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Emir of Ilorin seeks anti-corruption crusade in schools, rural communities

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Emir of Ilorin seeks anti-corruption crusade in schools, rural communities

The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Traditional Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari has pleaded with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to take the Anti-Corruption campaign to both primary and Secondary Schools in the rural areas of the country.

The Emir made the appeal in Ilorin, the state capital on Thursday during a road walk organised by the EFCC and other security agencies to mark the Africa Union anti-corruption Day themed, “Effective Whistleblower Protection Mechanism: A Critical Tool in the Fight Against Corruption.”

Officials of the Ilorin zonal command of the EFCC led other sister agencies, traditional rulers, Civil Society organisations, NYSC members and individuals on a road walk through designated routes in Ilorin, the state capital.

Speaking during the road walk, the Emir who was represented by Oba Oluwagbemiga Oloyede, Olusin of Isanlu Isin advised the commission to appoint officers in all the 16 local government areas of the state for the task to deepen the campaign against corruption in the rural areas.

The traditional ruler, who described the walk as a good exercise aimed at fighting against corruption in the society together with the anti-graft agency, said that it should be taken to communities, villages, and from primary to secondary schools.

“The EFCC should also set a day for the anti-corruption walk exercise in the grassroots areas of the state whereby the villagers would move around their communities and villages to preach to residents and embark on advising young ones against corrupt practices and catch them young against corruption.

“This is because corruption is everywhere in the country. An example of corruption is examination malpractice prevalent in our schools. If this form of exercise is taken to nooks and crannies of our state, corruption would be wiped away”, he said.

In his address, the Executive Chairman of EFCC,  Ola Olukoyede, said that aside from terrorism, corruption ranks as the next deadliest affliction of humanity in every region of the world.

Olukoyede, whose message, titled, Deepening Anti-Corruption Fight Through Effective Whistle Blowing delivered by the zonal director of the EFCC, Harry Erin, said that one way of fighting corruption is through the whistle-blowing initiative.

He said, “In view of the danger and threat to our existence which corruption represents, it is imperative that individuals, communities, corporate bodies and indeed the whole world join hands together to tackle it frontally. One way of doing this is through the whistle-blowing initiative.

“The Whistle-Blowing Policy in Nigeria was launched on December 21, 2016, by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Finance as an anti-corruption programme that encourages people to voluntarily disclose information about fraud, bribery, looted government funds, financial misconduct, abuse or embezzlement of government assets and any other form of corruption or theft.

“The theme of the 2024 African Anti-Corruption Day is “Effective Whistleblowing for Corruption-Free Nigeria”. Whistleblowers are anti-corruption promoters. Through their efforts, anti-corruption agencies are alerted about environmental compromises that should be investigated. The alert can come through verbal and non-verbal corridors.”

He added that at the EFCC, ”the Eagle Eye app is an established corruption reporting device that is generating intelligence the commission can leverage on. I urge whistleblowers to key into this device. Mails can be sent, telephone calls can be made, and personal visits can be made to any EFCC Command across the country to expose acts of shadiness around us. We also assure every whistle-blower of protection. EFCC will never betray you!

“One salient fact about whistle blowing is that it shows commitment and drive towards anti-corruption. No effort is too little in this regard. Although there are ample rewards accruable to the whistleblower, the most important thing is the need to move the wheel of anti-corruption forward. This is a duty for every Nigerian and it is the focus of this year’s anti-corruption Day.

“On this note, I want all of us to embrace this obligation more seriously. We cannot win the war against corruption through lip service, emotional outburst or mere mob campaigns. There is a need for commitment, passion, consistency and credibility of intelligence.”

He pointed out that every whistle blown must point towards truth and evidential proofs, warning that there is punishment for false claims and misleading intelligence.

“Finally, let us always remember that corruption affects all of us. An internet fraudster poses as much danger to our progress as a looter of our national treasury. We should not encourage their villainy by being indifferent, silent or non-committal. Whistle-blowing is our opportunity to kick against corruption. Let’s embrace it totally,” he said.

Members of sister agencies such as the NSCDC, Nigeria Immigration Service, Customs, FRSC, and NYSC, as well as associations like RTEAN, NURTW, tricycle associations, heads of agencies and parastatals and media, participated in the walk.

Unity key to party, Nigeria’s development – APC

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Unity key to party, Nigeria’s development – APC

The Secretary of the Abuja Municipal Area Council of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Alhaji Zakari Babale, says unity among party members is critical for the growth and development of the party and Nigeria.
Babale made this statement on Thursday in Abuja while receiving into the party, Dr Ahmed Ibrahim, who had recently retired as the Legal Advisor, Director Legal from the National Youths Service Corps, NYSC.
Babale, who received Ibrahim on behalf of the council Chairman, Alhaji Abbas Baba, described him as an asset who had proven himself as a Nigerian ambassador over the years, adding that Ibrahim’s entrance into the party was very strategic.
Babale expressed optimism that Ibrahim would help reposition and revive the party’s strength ahead of the 2027 general election.
He said that though the APC in the FCT had some challenges, it was not a time for members to grumble.
The secretary said it was time to support President Bola Tinubu in building a better society for all.
He advised members to remain supportive of the leadership of the party and President Tinubu, as opposition parties remained critical of the ruling party’s achievements.
He called on Nigerians to exercise patience with Tinubu, adding that his economic programmes and policies might be painful, there will be light at the end of the tunnel.
In his remarks, Ibrahim said he joined the APC out of conviction that it meant well for Nigerians, saying there was need for all to support the vision and policies of President Tinubu..
He said in spite of the country’s challenges, Tinubu had done so much in the area of security, agriculture, education, health, youth, human capital development and social investment.
Ibrahim said that the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda of Tinubu was already working, especially in the area of youth inclusion in politics and governance.
According to him, Tinubu has not only stabilized the polity but also worked on recovering the country’s economy, as well as improving its bilateral relations with other countries.
Ibrahim said that the administration had also given voice to the voiceless, especially in the area of human rights and all inclusive appointments.
“In this regard all hands must be on deck to support the president in his Renewed Hope Agenda, in order to move the country forward and move it to a greater and enviable height,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to Abdulmalik Usman, Chairman of FCT APC, and the party’s members for their advice and his acceptance into the party.
“I am very delighted to be in your midst today, because today is the day that the Almighty God created. I would like to thank God for bringing us together.
“I have no doubt that today I am joining a good family with very eminent personalities and people who have contributed to the advancement of our dear and great country,” he said.
Unity key to party, Nigeria’s development – APC

Stop stigmatising, killing children with cleft lips’

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Stop stigmatising, killing children with cleft lips’

Nigerians have been called upon to stop stigmatising or killing children with cleft lip and palate as they can be treated and live a normal life like others.

The President of the Nigerian Association For Cleft Lip And Palate, Prof. Fadikemi Ogini, made the call while addressing newsmen on Wednesday during the fifth Annual Scientific Conference held in Kano.

Speaking on the theme of the conference, “Standardising Cleft Care In Nigeria,” .Ogini explained that the aim is to improve quality of life for individuals affected with cleft lip and palate.

She revealed that part of the association’s plan is to ensure that those affected can access standard treatment anywhere across the country.

“What we hope to achieve at the end of the event is to bring every cleft lip and palate service provider to a point where we are able to provide quality care that can be comparable across the nation.

“So, that you are in one part of the country and I am in another part of the country does not mean that we will receive different levels of care. We want care to be uniform, we want it standardised with everybody doing exactly the same thing and offering high quality care to all patients across the nation.

“To Nigerians, I will say those who have children born with cleft lip and palate, those who see individuals with cleft lip and palate should not stigmatise them because they can be cared for and they can live a normal life.

“I will also call on well-meaning Nigerians who have the means to support cleft care to approach the Nigerian Association of Cleft Lip and Palates and ask for how they might be able to help provide care for these children.

“Don’t kill children with cleft lip and palate, don’t stigmatise children with cleft, lip and pzlate, bring them out for comprehensive care and they can live a normal life” she said.

In his keynote address at the conference, the immediate past President of the West African College of Surgeons, Prof. Peter Donko, explained that cleft lip and palate is a global issue but Africa is particularly affected because of all the issues with poverty, lack of resources and adequate manpower to deal with the issue.

“We are here to challenge ourselves to work with organizations like Smile Train which have been funding cleft treatment for many years and also with our governments to take the initiative forward, provide resources for treating these children who are unfortunate enough to be born with this congenital defect.

“We believe that we must also change the way we care for them. We should not only focus on surgical repair of the defects that we see,” he added.

Ex-Accountant General begs for time to refund looted funds

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Ex-Accountant General begs for time to refund looted funds

A former acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Anamekwe Nwabuoku, on Wednesday, pleaded with Justice James Omotoso of the Federal High Court in Abuja to give him more time to conclude the refund of the public funds allegedly looted by him and his co-defendant.

Nwabuoku and his co-defendant, Felix Nweke, are facing 11 counts of money laundering to the tune of N1.6bn.

They are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The defendants were accused of committing to the act while Nwabuoku served as the Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021.

While Nwabuoku is the first defendant, Nweke is the second defendant in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/240/24 dated May 20 and filed on May 27 by EFCC counsel, Ekele Iheanacho.

Nwabuoku was appointed acting AGoF on May 20, 2022, under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari after Ahmed Idris was suspended as AGF over alleged N80bn fraud.

He was, however, removed in July 2022, a few weeks after assuming office.

When the matter was called on Wednesday, the defendants prayed the court to halt their arraignment until another date to perfect the refund.

Nweke’s lawyer, Emeka Onyeaka, informed the court that there was a new development in the case.

He told the court that his client had taken steps towards settling the matter.

The lawyer said Nweke had made substantial refunds of the money traced to him by the anti-graft agency.

“The second defendant has taken steps, as there is a communication to the commission via-a-vs the alleged offences on making a refund.

“The commission is in receipt of the money and promised to communicate to us,” he said.

The defence counsel said upon being served with the charge, “We communicated with the commission and we were asked to tarry for their administrative procedure.”

He said since a substantial amount had been refunded, if his client was arraigned, such action would affect the trial.

He, therefore, prayed the court to grant them an adjournment to take further steps on the administrative procedure.

Maduakolam Igwe, who appeared for Nwabuoku, aligned with Onyeaka’s submission.

Igwe said his client had equally taken the same steps and that a substantial amount had been refunded.

“We have written to the commission on this. The first defendant has also made some refunds.

“May I adopt the submission of my learner friend to tidy up the administrative procedure,” he corroborated.

Responding, counsel who appeared for the EFCC, Ogechi Ujam, acknowledged that though the commission was in receipt of a proposal letter, she said, “No negotiation has been made, no settlement has been done and no agreement has been reached by parties.

“In the circumstances, we urge this honourable court to allow us to arraign the defendants.”

After hearing the parties out, Justice Omotosho adjourned till October 14 for arraignment.

Supreme Court decides FG suit against govs today

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Supreme Court decides FG suit against govs today

The Supreme Court will today (Thursday) deliver judgment in the suit instituted by the Federal Government against the 36 state governors of the federation on local government autonomy.

The suit filed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), is seeking full autonomy and direct fund allocation to the 774 local governments in the country.

It is praying the apex court to make an order that funds of LG being run by caretakers appointed by governors instead elected chairmen and councillors should be withheld.

But the 36 states, represented by their attorneys general, opposed the suit on various grounds, including their contention that the Supreme Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

A seven-man panel of Supreme Court Justices led by Justice Garba Lawal, heard the suit on June 13 and had reserved judgment.

While Fagbemi represented the Federal Government in the suit marked SC/CV/343/2024, the state governors were represented by their AGs or lawyers.

All the states opposed the suit and prayed the Supreme Court to dismiss it.

The AGF on his part, asked the apex court to grant all the reliefs sought by the Federal Government and grant the local governments full autonomy as the third tier of government in Nigeria as stipulated in the 1999 constitution.

The AGF prayed the court to order direct allocation of funds from the federation account to the local governments.

He seeks an order prohibiting the unlawful dissolution of local government administration and the state governors’ appointment of caretaker committees to run the councils.

The suit is hinged on 27 grounds that the Constitution of Nigeria recognises federal, state and local government as three tiers of government.

It also averred that the three recognised tiers of government draw funds for their operation and functioning from the federation account created by the constitution.

The originating summons read, “That by the provisions of the constitution, there must be a democratically elected local government system and that the constitution has not made provisions for any other systems of governance at the local government level other than the democratically elected local government system.

“That in the face of the clear provisions of the constitution, the governors have failed and refused to put in place a democratically elected local government system even where no state of emergency has been declared to warrant the suspension of democratic institutions in the state.

“That the failure of the governors to put democratically elected local government system in place is a deliberate subversion of the 1999 Constitution which they and the President have sworn to uphold.

“That all efforts to make the governors comply with the dictates of the 1999 Constitution in terms of putting in place a democratically elected local government system has not yielded any result and that to continue to disburse funds from the federation account to governors for non-existing democratically elected local governments is to undermine the sanctity of the 1999 constitution.”

The AGF asked the apex court to invoke sections 1, 4, 5, 7 and 14 of the Constitution to declare that the governors and state houses of assembly are under obligation to ensure democratically elected systems at the third tier.

Meanwhile, the National Union of Local Government Employees said it would hold a national day of prayer and fasting towards victory for LG autonomy at the Supreme Court today.

The National President of NULGE, Hakeem Ambali, made this known in a text message sent to one of our correspondents on Wednesday.

“NULGE declares tomorrow (today) a day of national prayer and fasting towards victory for local government autonomy at Supreme Court,” the message read.

Autonomy: Supreme Court freed LGs from decades of captivity, systemic plunder – Shehu Sani

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Autonomy: Supreme Court freed LGs from decades of captivity, systemic plunder – Shehu Sani

Former Kaduna lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has said the Supreme Court has freed the local governments from over two decades of captivity and systemic plunder by the states.
Sani’s statement followed the Supreme Court judgement on Thursday, granting autonomy to the local governments in the country.
The court in a landmark ruling ordered all state governors to henceforth steer clear of the funds meant for the 774 local government areas of the country.
The apex court also stated that the control of local government areas funds by states is unconstitutional.
Reacting to the development, Sani said local governments have been freed from captivity and systemic plunder by the States.
He said: “The Supreme Court has freed the local governments from over two decades of captivity and systemic plunder by the states.”
Autonomy: Supreme Court freed LGs from decades of captivity, systemic plunder – Shehu Sani

CAC to cancel certificates of BDCs with revoked licences

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CAC to cancel certificates of BDCs with revoked licences

The Corporate Affairs Commission has announced its intention to cancel the certificates of incorporation of Bureaux De Change whose licences were revoked by the Central Bank of Nigeria earlier this year.

In a notice on its website on Wednesday, CAC said the certificates would be cancelled within three months if the affected companies do not change the names and objects of such companies.

“The general public is hereby informed that following the revocation of the operational licenses of 4,173 Bureau De Change companies by the Central Bank of Nigeria vide a Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette (Vol. 111) No. 37 of February 27, 2024 for noncompliance with Regulatory Standards, the Corporate Affairs Commission in the exercise of its powers under section 8(1)(e ) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020 advises these companies to within three months from the date of this publication, change the names and objects of such companies.

“Failure to change the names and objects within the stipulated time frame shall result in cancellation of certificate of incorporation and dissolution. It is to be noted that it is unlawful for a company whose certificate has been deemed dissolved to carry on business,” the CAC notice read.

The CBN in February revoked the licences of 4,173 Bureau De Change operators over their failure to meet regulatory guidelines.

The apex bank disclosed this in a statement by its acting Director, Corporate Communications, Sidi Hakama.

According to the statement, the regulatory provisions flouted include nonpayment of all necessary fees within the stipulated period.

It added, “The affected institutions failed to observe at least one of the following regulatory provisions: Payment of all necessary fees, including licence renewal, within the stipulated period in line with the guidelines.

“Rendition of returns in line with the guidelines; compliance with guidelines, directives, and circulars of the CBN, particularly Anti-Money Laundering, Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Counter-Proliferation Financing regulations,” CBN said in the statement.

The CBN has since released fresh regulations and guidelines for Bureau de Change operations in Nigeria, which included new categorisations with different capital bases.

Arraignment stalled as ex-Power Minister, Mamman collapses in court

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Arraignment stalled as ex-Power Minister, Mamman collapses in court

The arraignment of Mr Saleh Mamman, former Minister of Power under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, was, on Thursday, stalled after he collapsed outside the courtroom of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Mamman, whose plea was fixed for Thursday morning, collapsed before the case was called.
NAN reports that the former minister’s counsel, Femi Ate, SAN, told Justice James Omotosho shortly when the matter was called for Mamman to take his plea.
Upon resumed hearing, the ex-minister walked into the courtroom and stepped into the dock with part of his clothes drenched.
Justice Omotosho then asked why Mamman was sweating or whether it was raining outside.
The former minister, who responded from the dock, said water was poured on him.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, while addressing the court, said though the matter was fixed for Mamman’s arraignment, there was a development outside the courtroom.
Olumide-Fusika said he had a discussion with Ate outside the courtroom about Mamman’s ill-health.
“I was informed of an incident outside. I will want my learned senior advocate to tell the honourable court himself,” he said.
Speaking, Ate said Mamman, “upon being brought into the premises of the court, he collapsed and had to be resuscitated and treated by the medical personnel of the Federal High Court.”
He said his client was served with the charge after he was resuscitated.
“He was served this morning,” he added.
The senior lawyer said he sought the understanding of Olumide-Fusika for an adjournment so that the arraignment could be done on Monday when his client would have been okay.
But the judge said due to the workload in the court dockets, the arraignment could only be fixed for September ending.
Ate then withdrew the oral application for an adjournment.
Olumide-Fusika said he had just filed an amended charge earlier in the morning following a mistake in the name of the defendant and prayed the court that the fresh charge be read to Mamman to take his plea but Justice Omotosho disagreed with him.
The judge, however, asked Mamman if he was fit enough to take his plea today, and he responded in the affirmative.
The former minister explained to the court that he collapsed outside the courtroom because of the drugs he took when he had not eaten, and while he was outside the courtroom waiting to be called, his blood pressure dropped.
Mamman, however, said he was fit to continue with the arraignment.
“It can happen to anyone,” the judge said.
The ex-minister told the court that he called the attention of his lawyer to the error made by the EFCC on the name in the charge served on him.
“I was complaining about the name, that it was not my own,” he said.
Justice Omotosho then stepped down the arraignment until 1pm today.
Arraignment stalled as ex-Power Minister, Mamman collapses in court

EFCC should connect Nigerians to fight corruption

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EFCC should connect Nigerians to fight corruption

The Nigeria Labour Congress has thrown its full support behind the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in the ongoing battle against corruption in Nigeria.

The Congress President, Joe Ajaero, disclosed this in Abuja at the EFCC Walk against Corruption held on Thursday across various states in the country.

In his address, Ajaero emphasised the critical nature of the anti-corruption campaign, stating, “There’s an urgent need for us to fight corruption, and the NLC will throw its weight behind the agency in all fights against corruption.”

He advised the EFCC to remain vigilant against misinformation, ensuring that genuine Nigerians continue to support their efforts.

The NLC president highlighted the importance of uniting Nigerians in this cause, suggesting that the EFCC should connect Nigerians to enable a mass movement against corruption.

He said, “Nigerians are united in the fight against corruption clearly I think what your agency needs to do is to connect them so that it will be a mass movement.”

He referenced Nigerian author Chinua Achebe’s book “The Trouble with Nigeria,” which likens the corruption problem to “putting the goat and the yam” together, implying the certainty of corruption without proper safeguards.

Ajaero further stressed the generational nature of the fight against corruption, stating, “We have to make sure that this fight, we are taking it to the next generation. It’s a fight that we can’t afford to lose. If we lose this fight, we have lost the essence of our existence as a nation.”

The labour leader expressed concern over the impact of corruption on Nigeria’s development and international reputation.

“The sad aspect of this is that people take what they don’t need from generation to generation and they dump it. We are now a laughing stock to some countries where we dump our money, and such cities are so beautiful while Nigeria is suffering,” Ajaero lamented.

In the rallying call to all Nigerians, Ajaero further stated, “My brothers and sisters, I wish to pledge the support of the NLC any time, any day, any moment. We have to come together to fight corruption before corruption will ruin the country.”

ILRI unveils forage centre to boost Nigeria’s livestock industry

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ILRI unveils forage centre to boost Nigeria’s livestock industry

The International Livestock Research Institute has unveiled a Forage Genetic Resource centre to boost Nigeria’s livestock industry.

In a statement obtained from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture on Wednesday, the Forage Genetic Resource (FGR) launched on 28th June at the IITA headquarters in Ibadan, would house over 80 cultivars and the accession of tropically adapted and improved forage for livestock in Nigeria and West Africa.

According to ILRI-Nigeria Country Representative, Tunde Amole, ILRI’s impact over the past five decades has contributed to improving food and nutrition security and reducing poverty in developing countries through research that ensures sustainable livestock systems.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu, recently approved the creation of a new Ministry of Livestock Development to reduce the decades-long gory conflict between farmers and nomadic cattle herders nationwide.

Highlighting the importance of having reliable production of high-quality forage for livestock systems, IITA Director General and CGIAR Regional Director for Continental Africa, Dr Simeon Ehui, during his opening remarks at the launch of ILRI FGR launch, said the launch which is an extension of a global forage genebank, marks a significant milestone in a journey toward enhancing the productivity and profitability of smallholder and other livestock systems in Nigeria.

“To have over 100 forage genetic materials in Nigeria for research, conservation, promotion, and distribution to farmers and stakeholders, the FGR initiative will support the development of pasture and livestock production in Nigeria and bolster the Federal Government’s efforts to curb the herders-farmers crisis and promote food and nutrition security,” Ehui said.

Amole expressed enthusiasm, the Director General pointed out that the FGR plot would enhance pasture production by developing forage varieties suitable for all livestock in Nigeria, adding that it would establish genetic resources plots to produce forage seeds for farmers and researchers.

During his goodwill message, IITA Business Incubation Platform (IITA-BIP) Chief Executive Officer, Adebowale Akande, shared insights on leveraging diverse partnerships for research scaling and acceleration by creating an enabling environment and structures that encourage collaborations.

During the launch, stakeholders explored strategies for strengthening the livestock sector and addressing the needs of a growing population in Nigeria and West Africa. Participants emphasised the importance of research institutes partnering with universities to train young people in maximising innovation in the sector.

The National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS) South-West Coordinator, Adewunmi Adesina, suggested that ILRI leverage NAERLS’ extension activities.

He noted that these activities would facilitate knowledge transfer to smallholder farmers in Nigeria, thereby supporting their efforts to improve livestock production and sustainability.

The official launch of the FGR plot took place by planting various pasture varieties on the newly established resources plot. This hands-on activity showcased ILRI’s commitment to promoting sustainable pasture production and highlighted the practical applications of research efforts.

The demonstration illustrated how the FGR plot will be a pivotal resource for advancing livestock feed solutions in Nigeria and West Africa.

Lauding the FGR plot initiative, Ehui said that while genetic, management, and health interventions are essential for improving livestock productivity, these efforts are unsustainable without proper feeding.

“Currently, the demand for higher-yielding seeds outstrips supply, highlighting a critical area that requires our attention and action. This initiative will ensure reliable production of high-quality forage, which is contingent upon good quality forage seed availability,” he said.

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