The acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is expected to is expected to deliver a paper on the topic, “Give Us Our Money Back – Nigeria’s Fight Against Corruption: A Critical Conversation,” at an international conference on money laundering and assets recovery on March 21, in London
Magu was invited to the conference by two leading anti-corruption organizations: the Transparency International and Global Witness.
According the post on EFCC facebook wall, the invitation from the Global Witness and Transparency International is in recognition of the invaluable role the Magu-led EFCC has played in his more than one year in office in recovery of stolen funds.
“It also coincidentally comes a few days after members of the Nigerian Senate chose to overlook the strides achieved by Magu, and instead refused his re-nomination by President Muhammadu Buhari as the substantive chairman of the EFCC. “The international conference, which is coming on the heels of the 2016 London Anti-Corruption Summit, will focus on the progress of Nigeria’s asset recovery and anti-corruption efforts. It will also feature panel discussions for “critical exchange of views” between officials and non-government experts from Nigeria and the United Kingdom.” it said that a few international personalities have been invited along with Magu to participate in the conference.
Among those from Nigeria are Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information; Professor Itse Sagay, Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC); its secretary, Professor Bolaji Owasanoye and Olanrewaju Suraju of the Human and Environmental Development Agenda. [myad]
President Mohammadu Buhari has taken his war against corruption to the doorsteps of royal fathers across the country, insisting that any of them that found to be corrupt should be stripped of his title.
The President, who spoke through the minister of youth and sports, Solomon Dalung, in Wukari Local Government Council of Taraba state, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Aku-Uka of Wukari, Dr Shekarau Angyu, said that the traditional institution ought to be in the vanguard of the anti-corruption crusade.
He made it clear that his administration will not condone monarch treading the path of corruption, adding that the traditional institution has vital roles to play in the growth of the country.
Buhari said that the idea of well-placed persons bribing their ways to acquired traditional titles must as well be discouraged, saying that such attitude breeds corrupt practices.
The President praised the Aku-Uka who is the chairman, council of chief in Taraba State even as he asked people to join hands with his administration to wipe out corruption from the country.
Earlier, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Mohammed Abubakar, called on Nigerians to embrace peace and love, adding that insecurity is the major problem which presently bedevilling the country.
“All parts of the country have its share of insecurity. Nigerians must, therefore, continue to work towards stabilising our country, as both religions (Christianity and Islam) demand that we love one another.” [myad]
The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Bashir Makama, has made it clear that herdsmen, like any other Nigerian, have constitutional right to live in any part of the country, saying that the quit notice which governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state issued to herdsmen to leave the state within 72 hours was unconstitutional.
The police commission, who was reacting to such executive order by governor Ortom, emphasized that the constitution permits everyone to reside anywhere in the country.
“The herdsmen should have been advised to leave. And if they discover that the people are not receptive to them, they would have left quietly rather than push them out. The state belongs to all Nigerians.”
He assured that the police would do everything to protect lives and property in the area.
The herdsmen have been accused of killing Benue citizens, destroying their crops within the past five years.
Following the incessant clashes between residents of the state and the visitors, which had resulted to loss of lives and property, the governor few days ago ordered them to leave the state, saying that they are not welcomed by the unarmed inhabitants of the area.
Meanwhile, a group under the aegis of Vanguard Against Tiv Massacre (VATIM), has claimed that no fewer than 500 people have been killed and 300,000 displaced across the state by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
VATIM, in the statement, claimed that there is a conspiracy of silence against Benue State in the situation. [myad]
The governor of Benue state, Dr. Samuel Ortom has given a 48 hour ultimatum to armed Fulani herdsmen to leave the Benue communities perpetually under their attacks.
Given Governor Ortom’s antecedents on peace building initiatives between the marauding herdsmen and the Benue farmers, one cannot but notice the sheer frustration being expressed by the governor in the face of continuous pogroms. The governor’s stance on peaceful coexistence, and his constant advocacy for same, has no doubt pitched him against several Benue indigenes who lose their loved ones, properties and farmlands due to attacks from suspected Fulani herdsmen.
It is noteworthy that these suspected Fulani herdsmen have sustained onslaught on Benue communities for several years, ranging from Guma, Makurdi, Gwer West, Agatu, Logo, Buruku, Kwande, Gboko, Tarka and Gwer East Local Government Areas, to mention but few. In most of these areas, hundreds of lives have been lost, and property worth millions of naira destroyed.
While these killings have persisted for many years, it is repugnant to know that there has been no arrest or prosecution of any of these marauders. The Buhari -led federal government, which Ortom has since been lobbying for assistance has decided to remain silent on this genocide, thereby creating the impression that it stands with the herdsmen.
Following the governor’s directive to the security agents to ensure the exit of the Fulani herdsmen from Benue state as a last resort, the state commissioner of police, Mr Bashir Makama has been quoted as faulting him on that decision. The Benue police boss was said to have cited the constitutional rights of freedom of movement, attributing same to the Fulani herdsmen.
Mr Makama is right in all ramifications. But what he has failed to allude to, in his defence is the “inalienable and the constitutional rights of the Fulani herdsmen to carry sophisticated weapons about, graze their cattle freely on people’s farms, kill anyone who dares ask them to stop, and commit all sorts of atrocities.”
I challenge Mr Makama to produce or mention one Fulani man that has been arrested and prosecuted for carrying fire arms under his watch as the commissioner of police in Benue. No wonder the widespread suspicion that these herdsmen are wreaking havoc with the full backing of security forces. Or how else could they carry on with such impunity as if they are above the laws of the land.
If the police under Mr Makama have failed to provide security for Benue people against the massive killers, what else does one expect from a helpless governor like Ortom to do than give such directive?
Rather than blame the governor who is doing his job as the Chief Security Officer of the state, Mr Makama should cover his face in shame. I advise the police authorities to relieve him of his position for gross incompetence. Or better still, transfer him out of Benue state.
It was the sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III that said, and I quote, that “the armed Fulani herdsmen rampaging across some states in the north and in the south, leaving violence in their wake are not Nigerians but foreign terrorists.” Sultan Abubakar said this in his Eid -El Kabir message to the Muslim ummah, as reported in Sun Newspaper of 12th September, 2016.
According to him, “they are therefore terrorists and should be treated as such, by the security agencies.”
Why then? What moral justification has anyone to allow “foreigners” to continue to cause mayhem, and to decimate the farming population in the Food Basket of the Nation? If there was any time to expel these terrorists from Benue state, the time is now!
Joseph Orjime, is a Journalist and Public affair analyst sent in this piece from Abuja. [myad]
The Nigerian Senate has insisted that the Comptroller-General (CG) of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), retired Colonel Hameed Ali should be in his uniform as he appears before it, even as the retired Colonel said that he would seek legal advice on such issue.
This was even as the Senate asked him to go back and comply with its directive to wear the Customs uniform before appearing in honouring the earlier invitation.
Customs CG had appeared today, Thursday, in the Senate, dressed in white caftan and told the lawmakers that there is no place in that mandated the Customs boss to wear uniform while performing his duty.
But the senate, by voice vote, asked the Comptroller General to leave immediately and to return to the senate on Wednesday, March 22 in proper uniform designated for the office of Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service.
Shortly before the resolution, some senators expressed concern over Ali’s defiance of the National Assembly by appearing in mufti despite the letter sent to him, specifying that he should appear in uniform.
The Deputy Leader of the Senate, Bala N’Allah said letters were sent to the C-G to appear before the senate to give explanations on the proposed duty payment on vehicles imported into Nigeria.
He further expressed his disappointment with the C-G, who in a response to the invitation letter, said that the National Assembly should not be concerned about whether he wears the uniform, once he performs his duties.
N’Allah said the response was a slap on the Senate, as an institution.
N’Allah who quoted Section 10 of the Customs Act, among other sections, said the section was clear about punishment for unlawful behaviour of any officer, “including any person who assumes the name, designation or character of an officer.
“The Act further states that the power to prosecute is that of executive and certain officers including CG has that power.
“This implies that your position is statutory, meaning you must conform to the Act.
“Besides, wearing uniform is anchored in the Constitution.
On the C-G’s excuse that he was seeking legal advice on the insistence of the senate that he should wear uniform, the deputy leader of the senate said the C-G ought to have sought legal advice before deciding not to wear uniform.
He said the senate, as the highest law making institution, would not allow anybody to ridicule it, even though it remains supportive of President Muhammadu Buhari’s good intentions for the country.
Sen. Barau Jibrin(APC-Kano) said there was no need to subject the disobedience of the C-G to a long discussion.
According to him, the house should vote to insist that he goes back and “comply by wearing uniform before appearing here.’’
Sen. Solomon Adeola(APC-Ogun) said it was only proper for the C-G to comply, adding that it was a matter of concern that he was not proud wearing Customs uniform.
“All other persons that followed him here are fully dressed in the Customs uniform.
“With what is happening, anybody can wear anything and present him or herself the Comptroller General. So, I don’t know who is standing here before us.
His car and aircraft carry the official logo of Customs but he wears mufti.
Sen. Ali Wakili said he had met with the C-G before now.
He suggested that since he was not ready to wear uniform, his title should be changed to “Sole Administrator.’’
He however appealed to the senate to allow him and other lawmakers interface with the Ali on the matter.
The Customs boss said the senate letter dated March, 15 did not stipulate he wear a uniform before appearing.
He further said he was already seeking legal interpretation to the wearing of uniform.
The Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over the plenary said it was proper for the C-G to wear uniform as a form of motivation for other officers.
He also explained to him, that though the letter dated March 5 did not indicate the wearing of uniform, the condition was included in previous letters. Ekweremadu said Ali did not have a good excuse to defy the senate..
“Section 2 of the Customs Act defines the officer to include C-G.
“I believe too that there are certain things officers take for granted which is wearing uniform. They should learn from you.
“With your refusal to wear uniform, they can also refuse to wear uniform, saying there is no law that compels them to wear uniform.
“There is no better teacher than living by example.
“Also, you suspended the vehicle policy. It does not mean you will not come back to it, since it is only a suspension.
He said the senate was of the view that he return to the senate in the proper uniform of C-G of Customs. [myad]
A man who allegedly posed as Femi Adesina, special adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on media and publicity, with intent to defraud a university professor in Kano, by name Christian Efe Oyovweyho, is facing the law in court.
The alleged impostor, who has been charged before Justice Z.B Abubakar of the Federal High Court Kano by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) today, Thursday, is facing a two count charge of Obtaining by False Pretence.
The accused allegedly presented himself to a professor of Economics at Bayero University Kano, Dalhatu Mohammed Galadanci with an intent to obtain N300,000 from him under the guise of being Femi Adesina.
According to EFCC, sometime in July 2016, the accused sent him a text message claiming to be Femi Adesina, S.A to the president on Media and Publicity. The accused was said to have fraudulently claimed to be speaking on behalf of the president and that the name of the professor has been forwarded for appointment in the presidency.
The EFCC said that the accused further claimed to be searching for a better office for him. Subsequently, the defendant asked the professor to make payment of the sum of N300,000 to facilitate his appointment to Nigeria Port Authority or Nigerian Railway Cooperation and Rural Electrification.
At that point, the professor got suspicious and reported the matter to the commission.
One of the counts read: “ You Christian Efe Oyovweyho alias Femi Adesina and another (now at large) on or about 16th day of July, 2016 at Kano, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court Kano with intent to defraud attempted to obtain the sum of N300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira Only) from Professor Dalhatu Mohammed Galadanci through your Zenith Bank Account with Account number: 2173729401, under the false pretence that the money was meant for a juicy appointment in Abuja , which pretence you knew to be false and thereby committed an offense contrary to section 8 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under section 1 (3) of the same Act.”
After listening to the charge, the accused person pleaded not guilty.
Prosecution counsel, Musa Isah requested a date for trial in view of the plea of the accused. Counsel representing the accused, T.M Oyedema however brought a motion for bail, praying the court to admit his client to bail pending the hearing and determination of the case.
Justice Zainab granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 and two sureties in like sum.
One of the sureties must be a State or Federal government official not below grade level 8.
The other surety must be a respected member of the society with a landed property within the jurisdiction. Also certificate of Occupancy in respect of the landed property shall be deposited with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court.
The case has been adjourned to 11 April, 2017 for commencement of trial, while the accused person remains in prison custody pending the perfection of his bail conditions.
The King Mohammed VI of Morocco has sent invited President Muhammadu Buhari to his country on diplomatic visit even as he felicitated with him on his successful return from a medical vacation in London.
According to the special adviser to Buhari on media and publicity, Femi Adesina in a statement today, Thursday, the two leaders spoke to themselves on cellphone
The Moroccan monarch who expressed delight and happiness at the kind of reception Nigerians gave President Buhari when he returned home reinstated his invitation to Buhari for a state visit to Morocco sometime in December this year.
King Mohammed VI said that the warm reception according Buhari by Nigerians was evidence of a leader widely loved by his people.
Responding, the Nigerian President thanked the Moroccan monarch for his congratulatory call, and the growing partnership between the two countries.
Earlier today, a Moroccan delegation made of top government officials had met with senior Nigerian government officials.
Both President Buhari and King Mohammed VI expressed happiness at the success of the meeting. [myad]
The Presidency and governors of the 36 states of the federation, sitting today at the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, frowned at what they called under-payment of tax via the use of Tax Havens and other evasion strategies. The major culprits, they said, are multi-national companies and high net worth individuals.
NEC is worried that Nigeria has one of the lowest non-oil tax to GDP ratio at 6 percent, even as they came up with what they termed “Nigeria Voluntary Asset and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS)” which they said will capitalise on the considerable international goodwill built by President Muhammadu Buhari in his mission to rebuild Nigeria.
The VAIDS, they said, will also capitalise on the current global movement against tax evasion and illicit financial flows.
“It will offer a window for those who have not complied with extant tax regulations to remedy their position by the provision of limited amnesty to enable voluntary declaration and payment of liabilities.
“The target of the VAIDS scheme is the increase of the country’s tax to GDP ratio to 15% from just 6% by 2020.
“VAIDS scheme will simultaneously generate revenue and encourage investment and economic activity – as only 214 individuals in the entire country pay N20 million or more in tax annually
“VAIDS scheme will embrace all Federal and States’ taxes such as Companies Income Tax, Personal Income Tax, Petroleum Profits Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Stamp Duties, Tertiary Education Tax, & Technology Tax.
“The scheme is targeted to start from May 1, 2017 and incentives will be put in place to encourage early participation
“Revenue expected from the scheme conservatively estimated at US$1 billion.
“Based on initial estimates, it is anticipated that at least 50% of the funds recovered will belong to States who are
the ultimate collectors of personal income taxes.”
NEC approved the scheme in principle, while additional inputs are to be considered.
The Council also deliberated on other issues as follows:
BRIEF ON NATIONAL SECURITY ISSUES BY THE NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER
The NSA briefed the Council on the Security situation in the country with particular reference to:
Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East
Cattle rustling
Ethnic militias/security outfits
Kidnapping
Armed robbery
Militancy in Niger Delta
Proliferation of small arms across the country
The NSA fingered unemployment as the major security concern.
In their responses, Council members highlighted the potential role and significance of the Federal Government’s Social Investment Programmes in averting some of the security concerns and encouraged an active implementation going forward.
Council resolved to hold an extra-ordinary session to fully discuss pertinent national security matters especially as it has to do with the economy.
NEC WELCOMED PRESIDENT
The Council welcomed the President, President Muhammadu Buhari, who had a brief interaction with Council members today. The Governors thanked him for his several supportive policies to the States. The President had met briefly with the Governors during a short break in Council deliberation.
C REPORT ON EXCESS CRUDE PROCEEDS
The Honourable Minister of Finance also reported to Council that the balance in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) as at 15th March, 2017 stood at US$2,45,864,724.59, recording a marginal increase of US$2,458,382,882.03
Finance Minister added that the ECA balance does not reflect as yet the decision of Council last month to deduct $250 million for injection into the Sovereign Wealth Fund
STABILIZATION FUND ACCOUNT
The Stabilization Fund Account (SFA) is an account equivalent to 0.5% of the Federation Account allocated and paid into a fund to be designated (Stabilization Account) from where any State of the Federation that suffers absolute decline in its revenue arising from factors outside its control, shall tap in, to augment the allocation to that State.
Based on the above, the Hon. Minister of Finance informed Council that the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) recently approved for disbursement (N39,613,282,870.69) to a number of States.
The Honourable Minister further informed Council that the balance in the SF now stands at N25,793,400,290.00
PRESENTATION ON POLICY DIRECTION ON AFFORESTATION, REFORESTATION AND SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT BY HONOURABLE MINISTER OF STATE, ENVIRONMENT
Background Information on the Presentation
Various stakeholders have broadly acknowledged the alarming rate of deforestation and its causes across the Nigeria landscape
Major drivers of deforestation remain unsustainable agricultural practices, over exploitation of forest (for external and domestic trade), infrastructural development among others.
Deforestation has progressed at about 3.5% of the total forest area level in the last decade – which translates to about 350,000 hectares of forest loss and requiring at least 420 million tree seedlings per annum to pant over-run deforestation.
EFFORT MADE SO FAR
July 2016 National Council on Environment (NCE) held in Lafia, Nasarawa State resolved to encourage States to promote forestry development and aforestation programmes and to also promote the use of alternative sources of energy
Temporary lifting of the suspension on wood export and issuance of convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wood Faora & Flora permit.
Ministry of Environment set about strengthening processes that would enable legitimate business to obtain the required permit.
Recommendations among others
Need to accelerate and review the extant National Forest Policy as well as ensure its backing through the enactment of relevant Forest Laws.
Massive Afforestation/Reforestation of degraded forest and landscape outside Forests.
Establishment of take-off of the National Forestry Trust Fund through contributions by Wood Products Exporters according to products classification (tally processed, semi processed, charcoal) etc.
Establishment of National Forest Model Estate in all the States and FCT.
Improvement in forest governance and establishment of National Taskforce to effectively protect the forest Estate/Reserve.
Effective monitoring, evaluation, documentation of trade in wood and wood product. [myad]
President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele and Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, to act appropriately and with dispatch in releasing the second tranche of the London-Paris Club refunds to the states in order to ease their financial hardships.
The President, who addressed the meeting, today, Thursday, of the National Economic Council (NEC), made up of State Governors and chaired by the Vice-President in Abuja, made a strong case for settlement of unpaid salaries and pension liabilities of their workers.
“I will not rest until I address those issues that affect our people. One of these basic things is the issue of salaries. It is most important that workers are able to feed their families, pay rent and school fees, then other things can follow.”
President Buhari, who went round the Council Chambers to greet the governors one after the other, praised the unity of the Forum of State Governors. He thanked them profusely for their display of “love and respect” to him.
The President said he was overwhelmed by his recent experience in which states, irrespective of political differences, charged their citizens to pray in mosques and churches for his well-being and apologized to Governors for barring them from visits to him while he rested in London.
“I didn’t want government to move to London. I wanted it to remain here and I am glad it did.”
After narrating what he went through while on that vacation, President Buhari acknowledged with appreciation, suggestion by the Governors for him to add more rest, even as he insisted that he would remain relentless in the pursuit of the interest of the Nigerian people at all times.
This, according to him, is the only way to show his gratitude to the people who, he said: “had given so much to me. I was overwhelmed by the celebration of my return all across the country.”
The Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Abdul-Aziz Yari of Zamfara State, assured the President, on behalf of his colleagues, that they will continue to support his policies and actions which they had adjudged as being in the nation’s best interest.
The governors of Imo, Akwa-Ibom, Osun and Abia States thanked President Buhari for saving the day for states through the first tranche of the London-Paris Club refunds while calling for the immediate release of the second one.
They also commended the trust the President reposed in the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, whom they said did not disappoint when he acted as President. [myad]
Human Rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) has said that the rejection of Ibrahim Magu as substantive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu by the Senate cannot stop him from continuing in acting capacity for the duration of his tenure.
“Alternatively, the President may allow Mr. Magu to remain the Acting Chairman of the EFCC since he was appointed in that capacity pursuant to section 171 of the Constitution.”
In a statement today, Falana called on President Buhari to ensure that the fight against corruption is not derailed by those he called “highly placed corrupt elements who have enlisted the support of fifth columnists.”
He described the Wednesday rejection Magu as Chairman of EFCC by the Senate on the basis of a security report compiled by the State Security Service as “the height of official ridicule of the office of the President.
“It is high time President Buhari restrains the State Security Service from sabotaging the fight against corruption by the federal government.”
With respect to the Senate, the lawyer said that the confirmation hearing was hurriedly conducted, describing it as illegal in every material particular.
“The participation of many senators who are either under investigation or being prosecuted by the EFCC has vitiated the entire proceedings of the Senate on the grounds of conflict of interest.
“It is also a contravention of the Rules of the Senate, which stipulate that matters which are sub judice shall not be discussed by the Senate.”
He said that with the rejection of the nomination of Magu, the President has another option of re-presenting the name of the same Magu to the Senate if and when the Federal Government decides to put its house in order.
Falana said that if the President is not satisfied with Magu’s performance, he can appoint another person whose nomination will be forwarded to the Senate in accordance with section 2 (3) of the EFCC Act, 2004. [myad]
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