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12 Sep

CACOL BACKS SAGAY, DEMANDS NASS TO DISPROVE CLAIMS

The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, CACOL has backed Professor Itse Sagay, SAN, Chairman Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, PACAC’s criticism of the National Assembly, NASS.
The revered Prof. was reported have said “From the information I have gathered, a Nigerian Senator earns about N29 million a month and over N3 billion a year. Basic salary N2,484,245.50; hardship allowance, 1,242, 122.70; constituency allowance N4, 968, 509.00; furniture allowance N7, 452, 736.50; newspaper allowance N1, 242, 122.70.
In addition, Sagay reportedly said “Wardrobe allowance N621,061.37; recess allowance N248, 424.55; accommodation 4,968,509.00; utilities N828,081.83; domestic staff N1,863,184.12; entertainment N828,081.83; personal assistant N621,061.37; vehicle maintenance allowance N1,863,184.12; leave allowance N248,424.55; severance gratuity N7, 425,736.50; and motor vehicle allowance N9, 936,982.00.”
The Executive Chairman of CACOL, Mr Debo Adeniran, in reacting to Sagay ‘exposure’, said “Between the present NASS and Prof., we will choose the latter in terms of the zeal and dedication to the cause of ridding our society of corruption. We know that the PACAC Chairman’s integrity is a million miles ahead when compared that of present NASS.”
The Senate in responding Sagay has requested President Muhammadu Buhari to call the PACAC boss to order accusing him of spreading falsehood and making hate speeches against the federal legislature. They alleged that Sagay was fond of using every opportunity he had to make public speeches to disparage the National Assembly by using “uncouth and unprintable words” to describe the legislators and the institution they represent. The lawmakers described him as a man who cannot stand for councillorship election and win. They also challenged him to state what his contributions are in the election of President Muhammadu Buhari and what new ideas he has contributed to making the fight against corruption more effective since his appointment.
Adeniran reacting to the lawmakers response to Sagay said “It is extremely ridiculous to hear the balderdash the lawmakers are trying use to divert attention for fundamental issues raised by the Professor. They have for long shrouded their remunerations in deep secrecy in spite of Nigerians demanding to know. Even reliance on the Freedom of Information Act will not make them bulge.”
“If truly they are women and men of honour, the logical response from the Senate should have been the task to ‘disprove’ the figures put forward the Sagay. We had said before that the present NASS is apparently the most inept in the history of Nigeria with considerable number of members having corruption cases.”
“We know it is because of the vibrant role Sagay is playing as the head PACAC that always make the NASS shiver any time he sneezes.” He concluded
Wale Salami
Media Coordinator, CACOL
08141121208
 
 
            
For more press releases and statements, please visit our website at
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5 Sep

WADE INTO AGF/MAGU AND IGP/SENATOR MISAU ‘RIFTS’; CACOL TELLS PRESIDENT BUHARI

The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, CACOL has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately take decisive steps to resolve the apparent rifts between the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF and the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial crimes Commission, EFCC on one hand and the one between Inspector General of Police, IGP and Senator Misau on the other.
 
“The media is awash with the banters, accusations and counter-accusations  that are being exchanged in the ‘rifts’ and this definitely calls for Presidential intervention which will encompass thorough investigations, transparency, compliance with rule of law and of course discretion. As a matter of fact, it is long overdue.” The Executive Chairman of CACOL, Mr. Debo Adeniran said when putting forward the position of the Centre on the AGF/MAGU and IGP/Senator Isah Misau ‘rifts’.
 
“The ‘feud’ between the AGF, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and the acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu must immediately be waded into and with absolute circumspection by the President, he is their employer; the buck stops on his desk and the issues at stake are of National and public interests.”
 
“We state unequivocally, that a divided approach in the battle against corruption, especially, spells only doom for the process like we are already witnessing with ejection of Nigeria from the Egmont group, a body which the country needs for international cooperation in the war against graft. Whatever obstacle/s that has led to the ejection of the country must be identified, interrogated and excised by the Federal government.”
 
“The required approach must prioritize the essence of institutions above personalities; it must look thoroughly into the validity of the accusations and counter-accusations and where unethical and unlawful activity is established, necessary punitive must be applied. There is no place for ‘hiding behind a finger’ if any reasonable and amicable resolution is to be achieved.”
 
“Beyond the present manifestations, inter-agencies rivalries have always encumbered government performance at many levels must be confronted. This is the imperative of circumspection in whatever approaches the government is adopting beyond the present AGF and EFCC boss example. Yet, it is these unnecessary rivalries that must be eliminated before they germinate to more embarrassing picturesque.”
 
“The ‘rift’ between the Senator representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly, Isah Misau, and the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris calls for immediate intervention too. The Senator alleged that Idris collected about N120bn annually as payment for special security services rendered by the police to corporate organisations and very important personalities.”
 
“The IGP also accused Misau of being a deserter who was out on some mission. The allegations are serious and deserve to be treated in the same manner with the AGF/MAGU feud. The veracity or otherwise of the accusations and counter-accusations must be established such that anyone found culpable is made to face the wrath of law.” Adeniran concluded
 
 
Wale Salami
Media Coordinator, CACOL
08141121208
 
 
            
For more press releases and statements, please visit our website at
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noimage 29 Aug

CLEAR YOUR NAME ON THE MALABU $1.1bn OIL DEAL PROBES; CACOL CHARGES FORMER PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN

Reacting to the newspaper report on the former President Jonathan’s refusal to respond to the House of Representatives’ formal invitation to him over his alleged role in the controversial $1.1bn Malabu Oil deal, the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, CACOL has called on him to go and clear himself of any form of complicity, either directly or indirectly as that is the only way he could be absolved.
The anti-corruption organization challenged the former president to avoid applying the old method of dodging as it will not be helpful to him. Speaking on the former President’s refusal to honour HOR’s invitation, Mr. Debo Adeniran, leader of CACOL who retorted said, “Now that his name has come up in the record of the probe, he cannot wish it away. He must be made to realize that it will continue to remain in the record and no matter how long it takes; it’s just going to be a matter of time for him to be made to answer for questions about a lot of atrocities committed under his watch. If he believes his hands are clean, then why the fear to appear?”
“And if on the other hand, his refusal is borne out sheer contempt for the House, he perhaps needs to be reminded that the constitutional immunity does not cover former presidents and so the instrumentality of the law is ever so alive and potent and could always be applied if and when it becomes necessary. The refusal itself is quite unstatemanly.”
The Malabu Oil corruption scandal which has for almost two decades ran through successive regimes, from Abacha’s to Obasanjo’s down to this day, been in the eye of a protracted stormy international investigation with names of some Nigeria’s government top shots including petroleum ministers, justice ministers, even heads of state and oil multinationals featuring prominently. Investigations and litigations in various European juries have frequently thrown up discoveries of high-scale official corruption and compromise which has so far made the Malabu deal a hydra-headed monster that has refused to die.
Adeniran said “It is so sad that even though some names of Nigeria’s top public officials’ had appeared atop many investigative submissions in many foreign lands over this scandalous deal and causing various ad hoc committees to be set up by both legislative chambers at different times, right from the days of Obasanjo’s reign down to this day, nothing concrete has been achieved so far.”
“There is no disputing the fact that GEJ presided over the most corrupt and reckless government ever in the political history of this country. Under his watch, massive looting and squandering of the country’s wealth at the most alarming scale took place.”
“It will be recalled that, directly under his watch, both indicted members of Jonathan’s cabinet in persons of Bello Adoke and Deziani Alison-Madueke, ministers of justice and petroleum respectively, blatantly shunned the House of Representatives probe panel’s invitation to them to appear for questioning over the matter. So, Jonathan has no moral justification to refuse to answer the call of the representatives of the citizens of Nigeria to provide answers to activities that took place during his rule.”
“We therefore strongly advice the former President to honour the invitation of the legislative house without further delay if he places any value on his name. Eventually, the truth will come out and it will prevail.”             
 
Wale Salami
Media Coordinator, CACOL
08141121208
 
 
            
For more press releases and statements, please visit our website at
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noimage 29 Aug
  • CACOL Blog CACOL in The News
  • Comments Off on CACOL HAILS SIGNING OF EXTRADITION TREATY WITH UAE AND OTHER AGREEMENTS, SAYS IT WILL ASSIST GREATLY IN THE ANTI-CORRUPTION WAR.

CACOL HAILS SIGNING OF EXTRADITION TREATY WITH UAE AND OTHER AGREEMENTS, SAYS IT WILL ASSIST GREATLY IN THE ANTI-CORRUPTION WAR.

The Centre for Anti-corruption and Open Leadership, CACOL has described as hugely commendable, the signing of an extradition treaty with the United Arab Emirates, UAE and agreements with some other countries.”

The Centre’s Executive Chairman, Mr. Debo Adeniran said “the signing is auspicious and timely with the background of an expedient need to re-invigorate the anti-corruption drive; it will improve inter-border cooperation among the countries which will enhance their task of ensure the security of lives and property.”

He hailed the extradition treaty, saying it would assist the anti-corruption agencies, particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC to trace looted funds stashed in Dubai and extradite the looter to Nigeria to face prosecution.

Stating that a striking example which easily highlights the significance of the signing of the treaty on extradition with UAE is the case of a former governor of Delta State, Mr. James Ibori, he said “we must recall that the man decided to escape to Dubai when the EFCC with active collaboration of other law enforcement agencies were closing-in on him to face prosecution for corruption crimes in Nigeria because there was no extradition treaty between Nigeria and the UAE. However, unknown to Ibori, there was such treaty between the UAE and the UK, which as of then in search of the former governor. He was thereafter extradited to the UK where he was prosecuted and convicted on corruption charges.”

Adeniran said, “The signing of the treaty is so appropriate. Remember, that the former governor of Delta State escaped to his hometown in Oghara in Delta State when law enforcement agencies were looking for him. He went through the waterways and landed in Dubai. The reason why the authorities of the UAE could not extradite him directly to Nigeria was because there was no Mutual Legal Assistance between the country and Nigeria.

“So, he chose to go to the UAE because of the absence of any Mutual Legal Assistance between the UAE and Nigeria. But he forgot or didn’t think it wise to know that there was Mutual Legal Assistance between the UAE and the United Kingdom. That was why the UK was able to request his extradition from the UAE to the UK and the rest is history.”

“If you look around, that is why most of Nigerian looters have properties in Dubai. So it is fashionable for looters to keep their loot in Dubai and tie it down there with properties. The treaty will now assist the EFCC to trace looted funds and seek assistance from the UAE for the extradition of the concerned persons when necessary. It will help the fight against corruption.”

Several politically exposed persons are believed to be hiding in Dubai while a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke allegedly owns houses in a high-brow area of the city. Even the EFCC, Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB and others will be able to work within a better legal relations which for instance can make unveiling the circumstance surrounding the alleged mansions owned by the serving Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, less cumbersome. With commensurate political will, the treaty can open ‘doors’ and will indeed strengthen anti-graft war in loot recovery and extradition of fugitives”

“As we commend President Muhammadu Buhari for the bold and progressive step as it clearly shows his determination to combat corruption, we hasten to emphasize the quintessence of strengthening institutions, as they are the ones which will ensure the achievements so far endures and built upon as the country progresses.”

“The Federal government must also ensure it perseveres in its efforts to have similar treaties or agreements and other legitimate instruments with the UK, USA and other countries where loots from our country are being hidden. Diezani Alison-Madueke’s extradition as a matter of fact should be on the priority list of fugitives which the FG through its agencies should be pursuing vigorously at present given the plethora of corruption charges she has to answer for.” Adeniran concluded

Wale Salami
Media Coordinator, CACOL
08141121208
wale@thehumanitycentre.org
cacolc@yahoo.com,cacol@thehumanitycentre.org

For more press releases and statements, please visit our website at
www.corruptionwatchng.com, www.cwatch.thehumanitycentre.org

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noimage 29 Aug

AMNESTY FOR TREASURY LOOTERS: MANDATE YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO REJECT BILL; CACOL TELLS NIGERIANS

The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, CACOL has condemned in very strong terms the Bill before the House of Representatives, HOR seeking Amnesty for perpetrators of corruption. The Centre also called on Nigerians to mandate their Representatives to ensure that the pro-corruption bill does not become an Act by rejecting it wholesomely.
The proposed law seeks to give the looters leeway to escape any form of probe, inquiry or prosecution after fulfilling certain conditions.
The bill in part proposes a total and comprehensive amnesty for all declarants from all otherwise repercussions under Nigerian laws and further provides that all such declarations shall be inadmissible in evidence against the declarant except in ‘matters of national security’.
The Executive Chairman of CACOL, Mr. Debo Adeniran, stating the position of the Centre said “if the bill is allowed to become law, it would encourage corruption with impunity.
What the country needs at this time are laws that would strengthen the anti-corruption war and ensure punishment for looters.”
 “This bill is uncalled for because the only thing it will achieve is to encourage people to steal and return part of the money for amnesty.
At the end, it will still be victory for corruption and that is not good for the development of the country.”
Adeniran also supported the decision of the government to publish names of looters, saying the move would go a long way in discouraging corruption, while urging the government to ensure judicious use of recovered looted funds so as to impact on the lives of the masses.

“Yes, the decision of the Federal Government to publish names of looters following a court order is a welcome development. We cannot say we are fighting corruption when people steal money at the expense of the generality of Nigerians and they cannot be identified, so the development is good for the anti-corruption war. However, the government must also ensure recovered monies are channeled into development projects.” He said “It is not justifiable to have bad roads, unemployment and all of that when recovered monies are lying somewhere. Government should not only publish the names but expend the recovered monies on development projects.”
Adeniran reiterating the position of CACOL on penitent and recalcitrant corruption criminals said “we have always insisted on punishing culprits of corruption to serve as deterrent to other corruption criminals and the potentially corrupt persons in the country. The non-application of punitive measures against persons guilty of corruption would make the whole anti-corruption war a huge joke, a waste of time, energy and resources”.

“We acknowledge the difference between penitent corruption criminals and recalcitrant ones, it is correct to treat those who admit their guilt voluntarily and those that make the state to expend resources energy and time before their conviction is achieved differently, we agree to that extent.”

“But our position is that those that opt for plea bargain or seek Amnesty should nonetheless not be allowed to go scot-free; they should hence be stripped of all their properties and monies as well as honours that could have been bestowed on some
of them – they should be made to start life anew. All of their material possessions should be deemed as proceeds of corruption and therefore confiscated by the state. Then they can be told to ‘go and sin no more.”

“As for the recalcitrant ones, they should of course be made toface the full constitutional and judicial consequences of their crimes. They should be put in jail according to size of their loots, even up to life imprisonment.”
 
Wale Salami
Media Coordinator,
Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, CACOL
08141121208
 
For more press releases and statements, please visit our website at
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noimage 8 Jun

PUBLIC NOTICE: CACOL INTEGRITY AWARDS, (CIA) 2017

The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, CACOL, hereby presents to the general Public, its nominees for CACOL INTEGRITY AWARDS, (CIA) 2017 for scrutiny and assessment in terms of the worthiness and suitability of the awards for the nominated receipts. CACOL is via this medium requesting the public to put forward any reason why any of its nominees for the esteemed awards are deservedly qualified or unqualified.

This is to instill integrity and consensus in the process of picking the winners of the CIA for broad acceptance as it is traditional in CACOL’s tradition.

We implore all and sundry not hesitate to bare their minds and facts for or against any of the nominees to ensured that only the most genuinely deserving persons receive the prestigious awards.

 

BRIEF ON CACOL INTEGRITY AWARDS

Our organization, the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, CACOL is up till December 28, 2016 known as Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders. CACOL is an aggregate of human rights, community based, and civil society organizations and individuals with anti-corruption and openness in governance agenda across Nigeria. It is a non-political, non-religious, non-sectarian, non-profit organization.

 

CACOL sets for itself the tasks of promoting accountability, openness in governance and using any available means to cause relevant authorities to probe and bring to book corrupt leaders both in public and private institutions. We also strive to protect interest of persons or groups found to be victims or potential victims of corrupt practices or processes of manipulation and violation of human rights. The decision to embark on the journey was taken in 2007 in view of the need to confront, once and for all the monster that is ravaging all facets of our national life in Nigeria – Corruption.

 

We decided to do this with and on behalf of millions of hapless Nigerians who have by a choice that is not theirs, fallen or are potential victims of corrupt leaders. This monster torments ordinary people of Nigeria in all areas of their endeavour. We have to confront it with a view to defeating it because it has to be done, not by ghosts or citizens of other nations but by Nigerians who have pride in themselves to be full-blooded Nigerians. Our promotion and pursuance of ‘open leadership’ is hinged on our belief that it will facilitate transparency and accountability in governance while also plugging the holes of corruption.

 

Due to the endemic corruption that is ravaging our county with many of our former men and women of integrity dipping their hands into the pot of sleaze, CACOL sees the urgent need to encourage the few corruption fighters, both living and dead, in order to serve as catalyst to other corruption fighters to be resolute in their fight against the menace in Nigeria, hence the justification for the CACOL INTEGRITY AWARDS (CIA)

 

The Awards which was conceived to be given annually seek to appreciate the contributions of some individuals to the anti-corruption fight in the country. There are six (6) different categories:

  1. Hero of Integrity Award: This category of award is for persons who are still in active service with the opportunity of engaging in corrupt practices but resist being influenced by privileges at their disposal.
  2. Icon of Integrity Award: This award is for persons who have remained consistent in the fight against corruption and never wavered for a minimum of ten (10) years.
  3. Symbol of Integrity Award: This category of award is conferred on persons who have passed through public and private life without corruption blemish.
  4. Legend of Integrity Award: This award is conferred on persons, either living or dead, whose name or personality has become a reference point when discussing the crusade against corruption.
  5. Martyr of Integrity Award: This category of award is conferred on persons who died fighting corruption and protecting goodness.
  6. Integrity Man of the Year Award: This is conferred on persons that contributed something significant in the fight against corruption in a particular year.

For the maiden edition of CACOL Integrity awards, the following persons were conferred the awards.

 

NAMES OF 2013 AWARDEES

  1. Late Chief Ganiyu Oyesola Fawehinmi Legend of Integrity
  2. Professor Tan David-West Symbol of Integrity
  3. Alhaji Lateef Jakande                                     Symbol of Integrity
  4. Razaq Bamidele Hero of Integrity
  5. Corporal Azeez Arogundade Hero of Integrity

 

NAMES OF 2014 AWARDEES

  1. Late Pa. Anthony Enahoro                         Symbol of Integrity
  2. Tunji Braithwaite Symbol of Integrity
  3. (Mrs.) Keziah Awosika                                   Symbol of Integrity
  4. Primate Olapade Agoro Icon of Integrity
  5. Dipo Fashina Icon of Integrity
  6. Late Com. Baba Omojola             Legend of Integrity

 

For this year’s edition, the following persons who have demonstrated sufficient resistance against corruption have been nominated to be conferred with the CACOL INTEGRITY AWARDS (CIA), 2017. The award ceremony is billed for the first week of September, 2017 when the 10 year Ann

  • Mr Ibrahim Magu             Integrity Man of the Year
  • Comrade Hassan Sumonu             Symbol of Integrity
  • Christopher Kolade             Legend of Integrity
  • (Mrs.) Sophie Oluwole             Symbol of Integrity
  • Festus Iyayi (Post Humus)                                      Martyr of Integrity
  • Eskor Toyo (Post Humus)                                        Legend of Integrity
  • Mr Omoyele Sowore Hero of Integrity
  • Late Barr. Alao Aka-Bashorun (Post Humus) Martyr of Integrity
  • Late Com. Barr. Kanmi Ishola-Osobu (Post Humus) Legend of Integrity
  • Babajide Kolade-Otitoju Icon of Integrity

 

While counting on the unbiased and honest comments, critiques or support from the public in this process, we give our profound appreciations for the anticipated contributions of all and sundry.

 

Yours in service to humanity

CIA Logo

Debo Adeniran

Executive Chairman,

Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, CACOL

08037194969,

cacolc@yahoo.com, dadnig@yahoo.com,

www.deboadeniran.com

 

 

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