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Tag: Senate

Senate urged to enforce cyber crime laws

The Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Crime, Senator Fatai Buhari, has said the Senate has a role to play in the reduction of cyber crimes by creating awareness on ways to enforce cyber crime laws.

Buhari, who represents Oyo North, spoke while delivering a lecture entitled: “Legislative Commitment and Cyber Crime in Nigeria”, during the Law Week of Faculty of Law, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State.

He said the commitment of lawmakers to curb cyber crimes changed recently with the passage of the Cyber Crime Act 2015 and Electronic Transactions Bill 2016.

Buhari said having passed the law, implementation of the Act and compliance by the executive, judiciary and the citizenry was required.

He listed the causes of cyber crimes as urbanisation, unemployment, quest for wealth, weak implementation of cyber crime laws and inadequate equipped law agencies, negative role models, high rate of poverty,

corruption, lack of standard and natural central control, lack of infrastructure, lack of national functional data bases, proliferation of cyber cafes and porous nature of the Internet.

March 20, 2017
Senate, Hameed Ali and bureaucratic laxity

COL Hameed Ali (retd.), Comptroller General (CG) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), is probably not the most suave public officer of your imagination, but he is always in the news, often noticeably but in an ironic way. In the last two weeks or so, especially after he ordered his men to retroactively check vehicles for payment of duties, he has not ceased to dominate the front pages. Alarmed that he and his men failed to see the treacherous pitfalls involved in that impulsive policy, the senate requested for his presence to clarify a policy they felt was both poorly timed, ill-advised and impracticable. He sniggered at the legislature. Then the senators got really angry and ordered him to present himself in his customs uniform, perhaps knowing his predilection for defying anything he finds disagreeable. He snubbed them with a rhetorical flourish advertised on national television, a demeanour that further incensed the legislators.
Finally, if the reports are believable, the president had to intervene to get the CG to honour the senate’s invitation and to do it respectfully. However, he still failed to don the customs uniform, because in his view neither the law nor the work he does, nor yet the position he occupies, makes the wearing of uniform obligatory. He, therefore, won’t give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s. He has been ordered to return next week in uniform. Mr Ali is heady and self-opinionated, and so no one knows whether he will comply or not. As for the policy that triggered the furore, the NCS has since suspended it, arguing that it was misinterpreted and misconceived. His appearance at the Senate will be nothing but routine once he wears the uniform, for the senators do not possess the depth and gravitas to deconstruct the CG’s defiance with all the philosophical rigour it deserves.
Mr Ali is not the first to defy and indirectly lampoon the senate. The constitution has given the legislature tremendous powers, but the lawmakers themselves have been perennially unable to rise to the stature the constitution elevated them. So, if they do not clean up their act, Mr Ali’s defiance will not be the last. The National Assembly does not boast of many competent lawmakers, and their principal officers, committees and their members and chairpersons, and other officers of the legislature have combined to sink the reputation of the legislature with their collective levity and triviality. This is what presidential aides, ministers, and heads of departments and agencies see before thumbing their noses at the legislature.
Unfortunately, government officials themselves do not possess the diplomatic acumen and general restraint to act nobly and deferentially towards the legislature. Nigerian leaders and public officers do not handle power and responsibility well. They are conceited, greedy and badly disposed to the restraining provisions of the law and constitution. With better training, and a deeper understanding of the workings of a modern government, not to say an appreciation of their own constitutional and bureaucratic limitations, public officers and legislators may become constrained to acting more responsibly and perhaps more intelligently towards their legislature and one another.
Mr Ali was impolite and unreasonable, and the policy he staked his reputation on was even more impracticable. The senate did not ask him to wear the customs uniform everyday; had he worn it on the one occasion they asked him to, especially considering he was appointed from outside the service, it would not have taken anything away from him. He unwisely allowed the matter to become a controversy from which he seems reluctant to back down, knowing full well that it would be anathema for the senate to climb down from their high horse after staking their immense power and reputation on an order that would cost them their credibility but cost Mr Ali little or nothing.

March 19, 2017
Senate v Ali: Drama and politics over uniform

As the face-off between the Senate and the Comptroller-General of Nigerian Customs and Excise Service peaked at the senate, Assistant Editor, Onyedi Ojiabor, traces the origin of the face-off and reports on the politics and drama

The build-up started with the Senate Committee on Customs and Excise scolding the Comptroller-General of Nigerian Customs Service, Colonel Hameed Ali (rtd.), for refusing to wear service uniform.

In the estimation of the upper chamber, the recalcitrance of Ali in choosing not to wear service uniform amounted to rebellion and insubordination against the institution he heads.

As if the controversy over wearing of service uniform was not enough, the Senate picked issue with the customs comptroller for proposing what the lawmakers tagged anti-people policy.

The parliamentarians were peeved that Ali issued a circular on retrospective payment of duty on vehicles.

For them, gleefully compelling vehicle owners who are end users to pay duty on vehicles probably bought years ago was the height of insensitivity by the NCS.

Like the ‘Ali Must Go’ episode of 1978, which saw students of higher institutions in the country do battle with a former Minister of Education, Colonel Ahmadu Ali, alleged excesses of Hameed Ali were itemized by the lawmakers.

They did not just list Ali’s ‘sins’ but seemed to have resolved that enough was enough. The spoken and body language of the senators spoke volume.

Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, started the altercation by alerting his colleagues about a planned implementation of retrospective duty payment on vehicles.

At the end of the debate the senate resolved to ask the Comptroller-General of Customs to put the policy on hold.

They did not stop there; the lawmakers summoned the NCS boss to appear before the chamber to explain reasons why the policy cannot be consigned to the dust bin of history.

The issue took a turn for the worse a day after the resolution when Senator Dino Melaye drew the attention of his colleagues that customs CG vowed to go ahead with implementation of the retrospective duty payment on vehicles irrespective of senate’s resolution.

The senate saw the position of the customs boss as an affront on its power as the highest lawmaking institution in the country.

Melaye who appeared to have found an opportunity to cut the customs comptroller to size was at his best.

“Mr. President, democracy is standing on three legs; one of the most important legs of democracy is the legislature and Nigerian Customs cannot function without the National Assembly because they cannot spend or survive without appropriations and oversight.

“If this Senate, which is one of the most vibrant Senates in the history of this country, we take a resolution and an agency of government will have the temerity, will have the guts, will have the strength to blatantly disregard the entire institution of the Nigerian Senate. It is a very dark day for democracy.

“I am a member of the Customs Committee, and I want to educate some of us today that the position of the Comptroller-General of Customs is a rank. As I speak today, we have Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs; the next promotion, if it comes to be, is Comptroller- general of customs and we have asked this man in the committee why he is not wearing the rank of comptroller General and he said uniform men don’t wear uniform twice.

“Then I asked under which law and I educated him by reminding him that he retired as a Colonel and General Hananiya retired as a General; he was appointed as the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission; he wore promptly and daily the uniform of the commission.

“Then, if that position is a rank and you are not wearing that rank, it means you are not even proud of the Nigerian Customs. I want to believe that government exists to serve the people and not the people in government, and if we have taken a position in the interest of the Nigerian people, an institution of government will show disrespect and disparage the Nigerian senate,” Melaye said.

The Kogi West senator reminded the senate that if the policy was implemented, the people that would be mostly affected are poor Nigerians.

“We need to check this properly because if customs people will now start checking duty certificate on Nigerian roads, I will not be affected because if the president is coming, no customs men will stop him to ask him for his customs paper; the customs people will only salute and he will pass; if a senator is passing, including Ike Ekweremadu, when he is passing, nobody will stop him to ask for customs papers, they have to standstill till his convoy passes. But we are doing it in the interest of the Nigerian people and they have now confronted the institution of the Nigerian senate,” Melaye insisted.

Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan who was also irked asked the senate to rise and curb the excesses of the customs boss.

The Lagos-West lawmaker further urged senate that it was time for the amendment of the Customs Act to streamline the functions of the agency.

The performance of the NCS under Ali, he said, had been on the downward trend.

Adeola did not stop there. He underscored the fact that the Service had recorded dwindling revenue while officers and men of the Service would become more vulnerable to corruption if the policy was allowed to stand.

Senator Kabiru Marafa, in his contribution said, “The customs need to know that they are under the people of Nigeria and Nigeria is under a democratic rule, and we are elected into office by the people, and we have a duty to protect the people of Nigeria.

“This kind of impunity cannot be allowed to continue. This is one issue that all Nigerians are unanimously against; it is condemnable and we cannot allow it to see the light of day,’ Marafa said.

Perhaps, the Customs CG did not realise the Senate may have wanted to use his refusal to wear service uniform to get at him.

It was obvious when Ali eventually bowed to pressure and appeared before the Senate on Thursday.

As predicted, he was attired in his traditional white caftan with cap to match. The talk when he was ushered into the Senate chamber after being left in the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang, for over two and half hours, was no longer the overzealous policy of duty payment on old vehicles.

He was completely washed down and walked out of the chamber to go and do the needful.

Call it “power pass power” and you may not be wrong. It appeared the Senate had made up its mind on what to do.

Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, may have put it in proper perspective before he put the question on whether Ali should be asked to go home and return with the proper uniform.

Ekweremadu said: “Distinguished colleagues, we have heard everybody and the CG. I’m going to put the question but let me just do a further explanation to the CG of Customs: Mr. CG, if you look at Section 2 of the Customs Act, it defines the officer and that definition is so comprehensive to include the Comptroller-General of Customs.

“I believe there are certain things the officers take for granted, which includes wearing uniforms. So, if that is what they should take for granted, I believe as the number one Customs officer, you should lead by example. Because if you create the impression that you should not wear uniform, then every other officer can also say there is no law telling them to wear uniform?

“So, we as leaders we must lead by example and example is the best teacher. So, I think we need to encourage those we supervise to obey the law, by ourselves obeying the law.

“Let me also further explain to you that why we still need to meet with you regarding the policy is that you simply suspended it. The suspension means that it can still come into force. We will like to have a conversation with you on the propriety or otherwise of that policy. So, you have an opportunity to explain to Nigerians through their elected representatives the propriety or otherwise of that. And then you will hear a feedback of Nigerians, also through their representatives. If Nigerians say we don’t like this, of course we are not going to force any policy on them. I think that’s why it is necessary that even after the suspension; we still need to have that conversation with you.

“We must ensure that we lead by example. The Senate, as you can see, is of the view that you need to come back in the proper uniform.”

The adoption of the motion that the Customs CG should go back appear next Wednesday in proper uniform was unanimous.

Ekweremadu amplified the resolution, saying, “The Senate observed that the Comptroller-General was not properly dressed. The Senate therefore insists to see the Comptroller-General of Customs in uniform on Wednesday, 22 of March at 10am prompt.”

As the Customs CG walked out of the Senate chamber, he appeared to be unrepentant.

But the import of the unfolding drama was not lost on some observers. Why take a job you are not proud to wear its uniform, was the question on the lips of some people.

March 19, 2017
Fresh anxiety in Senate over Ekweremadu

The battle for Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu’s seat is not yet over as All Progressives Congress (APC) senators begin fresh moves to persuade him to defect to the party or face impeachment, reports Assistant Editor, Dare Odufowokan

Nearly two years after his controversial emergence as the Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, strong indications emerged during the week that the controversies surrounding the continued stay in office of Senator Ike Ekweremadu of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the All Progressives Congress (APC)-controlled red chamber, may not be over yet.

Authoritative sources at the National Assembly told The Nation during the week that the Enugu-born legislator may soon have to follow the footsteps of some of his colleagues by dumping the opposition PDP for the ruling APC or forfeit the revered position of the Deputy Senate President he currently holds.

Ekweremadu became the number two man in the senate on the crest of an intra-party crisis within the ruling APC that saw the Likeminds group of Senators, led by Senate President Bukola Saraki, aligning with the minority PDP senators to produce the leadership of the National Assembly at the inception of the current senate in June 2015.

The development was vehemently opposed by the Unity Forum, another group of APC senators who were then opposed to the ambition of Saraki to preside over the senate. The Unity Forum senators, who recently got one of them, Senator Ahmed Lawan, elected as the new Senate Leader, are still very much opposed to Ekweremadu’s continued stay in office.

Specifically, a Senator from the south southern geo-political zone of the country, who is a member of one of the committees currently being chaired by the embattled Deputy Senate President, told The Nation that members of the ruling APC caucus in the senate may have resolved to retrieve the position back into the party as part of ongoing reconciliation efforts within the majority party.

“Just like you said, I am also aware that in recent weeks, there seems to be renewed talks among the caucuses about the Deputy Senate presidency. While the majority APC wants the position to return to their caucus, following the impressive successes made with the ongoing reconciliation efforts within the party, the PDP is determined to ensure that the status quo remains,” he disclosed.

The lawmaker, who pleaded anonymity, said that “even though the peace currently being enjoyed by the senate is unlikely to be disturbed, I cannot say the same of the position of the Deputy Senate President. You will recall how we had a seamless change in the position of the Majority Leader of the Senate, few weeks back.”

The Nation gathered that the APC caucus in the red chamber is working hard in its bid to find a way of ensuring that a member of the caucus sits as the number two man in the senate. “It is one of the mandates given to us by the leadership of our party, as part of the process that will see to the unification of the party’s caucus in the National Assembly,” a source said.

“You must also not forget that President Muhammadu Buhari has never hidden his displeasure with the situation where the opposition party holds the exalted position of Deputy Senate President in this administration. And as loyal party men who understands politics very well, it is natural that, now that the APC caucus is one family in the senate, we want the position back in our fold,” another Senator told The Nation.

Senate sources claimed that unlike in the past when APC senators were sharply divided over the Ekweremadu saga, it appears there is a common position amongst Likeminds and Unity Forum senators now that it is not politically expedient for an opposition senator to continue to occupy the position of the Deputy Senate President.

“The disagreement over the issue, as far as I can see, based on how we now feel as a caucus, is a thing of the past. The party’s interest is now uppermost in the minds of all APC senators, whether you are Likemind or Unity Forum. There is a common position now that it is no longer politically expedient for an opposition senator to continue to occupy the position of the Deputy Senate President,” The Nation was told.

Options for Ekweremadu

Findings by The Nation revealed that while APC Senators in the National Assembly are united in their rock readiness to get the position of the Deputy Senate President back into their caucus, not all of them are bent on seeing Ekweremadu booted out of the seat. A good number of them, especially within the Likemind group, would rather have him join the APC and continue in office.

It was also gathered that talks are in top gear with the DSP by Senators sympathetic to him, with a view to get him to decamp into the ruling party as a way of getting him to remain in office. Sources confided that several meetings have been held between APC senators and the Ekweremadu camp.

“It is no longer news that there are talks over the position of the Deputy Senate President. But it is not true for anybody to say we have agreed to impeach or remove Senator Ekweremadu from office. There are many options before us as we strive to achieve a united Senate as directed by our great party, the APC.

“Impeachment is just one of such options. It is not the only or final thing to do. To many of us, Ekweremadu is an APC senator in PDP. I have had the opportunity of working with him closely as a senator. I can tell you he is a progressive who should be more at home with us in the ruling APC more than he currently is in the sinking PDP.

“The situation we have on our hands now is one that we are hoping to eat our cake and still have it. We are optimistic that Ekweremadu will join us in the APC and retain his seat. That way, we will have the seat in the APC caucus without having to remove from office a Senator who has shown great capability to handle such a leadership position,” a source said.

But there are also APC senators who want Ekweremadu out of the post. To these lawmakers, it will be difficult to trust a man who has spent more than 16 years as a PDP chieftain and most of that he spend as a Deputy Senate President on the platform of the same party. For this reason, the APC must enthrone one of its own in place of Ekweremadu.

“Yes, I am aware of efforts to get him to decamp and remain in office. Like you said, it is an option for him. But my question is, is it an option for us as a party? I mean for us in APC. I will say no. Here is a man who has spent more than 16 years as a PDP chieftain and most of that he spend as a Deputy Senate President on the platform of the same party. In my opinion, APC must elect its own man into that position,” our source insisted.

A fear foretold

The Nation recalls that sacked Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, had warned against alleged sustained violations of parliamentary procedures, which he said manifested in his sudden removal, warning that Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu might be the next victim of the alleged disregard for rules.

Ndume, who spoke against the background of an emerging realignment of forces intent on establishing the hegemony of the ruling APC in the leadership of the Senate, had only came short of telling the embattled Deputy Senate President to be prepared for a big fight if he intends to remain in office much longer.

Ndume spoke at plenary, following his sudden removal while raising Order 43 of the Senate Standing Rules in reaction to his removal without his fore knowledge. He said the Senate was a national institution whose sanctity must be protected by members, insisting that he had done nothing wrong to warrant such treatment.

He said: Mr. President, I discussed with you before the sitting that sequel to the event that happened yesterday in my absence I went to pray, there was a change in leadership, particularly affecting me and I felt it is important for me to be given the chance to defend myself. I was not found wanting for anything that I know and because the unity of this Senate is more important than myself, three times, I offered to resign if that would bring peace but I believe that God’s time is the best.

“Having said that; I want to say that this Senate is an institution that we must protect. How you protect the institution is to obey the rules and the tradition. If today, just like that, without telling somebody and he goes out and he’s removed…If it is Ndume today and it’s ok. It may be, God forbid, Ekweremadu tomorrow.”

Also, a member of the Senate Unity Forum, Senator Kabir Marafa, once affirmed that the only condition that would keep Ekweremadu as the Deputy Senate President was for him to defect to the ruling party. He enjoined the Deputy Senate President to save his seat and kindly pitch his ‎tent with the ruling APC.

“I am using this medium now to tell the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, to please join the APC. It is when he says he is not joining the party that you can come back to say Ike has refused to join the APC; what are you going to do? I am using this medium now to call on Ike to join APC.

“He has the golden opportunity because Senator Ahmed Makarfi and Senator Ali Modu Sheriff have successfully, to our delight, caused a division in the PDP. We are always praying that their power tussle will continue. While I pray for Makarfi to have the upper hand, I am also praying for Sheriff to have the power and ability to sustain the fight, so that we (APC) will be taking the senators one by one.”

Adding that the senate will be more stable once Ekweremadu defects, Marafa said the ruling party will become one in the Senate once the Deputy Senate President becomes a member. He added that many APC senators, who are sympathetic towards Ekweremadu, would rather have him join the party than move against his seat.

“Then, I can tell you that the Senate will be stable and there won’t be any friction. The little issue we can then have may be due to human nature. You never can say that you will gather people and they will not disagree. I am telling you that he has the opportunity now. Let him just defect. The beauty of any political party is the people. If you can join us, join us. We want more people. Instead of moving against his seat, let him join us,” he said.

March 19, 2017
Senate turns back Customs CG Ali over uniform

THE Senate yesterday sent the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Col. Hameed Ali (rtd), packing from its chamber over his failure to comply with the directive to wear service uniform to the session.

The upper chamber had summoned the Customs boss to appear before it to throw light on the controversial policy on retrospective payment of duty on vehicles.

The invitation also mandated the CG to wear Customs uniform.

In line with the resolution, Ali appeared yesterday.

But, he was left waiting in the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang, for about two and half hours.

By exactly 12.05, Ali was ushered into the chamber by Enang following a motion by Senate Leader Ahmed Lawn.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, who presided, reminded Ali why he was invited and went ahead to ask the CG why he did not wear appropriate uniform in line with the directive of the Senate.

The Customs boss acknowledged receipt of the first summon, which required him to appear in Customs uniform, but claimed that the second summon was silent on whether he should appear in uniform or not.

Ekweremadu told him that the second invitation was a reminder that he must appear before the Senate.

Ali responded that on the issue of whether to wear uniform or not, he was seeking legal opinion and asked the Senate to also seek legal advice so that they could operate at the same level.

Ekweremadu then threw the matter to the floor for comments.

Na’Allah, who was the first to speak, reminded the Customs boss that he raised the motion over the policy on retrospective payment of duty on old vehicles.

He said: “I crave your indulgence to try and put a recital with what I can best refer to as unnecessary controversy.

He then referred the Customs CG to relevant Sections of the Customs and Excise Act.

Senator Solomon Adeola (Lagos West) put it more succinctly.

Adeola said: “To start with, this Senate, the highest lawmaking body of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, issued a resolution and the content of the resolution is crystal clear and which states that the Comptroller-General of Customs appear before it in uniform. The resolution still stands and what is happening here today is contrary to the resolution passed by the 109 senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“I believe it is only right and proper for the C-G of Customs to comply with that resolution and as you can see here this afternoon, every other person that have followed the CG of Customs into this chamber are fully dressed in their attire as member of the NCS and I want to say this, anybody can dress in mufti and call himself CG.

Senator Jibrin Barau (Kano North), in his contribution, noted that having heard what Na’Allah said, the Customs boss should go back and comply before he could be allowed to address that Senate.

Senator Magnus Abe (Rivers South East) reminded Ali that he is the image-maker of the NCS and should work to build the image of the Service he superintends.

Senator Thompson Sekibo said that the business of governance should always be based on rule of law.

He moved that Ali should be given another date on Wednesday to comply with the Senate resolution by wearing appropriate uniform before he could be allowed to address the Senate.

Senator Barnabas Gemade seconded the motion.

The adoption of the motion that the Customs CG should go back and appear on Wednesday in proper uniform was unanimous.

Ekweremadu amplified the resolution, saying: “The Senate observed that the Comptroller-General was not properly dressed. The Senate, therefore, insists to see the Comptroller-General of Customs in uniform on Wednesday, 22 of March at 10a.m. prompt.”

March 17, 2017
Magu: Presidency awaits letter from Senate

The Presidency is awaiting official communication in writing from the Senate over the non-confirmation of Mr Ibrahim Magu as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina disclosed this on Thursday on his twitter handle @FemAdesina.

“The Presidency will respond to the non-clearance of Magu as EFCC boss, after it receives official communication in writing from the Senate,” he stated.

The Senate on Wednesday declined to confirm Magu’s appointment based on a report by the Directorate of State Services which said the acting EFCC’s Chairman failed integrity test.

March 16, 2017
Senate walks out Customs CG over uniform

The Senate on Thursday walked out the Customs Comptroller General, Col Hammed Ali from its chambers for not wearing uniform as directed.

He was asked to return next Wednesday, March 22 in uniform.

According to the Senators, Ali should lead by example.

Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekeremadu had earlier queried the Comptroller General for not wearing his official uniform.

Responding to the question Ali claimed that the letter inviting him did not request that he should appear in uniform.

Contributing to the debate on the issue Senator Ibn Na’Allah said the circular issued by the Customs CG stating to the Senate that he won’t wear his uniform is derogatory.

Na’Allah cited sections 7,8 &10 of the Customs Act which states that the Customs shares same privileges with police and other institutions.

Senator B Jibrin said the CG needs to go and apply the law of the land by wearing uniform before he addresses the Senate as stipulated in the constitution.

Faulting the refusal of the CG to wear uniform, Senator Yayi Adeola said anyone can wear the Customs uniform and appear as the Comptroller General.

Senator Ali Wakili however said the Senate should temper justice with mercy, noting that Ali “is a man of integrity”

Sen. Magnus Abe pleaded with the CG to wear his uniform to preserve the image of the Customs and perception of other institutions.

The motion to compel the CG to appear in uniform was moved by Senator George Sekibo and seconded by Senator Gemade who said it is respectable and important for the Customs boss to wear his uniform.

March 16, 2017
Senate rides on DSS ambush to reject Magu

SENATORS yesterday again turned down Ibrahim Magu’s nomination for confirmation as Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman.

The upper chamber relied on the Department of State Services’ (DSS’) revalidation of its report on Magu to refuse the confirmation.

The lawmakers had on December 15, 2016 rejected Magu’s nomination based on a negative report by the DSS.

Magu, who appeared before the Senate’s committee of whole at 11.55 am, was asked to go by 1.38 pm.

In his opening remarks, Magu told the Senate that despite the efforts of the Federal Government, corruption remained not only pervasive but endemic in the country.

Appointed in acting capacity by President Muhammadu Buhari on November 9, 2015, Magu said he was committed to the anti-corruption war.

He declared his readiness to restore the glory of the EFCC by intensifying investigation and recover looted funds.

The EFCC, he said, is focusing on community ownership of the anti-corruption war.

He drew connection between the economic challenges facing the country and the endemic corruption.

Magu also said that the anti-corruption body would focus more on prevention of corruption.

The DSS’ letter the Senate relied upon to reject Magu’s nomination was dated 14th March, 2017 and addressed to the Clerk, Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

It was received by the office of the Senate Clerk at 5.02pm on Tuesday.

It is entitled: “Re: Nomination of Mr. Ibrahim Magu Mustapha as Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) security report on the nominee.”

The three paragraph letter read: “Your letter NASS/CS/SA/01/17/08/02 dated 7th March, 2017; requesting for security report on the above named nominee, refers.

”The security report being requested for on Ibrahim Magu Mustapha, the nominee for the Executive Chairmanship position of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has already been submitted to the Senate via Services’ letter No. SV114/2 of 3rd October, 2016, containing fourteen (14) paragraphs.

”Please accept once again the assurances of the esteemed regards of the DGSS.”

The letter was signed by F.O. Adams for Director-General, SS.

Asked to tell the Senate his response to the DSS report that made President Buhari resubmit his name for confirmation, Magu told the Senate that his response was made in writing.

He added that he would have made a copy available if he knew the issue would come up during his screening.

Magu said some senators knew how the EFCC started and how some of them were chased away.

The nominee said he was detained for two weeks and placed on suspension for 20 months on the claim that he kept official files.

He said he was later recalled and given double promotion.

Magu said: “Your Excellency you are aware of this.” There was laughter in the chamber but Senate President Bukola Saraki quickly quipped: “Mr nominee, I am only aware of what is on record.”

Saraki reiterated that Magu’s response to the DSS report was important and the Senate would want to share how he responded to the report.

Magu said there were two reports and added that the claim that he was living in a house paid for by an Air Force officer was false.

The house, he said, was secured and paid for by the Federal Capital Development Authority.

Magu said he did not even know when the rent would expire.

On why Sambo Dasuki is still in detention, he said Dasuki was being detained in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, which gives the prosecution the powers to apply to the court for extension of detention period.

Magu said: “At times in the course of interrogation, some facts do come up that would require further investigation. We don’t detain people unnecessarily.”

On seizure of property by the EFCC, Magu said before any property is seized, it must have been investigated and traced to proceeds of corruption.

He added that after investigation, the matter would be charged to court, which will determine whether the property will be released to the owner or forfeited to the government.

On detention of people, he said the EFCC do not arrest people.

Magu noted that there must have been thorough investigation before a suspect is invited to the commission.

As the screening progressed, Senator Shehu Sani (Kaduna Central) told Magu: “Today is the Ides of March. It is a very memorable day in the history of the Roman Empire when Caesar was executed when he came to the Senate. So may the Lord be with you.”

Sani continued: “We have seen reports of detainees dying in detention and people are reportedly being badly treated.”

But Magu insisted that there was always due process “in every thing we do”.

He added: “I am not saying what we are doing are completely right. I won’t say that.”

Magu noted that the issue of Desmond, who died in EFCC detention, was “regrettable” and “unfortunate”.

He said when the detainee fell ill, he was rushed to the hospital where he was confirmed dead.

He noted that immediately Desmond was confirmed dead, his body was moved the National Hospital, Abuja.

Magu said that the rule in the hospital is that “you cannot bring anybody from outside to do the autopsy.

He said since it was a case of sudden death, it was reported to the police for investigation.

The body of the deceased, he said, is still in the mortuary at the instance of his relations.

On how much EFCC has recovered, Magu said it was difficult for him to be specific.

The agency, said Magu use the technique of tracing, identification and recovery to recover looted funds.

He said recently some officials went to Dubai and United Kingdom in search of looted funds.

On why Dasuki alone is being prosecuted, Magu said everybody that needed to be invited for interrogation in Dasuki case had been invited.

He said: “Body language or no body language, the commitment of Mr. President to fight corruption is not in doubt.”

On Diezani Alison-Madueke, the former Oil minister, Magu said the agency was not probing her alone as being insinuated.

He noted that Mrs. Alison-Madueke escaped to London with some directors involved in the matter.

Magu noted that because the matter was in court, he would not want to speak on it.

On the whistle-blowing policy, he described it as new, adding that it is still fine-tuning for effect.

On the sale of a Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O)by EFCC operatives, Magu said he was not aware of the matter.

He said he would get back to his office to find out the truth about the information.

Magu admitted corruption exists in EFCC.

He said there was no political influence on the trial of some judicial officers.

The tone of the screening changed completely when Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi West) read the DSS letter reaffirming its report that Magu should not be confirmed.

Melaye specifically referred to paragraph 14 of the controversial report which states: “In the light of the foregoing, Magu has failed the integrity test and will eventually constitute a liability to the anti-corruption drive of the present administration.” It was received by the Senate at 5.02 on Tuesday.

But Magu promptly fired back that the DSS lacked integrity to indict him.

Magu said: “What does it say of an agency that submitted two varying reports on the same person, the same day?

”Up till now, the DSS has not given me a chance to hear from me. I have not be given fair hearing by the DSS.”

He insisted that he did not know how the house he was living in was rented.

Saraki said there was an administrative issue that needed to be cleared – receiving two letters from the DSS. “We will get the Clerk to confirm that,” he said.

The Clerk, Mr. Nelson Ayewoh, told the Senate that only one letter was received.

The clerk said that the letter received on Tuesday and dated 14th March, 2017 was reaffirmation of the earlier letter by the DSS.

Saraki ruled that the Senate had heard enough from Magu and asked him to leave.

When he put the question whether the Senate would confirm Magu’s nomination as EFCC chairman, though some said “aye”, majority said “nay”.

Sarki ruled that the “nay” had it.

Former Senate Leader, Mohammed Ali Ndume queried why the Senate relied on a letter not signed by the DSS DG, Lawal Daura, to reject Magu.

Ndume recalled that only on Tuesday the Senate rejected a letter written by an Assistant Comptroller of Customs on the payment of duty on old vehicles.

He wondered why the Senate would accept another letter not endorsed by the DSS DG.The Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) last night backed Magu to remain in office in acting capacity.

Its chairman Prof Itse Sagay (SAN) said after consultations with members, PACAC had passed on a vote of confidence on Magu.

“PACAC wishes to express its confidence in Magu and hope that he will be confirmed in due course.

“He can also continue to carry out his duties in acting capacity,” Sagay said.

March 16, 2017
Senate again summons C-G Ali for grilling today

THE Senate has compelled the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Comptroller-General, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd), to appear before the upper legislative body today.

This came after the Customs boss stated in a letter he wrote to Senate President Bukola Saraki that the controversial policy on car import tariff has been put on hold.

After reading the Customs’ boss letter at plenary yesterday, senators took turns to berate Ali for failing to honour the invitation, describing the action as unacceptable.

Ali had cited “recent bereavement” for his inability to honour the invitation extended to him by the legislative body.

Speaking at plenary yesterday, Senator Kabiru Marafa (Zamfara) described Ali’s action as an affront and a slight on the Senate.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu said it was not the duty of vehicle end-users to pay customs duties on the vehicles they purchase.

According to him, policies must not be framed in such manners to oppress Nigerians and the Senate would like to ensure that such policies make sense.

Some of the senators insisted that the Customs boss must wear uniform or resign from the service.

They cited instances where ex-military chiefs proudly wore uniforms of paramilitary organisations, when they were appointed to head same.

Many of the lawmakers also spoke in similar vein, with Saraki reminding the Customs boss that nobody was above the law.

Senator Thompson Sekibo (Rivers) argued that Ali’s action warranted the invocation of Section 89 of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowered the Senate to issue warrants to compel officials to appear before it.

Consequently, the Senate invoked Section 89 of the Constitution against Ali, insisting that the Customs chief must appear before it at 10 am.

However, the lawmakers did not insist that Ali must appear in uniform.

March 16, 2017
Gemade: Senate ’ll review FMBN, FHA laws

The Senate is to review the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and Federal Housing Authority (FHA) laws to enable Nigerians benefit from some affordable housing schemes, its Housing Committee Chairman, Senator Barnabas Gemade, has said.

Gemade, who spoke at a ceremony in Abuja, to commemo-rate the partnership between the FHA and a private developer, Bauhaus International Limited (BIL), said the deal would lead to the construction of Rockville Garden Estate, comprising 260 housing units in Guzape in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The estate, said to be a smart city, will be made up of detached duplexes, twin duplexes, terrace houses, two bedrooms, and one bedroom luxury apartments. The project has a completion period of 30 months.

He said: “This noble gesture is aimed at housing at least 260 families and is by no means a small feat considering the economic, business environment and current acute shortage of funds.” He stressed the importance of the National Assembly working in partnership with stakeholders to explore different interventions and bridge the housing gap at all levels and build more than 10 million housing units in the country.

Also speaking, the FHA Managing Director, Prof Mohammed Al-Amin, said the Authority intends to achieve greater efficiency in housing delivery, encourage the use of modern technology, as well as the injection of private sector funding into the sector.

He said the project was planned to add a minimum of 1,500 housing units to the FCT housing stock. It sits on a portion of the FHA’s 100 hectares of land situated across two districts of Apo and Guzape. The land was acquired for housing development for the medium and high income groups.

Al-Amin expressed the hope that on completion, the estate would provide a safe, comfortable, attractive and functional shelter, utilising the ambient terrain and a functional neighbourhood. He said the FHA has developed not less than 15,000 housing units in the FCT since 1991. FHA, he further revealed, initiated the private, public partnership model of housing delivery following its lean financial muscle to deliver on her mandate was limited.

The Executive Chairman of BIL, Victor Onukwugha, remarked that housing all over the world has become a hydra-headed socio-economic problem that needs to be tackled frontally. He therefore assured that Rockville Gardens Estate will be fitted with smart technology-sensors embedded in streets and homes, Wi-Fi broadcasts and other information and communication technologies for lifestyle living and also provide serenity, and security for its residents.

March 16, 2017