Prof. Jatau, said, “the Commission is committed to ensuring the conduct of free, fair and credible elections. It is also determined to deliver qualitative electoral services to Nigerians resident in the FCT.”

    The REC said that the Commission has reviewed its preparedness to guarantee the required results and, in keeping with its policy on transparency, decided to brief stakeholders on the challenge it has encountered in the recruitment of ad-hoc workers for the election.

    The REC said, “Over a period of time, the Commission has collaborated well and enjoyed a cordial relationship with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC): there is a challenge currently as the Commission has not been able to get the required number of corps members for the election scheduled for March 19, 2016.

    The REC said given this challenge, the Commission began consultations with the authorities of the university of Abuja to get the balance of the required number of ad-hoc workers which has been received but, “it is not possible to adequately train and deploy them for the exercise.”

    Prof. Jatau said, “In the light of this development therefore, the Commission has decided to shift the elections by three weeks. The new date for the Area Councils Elections in the FCT is April 9th, 2016. The tenure of the current Chairmen and Councilors will expire on May 17, 2016”.

    He called for the understanding and support of Political Parties and other stakeholders since the new date was still within the time allowed by law. He appealed to the media for greater collaboration in the area of dissemination of relevant information to the electorate.

    The stakeholders meeting was attended by the Commissioner of Police, FCT, Mr. Wilson Inalegwu; NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Omotayo Adewoye; representative of Directorate of State Security Service Mr. Ilupeju Adebayo; and Administrative Secretary INEC, FCT, Mr. A.A Adamu.

     

  • Corruption: CCB, security agencies begin discreet profiling of judges, workers

    Corruption: CCB, security agencies begin discreet profiling of judges, workers

    Security agencies are probing accounts and assets of some judges –  as part of measure to clean up the Judiciary – The Nation has learnt.

    The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) is also part of the “discreet” exercise, which will examine the investments of the spouses of such judges.

    No fewer than three judges have been reported to the National Judicial Council (NJC).

    The profiling of the judges by security’s agencies  began about two weeks ago, a source said.

    The CCB specifically directed judicial officers to “declare their assets or face prosecution if they defy the directive”.

    Some of those affected were alleged to have had unethical allegations against them over the years.

    It was learnt that some of them had wielded influence to avoid reprimand or sanctions by Judicial authorities.

    One of such judges made a fortune from “curious injunctions and rulings” during the countdown to the 2011 general elections, the source claimed.

    It was also gathered that a former Chief Justice of Nigeria once threatened to jail a Chief Judge after receiving report on his “sharp practices”.

    The judge has remained in office after going underground to allow the ex-CJN complete the statutory tenure.

    A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Some judges are currently under investigation by security agencies. These agencies are looking into the assets of these judges and Judicial officers.

    “Some suspicious accounts of these judges and judicial officers and their relations are also being identified. There are some using their spouses and friends for high-profile contracts and investments.

    “The outcome of the profiling may lead to the purging of bad eggs from the Bench.

    “The CCB about two weeks ago sent a directive to all heads of courts, demanding update of Assets Declaration Forms by Judicial officers and workers.

    The CCB said failure to comply with the directive might attract sanctions in line with the relevant provision in the 1999 Constitution.

    “The Bureau shall have power to  receive declaration by public officers made under paragraph 12 of part 1 of the Fifth Schedule to this Constitution.”

    “Examine the declarations in accordance with the requirements of the Code of Conduct or any law.

    “Retain custody of such declarations and make them available for inspection by any citizen of Nigeria on such terms and conditions as the National Assembly may prescribe.

    “Ensure compliance with and, where appropriate, enforce the provisions of the Code of Conduct or any law relating thereto.

    “Any statement in such declaration that is found to be false by any authority or person authorized in that behalf to verify it shall be deemed to be a breach of this Code.

    “Any property or assets acquired by a public officer after any declaration required under this Constitution and which is not fairly attributable to income, gift or loan approved by this Code shall be deemed to have been acquired in breach of this Code unless the contrary is proved.”

    “Receive complaints about non-compliance with or breach of the Provisions of the Code of Conduct or any law in relation thereto. Investigate the complaint and, where appropriate, refer such matters to the Code of Conduct Tribunal.”

    As at weekend, investigation confirmed that the number of judges reported to the National Judicial Council( NJC) has increased to three.

    A source in NJC said:  “From what was submitted to NJC, three judges are to be investigated. The number can increase depending on security reports.

    “We already have a case of His Lordship, Honourable Justice M. N. Yunusa who was alleged to have been bribed with N225,000 by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria(SAN), Mr. Rickey Tarfa.

    “All these judges will go through normal processes with the NJC. They are presumed innocent until the allegations are otherwise proven against them.”

    The NJC and the President are empowered to determine a judge’s fate in line with the process outlined by Part I, Paragraph I, Section 21(b) of the Third Schedule to the  1999 Constitution (as amended) and  Section 292(1)( a)(i)

    Part I, Paragraph I, Section 21(b) of the Third Schedule to the Constitution reads: “For the avoidance of doubt, the said Third Schedule, Part I, Paragraph I, Section 21(b) of the Constitution provides that “the NJC shall have power to recommend to the President the removal from office of (the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Justices of the Supreme Court, the President and Justices of the Court of Appeal, and the Chief Judge and Judges of the Federal High Court) and to exercise disciplinary control over such officers”

    Section 292(1)( a)(i) says: “A judicial officer shall not be removed from his office or appointment before his age of retirement, except in the following circumstances (a) in the case of the Chief Justice of Nigeria,  the President  of the Court of Appeal, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Chief Judge of the  High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Grand Khadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and President, Customary Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, by the President( of Nigeria), acting on an address supported by two-thirds majority of the Senate, praying that he be so removed for his inability to discharge the functions of his office or appointment (whether arising from infirmity of mind or body) or for misconduct or contravention of the Code of Conduct.”

  • Olubadan-Designate rallies support for security agencies

    The Olubadan-designate, High Chief Saliu Adetunji, has urged members of the public to cooperate with security agencies in the bid to promote peace and security in the country.

    This is contained in a statement issued in Ibadan by Alhaji Adeola Oloko, the media aide to Olubadan-designate, and made available to newsmen on Sunday.

    Adetunji gave the advice while receiving a delegation led by Director of the State Security Service (DSS) in Oyo State, Mr Laasan Baba, at his Popoyemoja, Ibadan residence.

    Adetunji stated that the cooperation of the public in the area of intelligence gathering had become necessary to reduce crime rate to the barest minimum.

    According to him, once intelligence gathering is accurate from the willing public, the possibility of identity mix-up would be significantly reduced.

    He spoke in the same vein when the Commandant of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Mr John Adewoye , paid him a courtesy visit at the palace.

    The statement added that the Olubadan-Designate has been admitted as a full member of the Ibadan Progressive Union, the oldest surviving socio-cultural club in Ibadan that was founded in 1930.

    He was presented a cap, plaque and constitution of the union by the President, John Adeniji, and the secretary, Fatai Falola.

    Falola said his union had produced five Olubadan of Ibadan, adding that his union had emerged as a stabilising factor in the polity.

    He prayed for a prosperous, peaceful and progressive reign under the new monarch.