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Why EFCC’s chiefs are always booted out of office?

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ABBA DUKAWA

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is charged with the responsibility of enforcing the provisions of other laws and regulations relating to economic and financial crimes, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Establishment Act (2004).

 

The Money Laundering Act 1995, The Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2004, The Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 1995, The Failed Banks (Recovery of Debts) and Financial Malpractices in Banks Act 1994, The Banks and other Financial Institutions Act 1991; and Miscellaneous Offences Act.

  Read also:EFCC: Who succeeds Magu?

What a coincidence? both the chairpersons of the commission had one thing in common the controversies trailed either their appointments or performances in office? Strangely, they were all alleged to have abused their office with some doses of corrupt practices.   Since the Commission was established, it has had four chairpersons, Malam Nuhu Ribadu (2003 – 2007); Mrs. Farida Waziri (May 2008 – November 23, 2011); Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde (November 23, 2011 – November 9, 2015) Ibrahim Magu was appointed on November 9, 2015.

 

It will be extremely difficult to make sense of the current anti-corruption crusade led EFCC without looking into the tenures of other chairmen, under whose watch an endless string of financial atrocities was committed and how EFCC’s ex-chiefs were booted out of office.

 

Both the four Chairperson of the EFCC have one thing in common, They have been disgraced from office due to of lack of transparency in discharging their responsibilities or fight against corruption, mostly the war lost between the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission are either the battle for supremacy.

 

The Commission pioneer chairman Malam Nuhu Ribadu sacked by President Yar’adua and was alleged to have been involved in the abuse of human rights o among other things and was not only removed from office but demoted from the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police to Commissioner of Police.

 

After Nuhu Ribadu Farida Waziri was booted out and she was clouded by allegations that she was sponsored by ex-governors and she failed to secure convictions for high profile cases involving former governors already instituted by her predecessor.

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Farida Waziri was sacked by the Former President Jonathan claimed that Farida Waziri was removed from office in the national interest. However, it was also alleged that Waziri might have compromised the investigation into financial misappropriation against a former Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipreye Sylva, and that of former Edo State governor, Lucky Igbinedion.

 

Ibrahim Lamorde replaced Waziri, as acting chairperson of the EFCC and he became embroiled in controversy in 2015 after the Nigerian Senate alleged that $5bn had gone missing at the EFCC.

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He was sacked by President Buhari and replaced with Ibrahim Magu. Shortly after his sack, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions authorized its Committee to issue a warrant of arrest on Lamorde for allegedly misappropriating N1trn during his time as head of the anti-corruption agency.

 

Ibrahim Magu, the suspended chairperson of the EFCC was first appointed as acting chairman of the commission in November 2015 by President Muhammadu Buhari.

 

But the upper chamber refused to confirm Magu twice as chairman of the agency due to “security reports. He is also known to have a public spat with Abubakar Malami, Nigeria’s Attorney-General.

 

On July 6, 2020, Magu was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force and driven to the Presidential Villa where he was made to answer questions on alleged corruption against him.

 

Even before Magu’s suspension, he claimed EFCC recoveries of N504,154,184,744.04 but the actual bank lodgments were N543,511,792,863.47. These inconsistencies cast serious doubt on the accuracy of figures submitted by the EFCC as it cannot fully be accounted for cash recoveries made.  The suspended EFCC boss is expected to disclose the whereabouts of the missing interest funds running into billions of naira as he is now facing Justice Ayo Salami (Rtd)/Presidential Investigation Committee which is currently probing him.

 

 

 

Twice  Presidency forwarded Magu’s name for confirmation which was rejected by the Senate many Nigerians saw the rejection as a result of power tussle between Presidency and the Senate leadership.

But the upper chamber rejected him based on the reports by Lawal Daura,  former Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS). In the DSS report, Magu was accused of corruption ‎and “gross violation of human rights”. He was also alleged to be in possession “of undeclared assets.

 

For the government and its anti-corruption agencies to achieve just and fair fight against corruption needs to make perpetrators of corruption serve as deterrents to others, and anti-corruption agencies require ensuring adequate punishment is meted out to whoever is caught.

For the chief executive offices of ICPC, EFCC, CCB, CCT should have a similar passion for the war and to work with other anti-graft agencies who intend to work and scheme a positive image for the war. While those that are sheep in the wolf skin within the commission are to be sent away.

 

Both the office Attorney General and Minister of Justice and EFCC are very sensitive government agency tasked with the investigation of financial crimes but all the cases brought by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission are not handled with all diligence and transparency against the alleged corrupt public official as a result of the battle for supremacy and personal advantage.

 

 

 

Dukawa can be reached atabbahydukawa@gmail.com

 

Opinion

Adaora’s Appointment: Behind Zenith Bank Staff Jubilations

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Adaora

 

 

By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo

There is no doubt about the fact that the staff of Zenith Bank were over the moon, over the appointment of the first female Group Managing -Director/Chief Executive Officer of the bank,Adaora Umeoji. My interaction with some of them gave credence to this. Yes there were jubilations across their branches nationwide. The viral video where staff were rejoicing by hailing her is another testament that she is loved hugely by majority of the staff.

I have said it repeatedly in many of my articles or opinionated pieces in the past that great men or great women were synonymous with humility. This was one of the reasons the staff of Zenith Bank were happy on the announcement of her appointment. Whatever your class in the race of life, humility is key.

It has been discovered that most of the people that have worked with Adaora had a wonderful experience, because of her tenacious tendency in ensuring that staff welfare was not relegated to the background. Of course, in every corporate organization in the world staff welfare is key to effectiveness and performance of staff and the progress of the organization at large.

If you are a Chief Executive Officer of an organization, don’t ever joke with the welfare of your staff, because they can make or mar the progress of the organization. Many people have failed in this regard, that’s why whenever they are eventually removed from office, the staff spur into jubilation. You can only reap what you sow.

The new CEO has particularly been described by her staff as a hardworking personality, because she had her youth service with the bank before she was retained based on sterling performance.

According to some staff of Zenith Bank, she can go to any length to assist them whenever they needed help. She has empathy and focus. In the words of one of the staff “I have never seen a woman as passionate and hardworking like madam”. Olamide Obe, who is also a staff of Zenith Bank could not hide his joy as he shares Adaora’s remarkable journey into Zenith Bank as read in IntelRegion online .He said,” Adaora was someone every corper, ET and EA in Zenith Bank looked up to as role model those days. It’s so pleasant hearing that she has been appointed as the new MD of Zenith Bank. I wish her a succcessful tenure.”

Her success inspired many on social media platforms as netizens shared congratulatory messages. It is interesting to note that those who rejoice with her outnumbered her adversaries who were trying to disparage her. This is life and this is who we are.

If you listen to people’s challenges and you went all out to provide succour; you are invariably helping yourself. God does not forsake the doers of good. Just a prayer from one person could catapult you to a higher pedestal without your knowledge but with that of the Almighty.

She is proactive according to a source, which is also in conformity with the standard in any corporate organization. It is also one of the indices of a good Chief Executive as this can be captured in the words of Arnold Glasow: “One of the true tests of leadership is the ability to recognize a problem before it becomes an emergency.”

To Madam, the woman of the moment and the
newest CEO of a bank in town, it is imperative that she does not digress from the excellent attitude people have known her for, over the years. That could surely be a catalyst for her success. She should continue to be large-hearted and kind to her staff and humanity. Finally, she should not forget that moving her bank to a new height is of utmost priority.

She will resume officially on the 1st June,2024 as the new CEO

abdurraheemsaaddembo@gmail.com

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Opinion

Sports journalists versus Kano Pillars FC matters arising

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By Abdulgafar Oladimeji.

I have read with dismay the presd statement issued by our great association, SWAN Kano chapter bordering on Kano Pillars FC and its media recalcitrant technical crew led by coach Abdul Maikaba . I harbor pains over how one of the best football tactician, well travelled and expose , Abdul Maikaba allowed himself to be dragged to the centre of the brouhaha with sports journalists in Kano.
Maikaba has not acted differently anyway , he is only toeing the path of those before him, like Salisu Yusuf , Ladan Bosso, Okey Emordi, Babaganaru, maybe in exception of Kadiri Ikhana,who sometimes also would.not hesitate to display his other side too.often too.
These coaches and their paymasters, during their hey days with the Kano darling side. They had prefeered working with journalists based in Abuja or Lagos creating the feelings that SWAN Kano members were second class journalists.
Then and today no SWAN Kano member enjoys direct access to Kano Pillars coaches or players, you had.to rely on second hand interviews
The players were.mentored to see journalists as their potential destroyers, creating such hoaxes psyche in their camp to shield the world.from.the truth about their fraudulent dealings with players. Who had their salaries shared with some.coaches and.officlas.
They didn’t want the players to disclose the Alibaba surrounding the transfer and sign on deals associated with their movements in naira and in foreign currency without accountability .
Kano FA that would have helped the state government unravel the lack of transperrancy in the activities in the club, is suffering from one man show, under Sharu Rabiu Inuwa Ahlqn and.lack of functional secretariat, which solely should represent the interest of the state government is fast asleep under the supervision of one Shehu Buhari, who had failed to use his executive powers ,for reasons best known to him.

Veteran journalist.and system boy, Mailkawa protected them from the dangers of the pen, they now thought , it is their birth right , that is why a simple question put to coach Maikaba , that ” why did you change your line up from the previous match “led to his being flared up and he allegedly resorted to raining abuses, because him don see Kano SWAN finish.
I blame.Malikawa and Ado Salisu , they have been protecting the crop of sports administrators and technical crew and coaches , who had been escaping the eagle.eyes of.sports journalists, , for years, I pray God will grant comrade Zahradeen Saleh and his team the strength to now take SWAN to the promise land.
You can not hate a child and like the mother. If Kano sports writers want to make a strong statement , to be taken serious on their new.stance on public interest sports journalism , they should boycot all KPFC activities , they should do so, they should go all out, not half way, no diplomacy,SWAN members are trade unionist not diplomats, boycotting Maikaba alone is lopsided. For long KPFC has been taking SWAN members for a prpfessuonal jolly ride, Malikawa was heavily guilty of shielding them from the ills of the pen hammer, this has been ongoing for years, many will testify and are .all living witnesses , how Malikawa had used his vast media network to protect Kano Pillars , amd.they have decided to hate him for daring to now reverse to do his job by asking the rightful question, that serves him.right, because he made them see evil.as good, good as evil, not asking relevant question by journalists as their birth right.
Evidence abound, why sports journalists count on their relationship with Malikawa to look the other way , whenever KPFC crossed the red lines.

if SWAN want to make a clear statement , then no half metted punishment, full dish should containing the media orishirishi should be served on KPFC.
Maikaba.and his gang should not be singled out secondly a letter should be sent to NPFL through SWAN national secretariat, thirdly no secret truce should be reached on this matter . But in all , one or two SWAN members like Malikawa and some others, like Salisu Musa Jegus, Muzamil Dalha Yola and Musibau Bala Chedi Yanguarasa should not be approached secretly as usual and they would start calling for secret truce , you naked me in the market place and you follow me to my bedroom to appease me , imagine. SWAN Kano members shine.your eyes.
The truth hurts oooh. But I will male bold to say that the Ibrahim Little KPFC administration has no professional respect or created a cordial working atmosphere for SWAN members and his administration from day one did not extend the fraternal hand of football friendship to SWAN , Mailkawa was.tryjng to manage the situation, if you understand, but today the truth is out in the open, Maikaba only acted the scrip of his paymasters.
SWAN Kano should take up the gauntlet and breath the courage to confront the KPFC paymasters, let SWAN not kill the message, but could kill the messenger, and also remember to kill the sender that is the encoder.

A ommittee should be set up to inesvitgate the matter and publish the report of the findings of the committee, I am ready to chair the committee , if given the task, to look.at happenings in Kano Pillars fc, in the past, present and way forward, and recommend necessary measures to forestall reoccurrence to the state government and general
public.
SWAN Kano should.go the way of what is known in the legal.system as.Amicus Curae.
The committee should.be mandated to look at Kano Pillars fc finances, recruitment of coaches and players, transfer deals, ticket sales, away matches,.sponsorship deals and.marketing and the general situation in the club and make recommendations to the state government and general.public, telling them what they need to know.
We have Kano Pillars fc that does not know the difference between sponsorship, patronage and patnership .
Most annoying is the attitude of Kano state government under His Excellency Emg Abba Kabir Yusuf towards the affairs of the club, Kano state government is treating Kano Pillars as the least of all lots.of its challenges, that is why Kano Pillars fc will be invited to international.meetings to meet with football investors, they will not attend not even to reply such letters of invitation , because they can always ran to Kano government house and they will.goven millions of naira, KPFC is now a prey on government meagre resources, even when it has the potentials to generate its own revenue into government coffers.
if other states do not know how.to run their football clubs to derive IGR, the incumbent KNSG should light the path,.other clubs don’t have the football revenue potentials of Kano Pillars.
If other states run their club for recreational and public relations purposes, Kano Pillars posses the potentials of achieving everything possible in the football business industry, ask anyone that know football business they will affirm this.
Ibrahim Little and his predecessors prey on government monies and even when the insignificant monies generated are been mismanaged SWAN Kano played the Ostrich , it kept quite, even when KPFC brand became a caricature , even in the face of face me I face you football management of the club, even when Alibaba and the 40 thieves managed the affairs of the club, SWAN was asked to remain cool to avoid distracting the players.
Now the bubble has burst .
Warning, with the brewing crisis between KPFC and sports writers in Kano, the father and son relationship between SWAN and KNSG commissoner of information and former president Nigeria Guild of Editors, NGE , a strong supporter of the association, Halilu Babadantiye MNI, may not save the situation.
The relationship between SWAN and Ibrahim Garba ,.the current CPS to Kano deputy governor may not save the situation.
Football news travels like wild fire in the wilderness, SWAN members have sharpen their swords , beware of the ides of March.

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Opinion

Senator MT Monguno’s Impactful Initiatives: A Comprehensive Overview of Empowerment and Developmental Projects

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Senator MT Monguno

 

By Kashim usman sharif

Senator MT Monguno has been a driving force behind numerous impactful initiatives aimed at empowering communities and fostering development in some various sectors. His dedication and commitment to creating positive change have exalted in series of projects that have touched the lives of many individuals. In this comprehensive overview, we will delve into Senator MT Monguno’s key initiatives, highlighting the innovative approaches he has taken, the laudable results he achieved, and the lasting impact on the zone he’s serving. Join us as we explore the transformative work of Senator MT Monguno and celebrate the positive difference he continues to make through his empowerment and Developmental projects.

 

1. Senator MT Monguno’s background and vision.

Senator MT Monguno is a distinguished leader known for his impactful initiatives aimed at driving empowerment and Developmental projects in his constituency. With a rich background in public service and a steadfast commitment to community progress, Senator Monguno has emerged as a beacon of positive change in the political landscape. His vision revolves around uplifting the lives of individuals through sustainable programs that address key issues such as education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and infrastructure development. By leveraging his experience and expertise, Senator Monguno has championed various projects that have significantly improved the qualitative life for the residents in his constituency. Hon Kyari Manguno who is an Ex-chairman of manguno LGA is also rendered unflinching support towards the thriving of developmental projects in the constituency and are all attributed by distinguished qualities in all ramifications.Join us as we delve into the comprehensive overview of Senator MT Monguno’s transformative initiatives and the lasting impact they have made on the community.

 

2. Key empowerment initiatives spearheaded by Senator MT Monguno

Senator MT Monguno has spearheaded several key empowerment initiatives that have had a significant impact on the communities he serves. One of his most impactful initiatives is the establishment of skills acquisition centers aimed at providing valuable vocational training to empower youths and women in various trades. These centers have equipped individuals with the necessary skills to start their own businesses and become self-reliant. Additionally, Senator MT Monguno has been instrumental in promoting education by providing scholarships to deserving students, this enable them to pursue their academic aspirations sufficiently. Furthermore, he has initiated various community development projects such as the construction of schools, healthcare facilities, and roads to improve the overall quality of life for the people in his constituency. Senator MT Monguno’s commitment to empowerment and development has not only transformed the lives of many individuals but has also contributed significantly to the socio-economic growth of the region.

 

3. Developmental projects implemented in various sectors.

Senator MT Monguno has been a driving force behind numerous impactful development projects spanning various sectors. In the education sector, his initiatives have led to the construction of new schools, the provision of educational materials, and the implementation of teacher training programs to enhance the quality of education in the region. Additionally, in the healthcare sector, Senator MT Monguno has spearheaded the establishment of medical facilities, clinics, and health awareness programs to improve healthcare access and outcomes for the community. Furthermore, his efforts in the infrastructural sector have resulted in the construction of roads, bridges, and other vital infrastructure to connect remote areas and stimulate economic growth. Through his multifaceted approach to development, Senator MT Monguno has made a lasting impact on the lives of the people in his constituency, fostering empowerment and sustainable progress across various sectors. The Monguno’s chief of staff also have rendered unflinching support towards the thriving of developmental projects implemented in various sectors.

4. Impact and success stories from the communities served

Senator MT Monguno’s impactful initiatives have brought about significant changes and improvements in the communities he serves. Through various empowerment and developmental projects, Senator Monguno has positively impacted in the lives of his constituents. One such success story comes from a rural village where the senator’s initiative helped set up a women’s cooperative that specializes in handcrafts. The cooperative has not only provided a source of income for the women but has also empowered them to become financially independent and self-sufficient.

In another community, Senator Monguno’s efforts to improve access to education have resulted in the construction of a new school building. This school has opened up opportunities for children who previously had limited access to quality education. As a result, more children in the community are now able to pursue their academic dreams and build a better future for themselves.

These impact and success stories highlight the tangible differences that Senator MT Monguno’s initiatives have made in the lives of the good people of Northern Borno and Borno state at large. By focusing on empowerment and developmental projects, Senator Monguno continues to be a driving force for positive change in his constituency.

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