1) CRITICISM WON'T STOP BUHARI'S ANTI-CORRUPTION WAR –Mohammed
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said that President Muhammadu Buhari will not relent in his war against corruption until the scourge is destroyed in the country.
He also called on Nigerians to join the battle against corruption in the country.
“This is not Buhari’s war; this is not the All Progressives Congress’ war. This is a war for all Nigerians and we must all join hands in waging the war,’’ Mohammed said while delivering a lecture on Friday at the Faculty of Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
He claimed that once the people were determined to fight corruption, they were assured of victory.
The minister said, ‘’No power has ever been great enough to defeat a people who are determined to win. Let us all form what I call citizens’ coalition against corruption by speaking up against the crime, refusing to glorify or support looters, irrespective of how much dirty cash they dangle before us, and refusing to be divided along religious or ethnic lines.”
While listing the effects of corruption in the nation, the minister said Nigeria lost $400bn in the oil sector alone, adding that so much money was stolen by corrupt leaders from the health, education, security and other sectors.
According to him, atrocities committed by the Boko Haram insurgents continued for many years because the funds allocated to buy weapons for the military were shared by some corrupt persons.
Apart from massive loss of lives and property, Mohammed stated that corruption in public office had caused endemic poverty, poor infrastructure and lack of qualitative health care, among other effects.
The minister, however, claimed that corruption had started fighting back, saying some of the corrupt persons had started hiring hack writers, pseudo analysts to attack the President’s war against corruption in the media.
He said, “On the part of government, let me reiterate what I said earlier that there is no stopping this fight. Those who doubt the resolve of this administration to successfully wage this battle will learn a tough lesson, a lesson of their lives.
“Failure is not an option in this fight. In the days ahead, we plan a road show of sorts on corruption sensitisation efforts.”
Mohammed decried the use of ethno-religious sentiment to weaken the anti-corruption war, but asked Nigerians to ignore the trick “because poverty and other effects of corruption did not discriminate between people according to ethnicity or religious beliefs.”
2) NYSC BANS COMBINATION OF LAW SCHOOL AND NATIONAL SERVICE
The National Youth Service Corps has said that henceforth, participation in the national service and attendance of Law School at the same time “would not be acceptable”.
A statement by the spokesperson of the NYSC, Mrs. Abosede Aderibigbe, on Friday said this was part of the resolutions made at 2016 annual management conference of the organisation, which took place in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
Participants also agreed that the policy on posting of the corps members to places of primary assignment would be reviewed to meet contemporary needs.
Aderibigbe said the conference stated that the NYSC Act provided for uninterrupted service year, and “advised prospective corps members to choose which one to defer between national service and Law School attendance instead of attempting to combine both.”
She said, “Parents of prospective corps members have also been advised by the confab to allow their graduate children take decisions as adults and avoid discouraging them from accepting postings to any location in the country.
“Management also noted the return of normalcy in some states whose orientation camps were closed due to insecurity, and expressed readiness to make phased reopening of the camps after due consultations with security agencies and governments of the affected states.”
The conference further resolved to deepen engagements with key stakeholders, including the security and intelligence community and traditional rulers on matters of security and general well-being of corps members.
3) ZIKA VIRUS: FG alerts Nigerians, restricts travel to Latin America
The Federal Government has alerted Nigerians on the outbreak of Zika virus infection, with directive that the citizens, especially pregnant women should be restricted from traveling to Latin America until the situation improves.
The government, which directed the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to include Zika virus diagnosis as part of the ongoing efforts to manage Lassa fever outbreak in the country, said anyone coming from any of the Latin American countries should be interviewed at the various ports of entry to ascertain evidence of Zika virus symptoms.
A statement issued on Friday in Abuja by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Federal Ministry of Health, Mrs. Boade Akinola, quoted the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, as saying that Zika virus infection, which was first discovered in Brazil in 2014, is transmitted by a bite of mosquito vector.
While assuring Nigerians that “there is no single case of Zika virus infection in the country and there is no need to panic,” he said the Federal Ministry of Health would continue to monitor the situation and update Nigerians of any other developments.
Adewole said, “The World Health Organisation has raised a global alert because the disease has affected about 23 countries in Americas especially in Latin America. At the moment, there is no cure or vaccine for Zika virus infection.
“The Federal Ministry of Health hereby advises a travel restriction especially by pregnant women to Latin America for now until the situation improves. In addition, we have directed the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to include Zika virus diagnosis as part of ongoing effort to manage Lassa fever outbreak in the country.
“Nigerians should be vigilant and report promptly any case of unexplained fever that is more than 48 hours, especially in those with recent travels to Latin America, to health care professionals.
“Nigerians working at various ports of entry into the country should interview anyone coming from any of the Latin American countries for evidence of Zika virus symptoms.”
The manifestation of Zika virus infection include mild fever, rash (mostly maculo-papular), headaches, joint pain (arthralgia), muscle pain (myalgia), loss of weight (asthenia) and non-purulent conjunctivitis.
The virus is also associated with higher risk of congenital malformations in newborn when pregnant women are affected. The diseases usually occur about three to twelve days after the mosquito vector bites.
4) ARMS DEAL: EFCC INVESTIGATES OBANIKORO’S CHILDREN OVER ALLEGED N4.8 BILLION FUND
Former Defence Minister Musiliu Obanikoro's 2 children, Babajide and Gbolahan Obanikoro are currently been investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Sources at the anti- graft agency disclosed that N4,745,000,000.00 was traced to a company, Sylvan McNamara Limited, in which they both have investments in.
The money was allegedly paid into the company’s account with Diamond bank over a period of time from the Office of the National Security Adviser account with the CBN. According to the source, all the transfers took place between June and December 2014,which was during the Ekiti state governorship election. N200 million was allegedly transferred into Sylvan Mc Namara’s account on June 5, 2015, while N2billion was also wired into the account from the CBN/ Imprest Main account on June 16, 2015. Another transfer of N700 million went into the account on July 7, 2014, while N1billion was credited into the account on July 30, 2014. Other transfers included: N160 million on August 8, 2014; N225 million on August 22, 2014; N200 million on November 14, 2014 and N200 million on December 5, 2014. Both Gbolahan and Babajide Obanikoro, were allegedly directors of the company and were also signatories to its account until 2014 when one Olalekan Ogunseye was made the sole signatory to the account. EFCC sources disclosed that the payments to the company from the office of the National Security Adviser were made without any contract.
5) SEIZE ANY MONEY IN ANY FOREIGN ACCOUNT TRACED TO ME- AKPABIO TELLS FG
Former Akwa Ibom state governor and Senator, Godswill Akpabio, has asked the Federal government to seize any money in any foreign account that is traced to him. Akpabio said this in a statement he released today through his spokesperson, Anietie Ekong. He released the statement to debunk a newspaper report that he had made a secret attempt to withdraw $7.2 billion from banks in Dubai, United Arab Emirate, through channels in the Central Bank of Nigeria
“We challenge these purveyors of falsehood to publish the full details of the purported $7.2 billion account and we urge the Federal Government of Nigeria to seize such sum and prosecute the owner if it does exist. People should learn to accept the outcome of elections and stop this kind of dangerous propaganda in the name of politics,” he said.
Photos: Governor El-Rufai inaugurates the Judicial Commission of Inquiry on the Shi'ites-Army clash in Zaria
Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai inaugurated the Judicial Commission of Inquiry on the Shi'ites-Army clash in Zaria on Friday, January 29 at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House.
The Commission is being chaired by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, the presiding justice of the Port Harcourt Division of the Court of Appeal. The commission has twelve Commissioners that include:
1. Prof. Salihu Shehu - Commissioner. Professor Shehu lectures at the Bayero University, Kano.
2. Prof. Umar Labdo – Commissioner. Professor Labdo teaches in the Faculty of Humanities, Northwest University, Kano.
3. Malam Salihu Abubakar – Commissioner. Malam Abubakar is a former director of the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
4. Prof. Auwalu Yadudu – Commissioner. He is an accomplished professor of Law, and former Special Adviser on Legal Matters during the Abacha government.
5. Prof. Ibrahim Gambari – Commissioner. Professor Gambari is a former minister of Foreign Affairs. He was also Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, and headed the UN department of Political Affairs. He is often consulted on African Affairs, Peacekeeping and Global Security.
6. Mr. Afakirya Gadzama – Commissioner. Mr. Gadzama, a career intelligence professional, is a former Director-General of the Department of State Services, where he served in various positions, including as Kaduna State director of the agency.
7. Brig-Gen. Aminun-Kano Maude (rtd) – Commissioner. General Maude is a retired Deputy Director, Army Finance and Accounts. He holds a Ph.D in Accountancy.
8. Dr. Jibrin Ibrahim – Commissioner. Dr. Ibrahim is a well-known civil society leader and columnist. He taught politics at the Ahmadu Bello University, and has researched and written about religion.
9. Mrs. Khadijah Hawaja Gambo – Commissioner. Mrs. Gambo is a gender rights activist, social entrepreneur and conflict resolution expert active in Plateau and neighbouring states. She is fluent in Arabic.
10. Mr. Bilya Bala – Commissioner. Mr. Bala is an accomplished banker and journalist. He is currently editor-in-chief of the People’s Daily newspaper.
11. Maj-Gen Alexander Anjili Mshelbwala – Commissioner. General Mshelbwala is a retired infantry general knowledgeable in civil-military relations and counter-insurgency. He was former Military Secretary of the Nigerian Army.
12. Mrs. Desire Deseye Nsirim CP (Rtd.) – Commissioner. Mrs. Nsirim was a distinguished police officer. She retired after being the commissioner of police of Niger State.
Dr. Bala Babaji, Director of the Centre for Islamic Legal Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria is to serve as Secretary to the Commission. He is to be assisted by a secretariat with experts drawn from academia, civil society and the public service of the state and the Federation.
The counsel to the commission is Malam Yusuf Ali, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, a chartered arbitrator and a member of the Body of Benchers.
6) SPEECH BY THE GOVERNOR AT THE INAUGURATION:
We are here today to perform a solemn duty, to kickstart the work of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the 12-14 December 2015 clashes in Zaria. As you are aware, lives were lost and property were destroyed during the tragic clashes between the group known as the Islamic Movement in Nigeria and a detachment of the Nigerian Army. For reasons of accountability and transparency, the Kaduna State Government deems it right and proper to institute this Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the incidents. This will allow all parties to state their case and afford the public a fair and accurate accounting of the events.
The Kaduna State Government is of the firm belief that such an authoritative account will assign administrative and criminal responsibility where due. In addition to determining responsibility, the outcome of this Inquiry will hopefully enable government and society to understand the historical background, and the culture and practices that are relevant in providing context to the regrettable events. The government is especially concerned that all citizens take seriously their duty of allegiance to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to respect the prerogatives of state institutions, to abide by the laws of the country and to exercise their freedom to practice their faith in ways that do not infringe on the rights of other citizens.
Since the government announced its decision to constitute this Judicial Commission of Inquiry, we have been asked why we are establishing this Inquiry in the light of certain actions the government has taken. Our response is that it is neither right nor prudent for the Kaduna State Government to abdicate its constitutional responsibility, and to conceal this under the cover of a commission of inquiry. Governance cannot be suspended even for processes as weighty as a Judicial Commission of Inquiry. Where the government has evidence that crimes have been committed, it is only proper that prosecutions be initiated.
In the aftermath of the clashes, it became the duty of the municipal authorities to restore normalcy to the affected neighbourhoods. Measures to safeguard public health and safety by removing unsound structures, and clearing debris from the scene of the clashes thus became unavoidable. People were rescued from the debris, while corpses which could have constituted a risk to public health were discovered and removed. The governance of the state cannot be paused because of the events of December 2015.
In all our actions since the events, we have sought only to discharge the normal obligations of government to protect the rights of all citizens with equal concern and to protect the public interest. Kaduna State bears too vividly the scars of the horrors that have been inflicted on it by ethno-communal and religious upheavals. We have a duty to promote peace, foster harmony, and end the legacy of division by ensuring that the law applies equally to everyone.
Let it be clear that the Kaduna State Government is convinced that a Judicial Commission of Inquiry provides a chance to understand the events that happened, their background, establish casualties, assign responsibilities and make appropriate recommendations to the federal and state governments, so that such tragedies may be avoided in future. Those that wrongly believe that a federal government inquiry is necessary to satisfy them should note that under the 1999 Constitution, only State Governments can institute judicial commissions of inquiry in their states. The Federal Government can only do so in the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja. Those that argue that a state level inquiry cannot invite, compel attendance and interrogate the criminal or administrative responsibility of federal actors are also wrong as the laws of Kaduna State apply to every person that is engaged in acts of omission or commission in our territory whether that person or group is military, paramilitary or civilian. Members of the Armed Forces, like all citizens, are subject to state and federal laws. We have been deliberate in consulting widely with the governments of the 19 Northern States and the Federal Government before concluding on the need for this Inquiry.
These distinguished Nigerians have been selected for their integrity, skills, experience and competence. They are not representing any organization, group or interest. It is their knowledge, professional skills, character and record of service that qualified them to be chosen for this important national assignment. We are confident that the caliber of persons we have today and the diverse pool of knowledge, experience and patriotism they collectively bring will help our state and our country to ensure that the needless deaths of our citizens that occurred in the December 2015 clashes are never repeated.
I wish to thank the Chairman, Members and Secretary of this Judicial Commission of Inquiry for accepting to undertake this assignment. I want to recognize and also thank Yusuf Ali, SAN and the team of lawyers working with him for graciously accepting to serve as Counsel to the Commission.
My Lord Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, this Inquiry may well turn out to be a thankless assignment for which you will be accused, smeared and attacked. Some of it may already have started. It is however a task that needs the attention of our best and brightest. It requires the thickest of skins. You are the thirteen wise men and women that we believe will do this for Nigeria under the guidance of Almighty God. I therefore urge you to take all present and future challenges in your stride while striving to be fair and just to everyone as required by our Constitution, laws, the Instrument and the rules of natural justice.
The Terms of the Inquiry are as follows:
i. To determine the immediate causes of the Clashes;
ii. To determine the historical circumstances, surrounding and contributory factors and remote causes of the Clashes;
iii. To ascertain the number of persons killed, wounded or missing during the Clashes;
iv. To identify all property alleged to have been damaged or destroyed during the Clashes, the owners or occupiers of such property and the value claimed by them for such damage or destruction;
v. To identify actions and omissions of relevant persons, traditional and religious institutions, Federal and State actors and emergency response agencies before, during and after the Clashes;
vi. To determine whether the actions and omissions identified in sub-paragraph (e) above were necessary, appropriate and sufficient in the circumstances in which they occurred;
vii. To determine the evolution of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, its organization, structure, membership, growth, assets, resources, culture and practices, and how any or all of these contributed to any engagement with the community, constituted authorities and the security agencies;
viii. To review all other factors, issues or matters, including the alleged involvement of foreign and domestic actors or their influence or instigation, that may have contributed to the incident or may conduce to such incidents in the future and make recommendations thereto;
ix. To make recommendations to the Kaduna State Government and the Federal Government as to direct or indirect responsibility for any acts of commission or omission identified in sub-paragraph (v) above;
x. To make recommendations as to actions to be taken to ensure that administrative or criminal responsibility is further determined by the appropriate administrative or judicial authorities for any identified acts or omissions;
xi. To make recommendations as to actions to be taken, policies to be developed and implemented to ensure that acts and omissions that may have contributed or led to the Clashes are pre-empted entirely or, where they occur, their negative effects are mitigated, in future;
xii. To recommend any matter for prosecution, further investigation or the convening of a separate inquiry to the appropriate Law Enforcement Agency, Government Department or Prosecutor regarding the conduct of a certain person or persons; and
xiii. To investigate any other matter incidental or relevant to these Terms of Inquiry which, in the Commission’s view, should be investigated and make any other pertinent recommendations that it deems necessary for the purpose.
The Kaduna State Government looks forward to receiving the interim and final reports of this Commission within six weeks after the first public sitting.
Photos: EFCC seals off estate belonging to former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Ihejirika
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has sealed off an estate which is said to be owned by the former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Azubuike Ihejirika. The beautiful estate located along Jabi Airport road junction, Abuja was sealed off on Wednesday, January 27 amid heavy security. The eyewitness who took the photos was reportedly manhandled by the operatives.
