The Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) has revealed how the immediate past President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan looked the other way while just fifty-five people were busy looting the national treasury.
“His (Jonathan’s) tolerance of corruption was reflected in the sunset of activities of anti-corruption agencies under his watch and exponential increase of other vices no doubt fuel by corruption.”
According to the Committee in its report on the activities of the government from August 2015 to July 2016, which was presented to civil society organizations (CSOs) by its Executive Secretary, Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, in Abuja, the former President tolerated corruption to the extent that in seven years under his watch, only 55 people stole a whopping N1.3 trillion from the national treasury.
The committee insisted that corruption brought Nigeria to its knees in the last administration as the former President closed his eyes to graft while his administration fared worse than his predecessors in tackling official sleaze.
“His (Jonathan’s) tolerance of corruption was reflected in the sunset of activities of anti-corruption agencies under his watch and exponential increase of other vices no doubt fuel by corruption,” the report declared.
It added: “for example, it is widely believed that insecurity escalated because of the massive embezzlement of $2billion through the Office of the National Security Adviser under the leadership of Col. Sambo Dasuki, who allegedly diverted the money appropriated to fight insurgency.
“The problems in the downstream sector of the petroleum industry reached zenith with multi-billion dollars subsidy scams while President Jonathan looked the other way.
“At the same time, other vices spread like cancer – kidnapping, import duty waivers, financial recklessness, a profligate legislature, corrupt judiciary, etc. There was no single high profile conviction under his watch yet there were allegations of high profile corruption within his cabinet.
“Jonathan’s legendary comment that stealing is not corruption underscored his perspective on corruption and remains a watershed in the history of anti-corruption crusade in Nigeria.
“Under his watch, corruption brought Nigeria to its knees.
“Using World Bank rates, one-third of the N1.3 trillion allegedly stolen by only 55 people in seven years could have provided 635.18 kilometers of roads, built 36 ultra-modern hospitals in each state, built and furnished 183 schools, educated 3,974 people from primary to tertiary level (at N25.2million per child) and built 20,062 units of two-bedroom houses.
“While former President Olusegun Obasanjo established key anti-corruption agencies which led to high-profile convictions even though his actions were not above board, the crusade against corruption went comatose from 2007 largely due to leadership deficit.
“Corruption is Nigeria’s greatest challenge and is directly associated with the current economic decline, poverty rates, reduced life expectancy, mortality and deteriorated living standards.
“Due to corruption, a few Nigerians were richer than their states, while plea bargaining was abused as people who stole the country dry were given slaps on the wrist and asked to go home.” [myad]

The newly-crowned monarch of the ancient Benin Kingdom, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku’ Akpolokpolo Ewuare 11 has formally assumed the reign.

The Oba took a symbolic name and title today, Thursday at the presentation of staff of office ceremony, which was attended by the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, and the host Governor, Adams Oshiomhole. Also in attendance was  the King of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who shares the same ancestral Oranmiyan link with Ewuare.
The coronation had earlier been performed secretly, according to the demand by tradition, before the presentation ceremony.
The News Agency of Nigeria correspondent, who witnessed the event, reports that the crowning ceremony was performed at about 3am at Usama Palace, far from the prying eyes of cameras and newsmen.
The crowning at the Usama palace was performed by the Usama N’ Ihiron, also known as the Edion, led by Chief Oliha.
Chief Oliha was supported by other powerful rulers in the kingdom, including the Edion, Edohen, Ezomo, Ero, Eholo N’ Ire, Oloton and Edaiken.
A mammoth crowd later escorted the new king from Usama palace to Orho-Okpata in Benin.
The crowd had waited patiently while chanting songs of praises and incantation before the King came out exactly 1:05pm and finally left the palace by 1:20pm.
As it is the ritual, the Oba of Benin walked through Oreogene and stopped by at Oloto palace, one of the seven Chiefs that performed the crowning ceremony at dawn.
The Oba thereafter visited a shrine at Iwehen junction to pay homage.
Then he walked through Ibiwe and later arrived at Urho-Okpota, where the crowning was officially performed by Chief Oliha of Benin.
Among the dignitaries were Iweghe, Iwebos, Ibiwe chiefs and youth, Ogbelaka chiefs, Isiemwenro guild, Ifieto, and Edigin N’Okakun.
The new monarch had relocated on October 11 to Usama palace to perform coronation rites after spending three days at Urho-Okpota.
He was presented a staff of office by Governor Oshiomhole.
The new Oba was born on October 20, 1953 and crowned on his birthday.
He has three wives.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged the full support of the Federal Government for the Royal Destiny Trust programme of the newly installed Oba of Benin, Ewuare II.
Buhari, represented by Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, made the pledge at the coronation of the Oba in Benin on Thursday.
The President, who congratulated the new monarch, also prayed for his success.
Buhari said: “On behalf of the president and government of the federal republic of Nigeria, I congratulate you on this momentous and historic occasion.
“We assure you of our full support, especially for the royal destiny trust
programme for youth employment and poverty alleviation which your royal majesty has set out.”
Buhari described the late father of the new Oba as a principled and forthright Nigerian.
He said the father contributed to the development of the country, urged Oba Ewuare II to sustain the legacy left behind by his ancestors.
Buhari also said: “It is the responsibility of this illustrious legacy that your royal majesty bear from this day forward.
“Consequently, this ceremony is not merely a celebration of the pump and pageantry of history.
“Your walk through your kingdom to this place of your coronation speaks of the great obligation of privilege; the obligation of protecting the cultural rights of the people and promoting their wellbeing.
“We are gratified that your meritorious service as Nigeria ambassador to various nations and your sterling works in the oil and gas industry stand you in good stead to fulfill these obligations.
“All of those who know you are convinced that you will discharge these responsibilities with great wisdom and integrity that your great ancestors have all displayed.”
The President also congratulated Governor Adam Oshiomhole on being the first Edo State man to hand over a staff of office to a new Oba.
He said: “Today, your name finds a notable place in the rich history of Edo monarchy.” [myad]

The Nigeria Bar Association has advised judges who are currentlt facing corruption allegations to proceed on compulsory leave until they are proved innocent of the charges. This is against the Association’s earlier stand, condemning the arrest of the judges and asked NBA members to boycott court proceedings.

Speaking at a valedictory session held in honour of Sotonye Denton-West, a retiring appeal court judge, in Abuja, on Thursday, Abubakar Mahmoud, President of NBA, advised the accused judges to cease performing judicial functions until their innocence has been proven.

“My Lords, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, permit me digress a little. I am sure that many here will be expecting me to make further statements on the ongoing events affecting the nation’s judiciary,” he said.

“I have, in the course of the last two weeks or so, made several statements and remarks on these developments. Our position is therefore well-known. We have emphasised our commitment to safeguarding the independence of the nation’s judiciary.

“That is corruption in the judiciary. On Thursday 13th of October at the meeting of bar leaders comprising past NBA presidents, past general secretaries and past attorneys-general of the federation, we reviewed very carefully the developments after listening to detailed briefings from both the attorney-general and minister of justice as well the secretary of the National Judicial Council.

“One of the resolutions we took was to set up a Task Force to urgently review the current developments and come up with clear specific recommendations on how best to clean up the nation’s judiciary and rebuild confidence of Nigerians in our law courts. I am expecting the report of that task force in two weeks.

“In the meantime, we have continued with our consultations and engagements. We will be coming up with bold and clear recommendations, which we will pass to the National Judicial Council and the Government.

“In the interim, however, particularly having regards to what appears to ongoing accusations and counter-accusations between some of the judges and other personalities or agencies, it appears to the NBA that it is extremely important that the NJC takes very urgent steps to safeguard the public image and sanctity of the courts.

“We therefore strongly recommend that, without prejudice to the innocence or otherwise of the judges involved in the ongoing investigations, they should be required to recuse themselves from further judicial functions or required to proceed on compulsory leave until their innocence is fully and completely established or until the conclusion of all judicial or disciplinary proceedings.

“We believe this will be necessary in order to protect the sanctity and integrity of judicial processes that may involve the judges concerned and safeguard the public image of the institution.”‎

The judges are Sylvester Ngwuta and John Okoro (supreme court); Adeniyi Ademola and Nnamdi Dimgba (federal high court); Mohammed Tsamiya (appeal court, Ilorin); Kabri Auta (high court, Kano) and Muazu Pindiga (high court, Gombe).

On October 8, the Department of State Services (DSS)  arrested the judges after raiding their homes, claiming it recovered huge amounts of money, including foreign currencies from some of them. [myad]

There is mass purge in the Nigeria Customs Service as 29 senior officers, including a Deputy-Comptroller of Customs, five Assistant-Comptrollers, seven Chief Superintendents of  Customs and four Superintendents have been dismissed.

The officers were dismissed today, Thursday, for various acts of gross misconduct and other acts considered to be capable of compromising national economy and security.
Ten other officers were retired from Service while the appointment of one was terminated even as four officers were given written warnings to be of better conduct while another four who were investigated and tried for some offences were exonerated.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, retired Colonel Hammeed Ibrahim Ali had made it clear upon his assumption of duties that the Service will not compromise on Corruption and indiscipline among the officers.

In line with this, the structure and process for investigation of offences was strengthened to handle cases reported promptly and professionally.

The Customs boss was quoted as saying at Management meeting convened to consider the report of the Disciplinary Committee that investigated the cases: “we will give all officers fair hearing in line with the principle of natural justice. We will however insist that sanctions be punitive, not only to match the offence committed, but to serve as deterrent to others.
“The process leading to the actions taken on the officers was painstaking in line with the Public Service Rules (PSR). All the officers were served with Queries indicating offences committed and made appearances before the Special Investigation Committee. The Committee’s recommendation was discussed and approved by the Customs Management.
“The recommendation was thereafter referred to the Presidency for ratification, in the absence of a substantive Board for the Nigeria Customs Service. All the officers affected in the exercise have been communicated accordingly.”
The Comptroller-General warned officers that punitive sanctions will continue to be used to discipline officers who refuse to embrace change.
Officers affected in this exercise were investigated for involvement in improper examination and release of containers without proper documentation and payment of duties, illegal release of goods in advance before the arrival of vessels, collection of bribe to release prohibited items, release of export prohibitions, fraudulent sale of seized items, use of fake certificates and bribery to secure auctioned goods.
Last week, seventeen Junior officers were similarly dismissed from service for offences like bribery, drug addiction, use of fake certificates and absence from duty. [myad]

Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has inaugurated the Ekiti Grazing Enforcement Marshall (EGEM), to enforce the recently signed Prohibition of Cattle and other Ruminants Grazing in Ekiti State Law, with a mandate to rid the State of the menace of herdsmen.

The governor vowed, while inaugurating the Marshall today, Thursday, that he will not sit back and watch when Ekiti people are being killed, their wives and daughters being raped and their sources of livelihood being destroyed under the guise of cattle rearing.
The governor had earlier in August, signed the Prohibition of Cattle and other Ruminants Grazing in Ekiti State Bill, 2016 into law on August 29, 2016, after the bill was duly passed by the State House of Assembly.

The law provides amongst others that; “No person shall cause or permit any cattle or other ruminants belonging to him or under his control to graze on any land in which the Governor has not designated as ranches, no cattle or other ruminants shall by any means move or graze at night and that cattle movement and grazing are restricted to the hours between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm.
The law also prescribed punishments for offenders, such as charging of any herdsmen found in possession of firearms and other offensive weapons with terrorism, payment for property or farm products destroyed by the cattle by the herdsmen and keeping of confiscated of cattle at Government cattle ranches.
Fayose said that it is only timid leader that allow his people to be killed while they fold their arms on the altar of politics, adding that the lives of 5,000 cows cannot be equated with those of human beings that are being killed daily by herdsmen across the country.

“Supporters and beneficiaries of open grazing have argued that cows, like human beings have rights to move freely in any part of Nigeria and one question I have always ask is; what happens if poultry farmers, pig farmers, ostrich farmers or even snake farmers decide to exercise this same rights to freedom of movement of their animals?
“Imagine a situation where snake farmers also release their snakes to the streets and other people’s farmlands to look for what to eat as being done by cattle farmers.
“The reality we must all face is that cattle farming is not different from fish farming, snake farming, poultry farming, snail farming, etc. Therefore, if fish farmers are providing their own ponds and poultry farmers building their own pens, while also buying feed for their animals, there is no reason cattle farmers should not also provide their own ranch and feed their cows without encroaching on other people’s farmlands.
“Isn’t it even shameful that in this age that people celebrate their city centre, we now adorn our own with cows and their dung, such that cows are even competing space with human beings in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other cities in the country?
“Therefore, here in Ekiti, if you must practice cattle farming, you do so at designated locations.
We have taken it upon ourselves to champion this course of grazing control because no responsible leader will sit back and watch when his people are being killed, their wives and daughters being raped and their sources of livelihood being destroyed under the guise of cattle rearing.
“In line with the law, any cow found destroying people’s farmlands will be confiscated and sold with proceeds handed to people whose farmlands were destroyed while herdsmen found with arms will face terrorism charge.
“The police and other security agencies have the duty to enforce the Prohibition of Cattle and other Ruminants Grazing in Ekiti State Law, 2016 as well as other laws duly made by the State, by seeing to it that offenders are arrested and prosecuted accordingly.
“To complement the police and other security agencies, we have set up the Ekiti Grazing Enforcement Marshals (EGEM), trained them and have them well equipped. I therefore inaugurate them today and urge them to perform their duties in the overall interest of Ekiti State and its people.
“Members of the public also have a duty to join in the crusade to free our State from the menace of herdsmen by offering information to the Grazing Enforcement Marshals. In this regard, telephone numbers will be made available to the public.”
The inauguration of the special marshall was witnessed by all major stakeholders in the state, including traditional rulers, chiefs, local hunters, police, army, civil defence, private sector unions, among others. [myad]