Connect with us

News and Report

Who Is Really Fighting Corruption? The Executive or The Legislature, By Omoniyi Idowu

Published

7 years ago

on

Corruption is getting worse in Nigeria, according to the latest corruption perception index (CPI) released by Transparency International (TI) on Wednesday, which shows that Nigeria has dropped 12 places in its Corruption Perception Index.*

Whose fault is this, the Executive or the Legislature? Let’s break this down…

There have been several attacks from sponsored sources that allege that the National Assembly is frustrating the efforts of the Executive in fighting corruption.

However, if we look at the facts on the ground, we can see that:

The National Assembly, through the Senate, has been at the forefront of exposing high-levels of corruption in government — yet, the Executive has not done its part to prosecute those that have been exposed.

The Senate exposed the former SGF, Babachir Lawal’s, intimate involvement in a N200million grass-cutting scandal through which funds meant for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North-east were diverted into private pockets. Two Committees, one in the Senate and another one headed by the VP, had indicted the man. Yet, it took President Muhammadu Buhari over 9 months to sack the man. and up till now, he is still has not been prosecuted.

Also, months after the committee headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo indicted the former NIA DG over the 43million Dollar Cash in Ikoyi Flat scandal, the man has not been prosecuted. The DG NHIS that was suspended over financial misappropriation bh the supervising Minster was arbitrarily recalled and re-instated without recourse to the report of the on-going investigation by the EFCC.

When a Senator leveled allegations of misappropriation of funds against the Inspector General of Police, instead of he Government to investigate the allegations and allow the IG to seek redress if he feels he has been defamed, the Government sought to intimidate the Senator by filling criminal charge against him.

In the same vein, there are other allegations of corrupt practices leveled against top members of the Executive arm which are simply swept under the carpet.

Now, we know that write-ups like the one being circulated on WhatsApp are now alleging that the National Assembly is frustrating the anti-corruption war will come out as a way of fighting back by the Executive over the AMENDMENT OF THE ELECTORAL LAW in which the Presidency failed to get through its preferred ORDER OF ELECTIONS. This write up is just the Executive arms way of fighting back by stereotyping the Legislative Arm.

NOW BEYOND THE PROPAGANDA, FALLACY AND FALSEHOOD, let’s check the facts.

The Senate has already passed the following bills that are aimed at fighting Corruption in Nigeria:

*The Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill*, which is aimed at enhancing the collaboration and mutual assistance between the Nigerian government and its foreign counterparts. This Bill will also help to facilitate the identification, tracing, freezing, restraining, recovery, forfeiture and confiscation of proceeds of crime wherever they are located.

*The Whistleblower Protection Bill*, which will encourage the disclosure of improper conduct by persons, public officers and corporate bodies, private and public.

*The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) Bill*, which, in line with international best practices, establishes a substantive and autonomous financial intelligence unit in Nigeria, that will promote the exchange of information with all countries in issue that relate to criminal intelligence and financial investigations that deal with money laundering, terrorism financing, proliferation of arms, corruption, financial crimes and economic crimes.

*The Witness Protection Bill*, which creates a programme in Nigeria that protects witnesses who provide vital information, evidence or render assistance to law enforcement agencies during investigations, enquiries or prosecutions.

*Of all these Bills, THE ONLY ONE that was sent to the Senate, from the Executive was the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill. All others were initiated, fast-tracked and passed by the Senators.*

The article in question also referred to the Special Anti-Corruption Courts Bill which he said the National Assembly has refused to pass. However, it should be noted that the National assembly cannot create a Court through a Bill. Creation of Courts require Constitutional Amendments. That is why the Bill was suspended so that it could be part of the Constitutional Amendment process and the Judiciary could have adequate input.

I am sure it is now clear that the Anti-Corruption war is being frustrated by those claiming to be prosecuting it. The War is being defeated by nepotism, inconsistency, inter-agency rivalry, dishonesty and the lack of adherence to the Rule of Law.

*THE FACTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES!
Omoniyi Idowu writes from Lagos

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement

News and Report

Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Spends Second Night In EFCC’s Cell Over N1.3 Trillion Alleged Fraud

Published

6 hours ago

on

November 7, 2024

By

 

Immediate past governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, who was arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has spent second night in the custody of the anti-graft commission.

 

Okowa is currently being investigated and detained over the alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion.

 

The N1.3 trillion reportedly represents the 13% derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.

 

According to sources within the commission, Okowa was invited to the EFCC office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he’s subsequently detained by officials.

 

One of the sources stated, “Okowa was at our Port Harcourt office following an invitation from investigators probing the allegations against him. He was then arrested. The commission is investigating him regarding the N1.3 trillion 13% derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.

 

“He is also accused of failing to account for the funds, as well as another N40 billion he allegedly claimed was used to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas. He reportedly bought shares worth N40 billion in one of the country’s major banks, representing an 8% equity stake, to support the offshore LNG project. The funds are alleged to have been misappropriated for other purposes.

Investigators are also examining the alleged diversion of funds by the former governor to acquire estates in Abuja and Asaba, Delta State. He is currently being held at the EFCC facility in Port Harcourt.

Continue Reading

News and Report

Lagos Government Shuts Down Redeemed Church, Celestial Church, Clubs, Event Centres Over Noise Pollution

Published

19 hours ago

on

November 6, 2024

By

The Lagos State government has shut down a branch of Pastor E. A. Adeboye’s Redeemed Christian Church of God, a Celestial church, nightclubs and event centres over noise pollution.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who made this known on Wednesday, said the churches, clubs and event centres were sealed on Tuesday by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) in the Ogudu, Gbagada, Iyana Ejigbo, Isolo, Ajao Estate, Oshodi, Ilasamaja, and Okota areas of the state.

The sealed establishments include: Redeemed Christian Church of God, Celestial Church of God, OMA Nightclub and Lounge, Lounge & Lodging, Bridge Spot Bar, Okiki Event Center and Hall, Emota Paradise Hotel (Phase 2), CF Hotel & Suites, House 27 Hotel & Suites, Echo Spring Hotel, and Smile T Continental Hotel.

The commissioner in a post on X said, “In a bid to address noise pollution and other environmental violations, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) took action yesterday, closing down several establishments across different parts of the state.

“This enforcement drive, focusing on areas like Ogudu, Gbagada, Iyana Ejigbo, Isolo, Ajao Estate, Oshodi, Ilasamaja, and Okota, is part of LASEPA’s continuous efforts to uphold environmental standards and safeguard public health.

“The affected establishments include Honourable Lounge & Lodging, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Celestial Church of God, OMA Nightclub and Lounge, Bridge Spot Bar, Okiki Event Center and Hall, Emota Paradise Hotel (Phase 2), CF Hotel & Suites, House 27 Hotel & Suites, Echo Spring Hotel, and Smile T Continental Hotel.”

 

Continue Reading

News and Report

Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja: Tinubu directs flags be flown at half-mast

Published

20 hours ago

on

November 6, 2024

By

President Bola Tinubu has directed that Nigeria’s national flags be flown at half mast for seven days across the country to mourn the passing of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

The late Army chief, who was appointed by Tinubu on 19 June 2023, was said to have passed away on Tuesday night after a prolonged illness.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, in a statement on Wednesday by his office Director of Information & Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, said the president expressed regret over Lagbaja’s death.

Akume said, “President Bola Tinubu has expressed regret following the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, after a brief illness at the age of 56.

“The President has directed that national flags be flown at half mast throughout the country for seven days in honour of the departed Army chief.

“He profoundly appreciates the services of the departed to the nation and wishes the family the fortitude to bear the great loss.”

Meanwhile, the Ministers of Defence, Mohammed Badaru and Bello Matawalle, have commiserated with the president, the military, and Lagbaja’s family over his death.

In a statement by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Henshaw Ogubike, the ministers described Lagbaja’s death as a great loss to his family, the Army, and the nation at large.

“The passing on to eternal glory shocked us at the Ministry of Defence, as our working relationship with him was commendable; he exhibited the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation with us in the discharge of our mandate.

“The late Chief of Army Staff contributed significantly to internal security operations across Nigeria and also exhibited a high level of professionalism.

“He will be greatly missed by the family, the military, and the nation, as he served the nation with commitment and dedication,” the statement added.

 

Continue Reading

Trending