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Tag: Shun corruption

  • Civil servants urged to shun corruption

    Civil servants have been urged to shun corruption and other related offences in their work places, in line with the anti-corruption mantra of the government.

    Human Resources Management Director, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ajibola Ibrahim, made the call in Abuja during the Sensitisation and Awareness Creation Workshop on Transparency and Anti-Corruption Practices, organised for junior officers.

    Ajibola said the workshop would educate the participants on the proper understanding of corruption, as well as their roles in curbing the menace.

    She noted that corruption was not limited to financial crimes alone, but included the little things you do, or neglect to do, in the conduct of your daily duties like movement of files, handling mails/other official documents.

    Also, the Ministry’s  Director, Special Duties/Projects, Dr. M. E. Nwordu, said the workshop would arm junior officers with adequate information to guide their engagements in line with the principles and practices of transparency.

    She was optimistic that the workshop would lead to enhanced service delivery and aid the war against corruption.

    In his presentation : “The integrity imperative in the workplace”, the Resource Person from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mr. Ahmed Abdul, enjoined the management of the ministry to provide not only punitive measures for corrupt practices, but also reward officers for outstanding performance as a motivation to staff.

  • Fed Govt urges workers to shun corruption

    The Federal Government has urged civil servants to shun corruption  and other offences in their work places, in line with the anti-corruption mantra of the government.

    Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment Permanent Secretary Mrs Ibukun Odusote made the call in Abuja when she flagged off a sensitisation workshop on transparency and anti-corruption practices, organised for junior officers.

    Represented by Human Resource Management Director Ajibola Ibrahim, Odusote said the workshop would educate participants on the proper understanding of corruption, as well as their roles, individually and collectively, in curbing the menace.

    She explained that corruption was not limited to financial crimes alone, but included: “the little things you do, or neglect to do in the conduct of your daily schedule of duties like movement of files, handling mails/other official documents, among others”.

    In a welcome address, Special Duties/Projects Director, Dr. M. E. Nwordu, said the workshop was organised to equip he junior officers with adequate information to guide their official engagements to be in line with the principles and practices of transparency devoid of corruption.

    She expected the workshop to usher in a significant improvement in service delivery by the officers, which would consequently aid the war against corruption as instituted by government.

    In his presentation titled “The Integrity Imperative in the Workplace”, the resource person from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mr. Ahmed Abdul, discussed corruption in the workplace – the definition, forms, causes and consequences.

    He also stated the importance of integrity in the workplace and its positive impact on any organisation.

    Abdul enjoined the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment management to not only provide punitive measures for corrupt practices, but also reward officers for outstanding performance as a motivation to members of the staff.

  • ANAN chief urges accountants to embrace integrity, shun corruption

    The President of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Shehu Ladan, has urged newly-inducted Fellows of theassociation to lead the campaign against corruption and embrace integrity in discharging their obligations to the profession.

    He spoke during the conferment of Fellowship Awards onmembers of the association as part of activities lined up for the 23rd Annual Conference of Certified National Accountants held in Abuja.

    According to a statement by ANAN, these awards signaled another phase in their callings as professionals and bring to bear their expertise and practical experience in the Accounting profession.

    “As Fellows, you are now saddled with a lot of responsibilities. You are mirrors with which others see the association. You should eschew unethical behaviour and live above board, watch your public utterances, especially on matters affecting the association and the profession. You should serve as role models for the younger members of the association and the profession.’’ the ANAN president said.

    He said that the conferment of Fellowship was a privilege earned out of hard work, dedication and commitment to the association in particular and the Accountancy profession in general.

    It is for these reasons that you have been found worthy, fit and asproper professionals to merit this prestigious award. Selection is done from Branches nominations. Nominees must have spent not less than 10 years in the profession since qualifying as a Certified National Accountant (CNA).

    “The Council reserves the right to nominate any member who has made outstanding contributions to the progress and development of the association, ‘’ Ladan said.

    He explained that: “Fellowship of ANAN, like any other professional body goes with certain specific privileges of symbolic or material nature or both.

    “They include among others, the use of the acronym – FCNA- FellowCertified National Accountants, after your names.

    “Sitting at the front row of seats during functions of the association.

    “Wearing of specially designed medal/lapel pins to distinguish themfrom other members. Seeking their advice jointly or severally on matters of interest to the association.’’

    In a paper entitled “Enhancing Taxation as Alternative to Oil’’,

    Prof. Teju Somorin, Immediate Past President, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), said that quite a number of tax authorities had been developing strategies and approaches to improve the non-oil tax revenue collection and even recovery processes to have a robust revenue yield.

    “Given the recent unstable nature of oil revenues globally, the three tiers of governments have in the last few years noted the need to diversify sources of revenue generation so that funding of government budgets will not be affected.

    “Nigeria experienced her first recession in over 20 years in 2016 during which period virtually all the major sectors of the economy were severely affected by the plunge in crude oil prices, decline in oil production, and the reduction in non-oil exports, all of which contributed to the acute scarcity of foreign exchange.

    “In view of the prevailing circumstances, Nigeria’s government, whichdepends largely on revenues from oil, acknowledged the need to reduce the economy’s oil dependency, setting up a number of initiatives aimed at diversifying the economy.

    “Non-oil revenue projections are guided by expected growth in non-oil output and improved efficiency in revenue collection in respect of

    Customs duties, companies income tax and the Value Added Tax which is projected to hit N90.48 trillion in 2018 compared to the estimated target of N83.84 trillion for 2017.

    “Additionally, there is expected 42 per cent increase in Value Added Taxcollection in 2018,’’ Somorin said.

     

    Somorin mentioned another form of tax amnesty introduced to increase

    non-oil revenue and promote tax compliance – Voluntary Assets and

    Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS).

     

    She said that in line with global best practice on disclosure of

    information and declaration of assets. VAIDS was designed to encourage

    voluntary disclosure of previously undisclosed assets and income for

    the purpose of payment of all outstanding tax liabilities to boost

    revenue collection.

     

     

     

  • Shun corruption, CJN warns SANs

    •Onnoghen orders inspection of detention facilities

    Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Walter Onnoghen yesterday warned Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs)  and other lawyers not to engage in corrupt practices.

    Onnoghen decried misconduct of some senior lawyers, which had brought disrepute to the profession.

    He spoke in Lagos yesterday at the maiden annual lecture of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN).

    Onnoghen said: “I urge you all to shun corruption and avoid all forms of misconduct, because if one is not qualified to wear silk as a judicial officer, he remains unqualified to wear same as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.”

    Guests at the event included retired Supreme Court Justice Justice Emmanuel Ayoola, former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Chief Bayo Ojo, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Abubakar Mahmoud, first female SAN Chief ‘Folake Solanke among others.

    The CJN berated SANs, who disrespect judges, advised them to change their ways.

    He said: “We feel so big. In fact, the way some of you address the Bench, you look down on the judges. Yes, it’s the truth. Let’s talk to each other man to man. You look down on the judges.

    Onnoghen also frowned at the rising cases of unlawful detention, extortion and related acts by security agencies, particularly the police.

    To address the development, the CJN yesterday directed states’ Chief Judges, including that of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to detail Chief Magistrates to henceforth, conduct inspection of police stations or other places of detention, other than prisons.

    The directive, the CJN said, is in line with the provision of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), particularly in Section 34 (1) and (2).

    Onnoghen also directed chief judges to set up appropriate mechanisms to ensure compliance with the stated provisions of the ACJA on police brutality and inordinate arrests among others.

     

     

     

  • Nigerians urged to shun corruption

    Nigerians, especially Christian faithful, should desist from corruption, religious bigotry, inter-tribal conflicts and other practices capable of eroding the peace of the country, President of the Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide, Pastor Abraham Akinosun, has said.

    Akinosun, who spoke at the 19th convocation ceremony of the church’s Theological Seminary in Lagos, urged pastors and other ministers to work harmoniously for the peace of the country.

    According to him, the church is instrumental to the growth of any country, and Christians can only contribute their quota when they live selflessly. The cleric, who lamented that cultism, child labour, hooliganism, rape, murder and kidnapping has contributed to the destruction of Nigeria’s image, said clergymen have a role to play by preaching against these vices.

    By so doing, they would be fulfilling the purpose of their callings, which is centered on preparing people for heaven, and at the same time contributing to the country’s socio-economic growth, he added.

    The cleric urged the graduates to make holiness, humility, love, prayer and soul wining their priority, for in doing so, they would succeed in their ministries.

    Akinosun said: “There are many immoralities in our society today – poorly trained children, cultism, kidnapping, corruption, lack of integrity among leaders, corruption, and crave for material acquisition among Christians. To check these, pastors and other ministers of God have a crucial role to play. They need to go the cities, villages, hamlets and other areas to propagate the gospel. By so doing, they would turn the hearts of many people to God.”

    Lagos Coordinator Pastor Ayo Olaniyi said theological education should be re-defined to accommodate academic, spiritual and physiological training, saying by doing this, pastors would live a purposeful life.

    According to him, purposeful ministers are scarce in Nigeria today because many people are bereft of the knowledge of God. This, he said, is evident by the decision of some ministers to cut corners to survive.

    “Our goal is to provide purposeful, diligent and heavenly-bound ministers, not minding what the society has turned itself to. We are committed to raising people who would transform the society, though the instrumentality of God,” he added.

  • Shun corruption, Ayokunle charges

    Shun corruption, Ayokunle charges

    PRESIDENT of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)
    Rev Supo Ayokunle has charged Nigerians to shun corruption and embrace love, service, humility and fairness.
    This, he said, will enable the nation to get out of the biting recession.
    Ayokunle spoke at the 50th anniversary celebration of The Ajayi Dahunsi Memorial Baptist Church, Lagos last week.
    He said corruption is an old garment that dragged the nation to the mud.
    Corruption, Ayokunle said: “does not befit us. It has only caused us shame, ridicule, pain and part of the pain is what we are bearing today. We should throw it away.”
    He encouraged Nigerians not to give up or lose hope as better days were ahead.
    According to him: “God, who rules and reigns in the affairs of men, is alive.
    “He that loses hope will not see the time of the wet seasons that will come. It is not our nation that is passing through this recession alone.
    “Other nations have passed through this time and they came out of it successfully.”
    He went on: ”Let us see this period as a period of dry seasons and it will not last. God is a God of dry and wet season.
    “Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning. We have been oppressed but we shall not be crushed. We may be persecuted but we will not be move.”
    Ayokunle, who is also President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC), called for love among Nigerians.
    “We have to be fair to ourselves. I should not consider myself alone but other people.
    “In fact, we should put others first. In the appointments of office, we should look at all our diversity and let everyone be
    satisfied, that is fairness.”

  • NYSC DG asks corps members to shun corruption

    NYSC DG asks corps members to shun corruption

    The Director-General, National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), Brig-Gen Sule Kazaure, has advised corps members to shun corruption. Kazaure, who was on inspection visit to NYSC camp in Nsit Atai Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, said corruption had done more damage to the country. He asked the corps member to key into the NYSC’s Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) and make themselves self employed.

    While urging the corps members to take advantage of the SAED programme, the DG said there are a lot of opportunities through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other corporate organisations for corps members to be self employed.

    He said: “I want you to know that there is no short-cut to success. Abstain from the use of drugs and you have to be law abiding. Try as much as possible to abstain from corruption. That is what is killing the country. We are backward because of corruption. The future of this Country is in your hands. Anywhere you find yourself, try and contribute your quota to the development of your host communities.

    “The SAED programme is very important at this particular point in time. The white collar jobs are not available anymore. Pay attention to SAED. We have a lot of opportunities from CBN and other organizations for corps members to be self employed.”

    He warned the corps members to be security conscious at all time and respect the culture of their host communities. His words: “I want you to respect the culture of your host communities. Also during your primary assignment, avoid unnecessary journeys and night parties. Be security conscious, wherever you are going, move in group. Transform your host communities better than the way you met it.”

    In her remarks, the Akwa Ibom NYSC State Coordinator, Lady Ngozi Chukwuka, gave the gender distribution of corps members in camp to include 1194 males and 1057 females. She said: “We have had some transformation. The gigantic pavilion was built by the state government under 12 days. The state government has been complementing our efforts. About 30 toilets and 30 bathrooms are being constructed by the state government.

    “We also have highly motivated staff in Akwa Ibom state. We have in-house training to make our staffs are developed.”

     

  • CJN urges judges to shun corruption

    CJN urges judges to shun corruption

    Chief justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Mahmud Mohammed has asked judicial officers to shun corruption and other conducts that negate their oath of office.

    He urged judges and justices to always give priority to criminal cases by taking advantage of the various innovative provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 and other measures aimed at ensuring prompt adjudication of cases.

    The CJN spoke in Abuja yesterday at the 2016 refresher course for magistrates on trends in law and administration of justice, organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI).

    “Your Worships are regarded as an integral part of the Judiciary, whose welfare cannot be neglected and I am committed to the pursuit of improved welfare and service conditions for magistrates across the Federation as an independent, strong and responsible judiciary is indispensable to the administration of justice.

    “However, to have such an institution, we as ministers in the Temple of Justice must adhere to the Oaths of Office as contained in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.

    “I, therefore, advise that we remain impartial as arbiters without fear or favour, affection or ill will.  We must dispense justice to parties according to the law while shunning corrupt practices, promptly dispensing justice and discountenancing any attempt by counsel or any other person to delay the dispensation of cases while upholding the Rule of Law,” the CJN said

    Justice Mohammed said “trial delays remain a major challenge and black mark upon the sanctity of our courts.  More often than not, trial delays are caused by the antics of parties and to some extent the court, which result in unnecessary adjournments.

    “Often, prosecutors or defence counsel are unable to present their cases or witnesses and Investigating Police Officers are often unavailable or transferred; there is sometimes a lack of diligent rendering of legal advice on whether there is a prima facie case to prosecute, an increased use of preliminary objections and unconscionable legal devices for delaying trials and a myriad of others too numerous to mention here.”

     

    “It is, therefore, imperative to develop lasting solutions that will improve the administration of justice and reduce delays in our courts, thus inspiring public confidence, trust and improved judicial performance,” the CJN said.

     

     

  • Shun corruption, CJN urges judicial officers

    Shun corruption, CJN urges judicial officers

    Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Mahmud Mohammed yesterday urged judges and justices to desist from corruption and other unethical practices.

    He warned that the National Judicial Council (NJC), the disciplinary organ of the Judiciary, would sanction any judicial officer linked with corruption.

    The CJN also urged judicial officers to ensure speedy consideration of criminal cases, particularly those relating to economic crimes in line with the 2013 Practice Directions on Serious Crimes and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

    Justice Mohammed, who expressed delight at the Act, noted that the combination of the ACJA and the 2013 Practice Direction would eliminate delay in criminal justice administration.

    The CJN spoke in Abuja yesterday at the 2016 refresher course for judicial officers on trends in law and administration of justice. The course organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI), has, as its theme: Promoting judicial performance through innovation and reforms.

    Justice Mohammed noted that the negative effects of corruption had been experienced by every Nigerian, and that the Judiciary had been judged harshly and on the receiving end of allegations of corruption.

    “At this time in our nation’s history, we must show the red card to corruption, while joining hands as patriotic citizens to campaign for zero-tolerance for corrupt practices.

    “We must not forget our noble duty, as ministers in the temple of justice, to uphold the rule of law impartially and without fear.  To establish and sustain public confidence in the judicial process, judges must live above board, shun corruption, and avoid corrupt practices and misconduct.

    “It bears reminding that your lordships have sworn to adhere to your Oath of Office as contained in the 1999 Constitution and the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers, 2003.

    “Indeed, let me reiterate that where any judicial officer is found culpable of corrupt practice, be rest assured of the preparedness and resolve of the National Judicial Council to sanction such judicial officer.

    “My lords, as you are aware, the Judiciary endured intense, largely unjustified and grossly uninformed criticisms regarding delay in the administration of justice.

    “However, I am proud that the Judiciary was ahead of the curve when the 2013 Practice Directions on Serious Crimes were adopted as they were aimed at reducing criminal trial delays.

    “Nonetheless, the new Act strengthens our resolve as it provides that applications for stay of proceedings shall no longer be heard in respect of a criminal matter.

    “This unprecedented provision puts a stop to delays occasioned by interlocutory applications to stay proceedings pending appeal on preliminary matters when the substantive issues are yet to be tried on merit.

    “Upon arraignment, the trial of the defendant shall proceed from daily until the conclusion of trial, while each party is entitled to five adjournments not exceeding two weeks each. Where the trial is still not concluded, the interval for adjournments will be reduced to seven days each.

    “As such, the Act provides a chance for judges to ensure speedy dispensation of justice and I expect the provisions to be fully utilised.

    “I must similarly urge your lordships to treat cases related to economic crimes and corruption with the urgency the previously mentioned 2013 Practice Directions mandated us to apply.

    “Judges must also be stringent in applying the law strictly to render justice in a satisfactory manner to parties, whether they are the state, the accused or the victim,” Justice Mohammed said.

    The CJN spoke about other reform measures being introduced to ensure that the nation’s Judiciary keep up with developments.

    “Although we may not shout about achievements, I am proud to say that the Judiciary has continued to work assiduously to examine areas of the law and implement procedural innovations and rule changes that have led to an improvement in the effectiveness and efficiency of court processes,” he said.

    Justice Mohammed called for the collaboration and support of judicial officers to ensure the success of the reform initiatives introduced to ensure a Judiciary that can effectively protect the rights of all.

    ‘’We must ask ourselves hard questions and go beyond empty rhetoric.  We must claim ownership of our evolution from where we are to where we want to be.

    “As an arm of government, the Judiciary cannot sit on the sidelines and watch others chart its course.  We must be at the helm, steering our affairs towards a justice system, which the people deserve.

    “No doubt, this requires our collective and individual determination to strive for excellence and the will to work towards the implementation of pragmatic steps at achieving excellence in the administration of justice.

    “The Judiciary can only mature when it holistically embarks upon continuous reform and positive innovation in the discharge of its statutory responsibility to uphold and protect the rights of citizens, preserve the rule of law and ensure adherence to due process,” the CJN said

  • ‘Staff must shun corruption’

    Few Permanent Secretary, Dr. Babatope Ajakaiye has warned heads of Secretariats, Departments and Agencies (SDAs) to shun corruption and keep their hands from funds meant for the development of the Federal Capital Territory.

    Dr Ajakaiye called for a holistic change of altitude by the civil servants by thinking outside the box and being innovative in their approach to government business and considering it a service to humanity.

    The warning was contained in a statement released by Deputy Director cum Chief Press Secretary, FCT, Muhammad Sule.

    Dr. Ajakaiye warned Heads and Directors of some Secretariats, Departments and Agencies in Abuja of the danger in compromising their positions and denying the people their due.

    Sule said, “Dr. Ajakaiye lamented that a leakage may seem small in some cases but cumulatively pose great danger to the entire system with devastating effects on the residents as well as the visitors to the Territory.

    “The Permanent Secretary reiterated these leakages if contained would go a long way in improving the infrastructure and services in the entire 8,000 square kilometers of the Federal Capital Territory.

    “The country desires change and the change is already here: In the words of President Muhammadu Buhari, we should not fear him but fear the consequences of our actions. He called for holistic change of altitude by thinking outside the box and being innovative in our approach to government businesses by considering it a service to humanity.

    “Dr. Ajakaiye further charged the Heads of the Mandate Secretariats and Directors to genuinely devise means of doing things proactively now that the country’s economy is dwindling.

    “We should all put our thinking caps to be solution providers and think outside the box to spawn buoyant Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to sustain its operations, because funds are really not there again as it used to be”.

    “He therefore enjoined the Senior Officials in the FCTA not to be possessive in terms of property or monetary accumulation because these might not make meaning to their children but rather on legacies that are capable of enduring positive effects on the society.”