President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on countries within the West African region to strengthen anti-corruption agencies in their territories and offer them ample opportunities to operate in order to tackle the scourge of corruption more effectively.
He gave the charge in Abuja on Monday, August 19, 2024 at the opening ceremony of the 6th Annual General Assembly of the Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa, NACIWA. According to him, corruption has become an albatross to the progress of nations and building formidable structures for anti-corruption agencies to operate would greatly help in breaking the fang of the scourge.
“Corruption remains one of the most significant obstacles to the progress and prosperity of our nations. It undermines the very fabric of our societies, erodes public trust, and impedes the equitable distribution of resources. As leaders, we are responsible for confronting this challenge head-on with unwavering resolve and concerted action. I have worked hard over the past year to strengthen all the anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria by not interfering in their activities and ensuring that they are adequately funded. I have also encouraged them to operate within the ambit of the law. This is a template which I recommended to other states within the region”, he said.
The President, who spoke through Vice President Kashim Shetima specifically dwelt on the theme of the meeting : “Implementing the ECOWAS Protocol Against Corruption Towards Strengthening Institutions for Regional Unity,” and tasked NACIWA member states to look in the mirror and draw strength from the provisions of the various ECOWAS protocols in reinvigorating the fight against corruption in the region. He stressed that member states should improve on their commitment to the Network and harmonise their legal frameworks to close loopholes exploited by corrupt individuals to carry out fraudulent acts.
He also sought enhanced cross-border cooperation in investigations and asset recovery, investment in innovative technologies to detect and prevent corrupt practices, promotion of transparency in public procurement and resource management, engagement of civil society and the media as partners in anti-corruption efforts and strengthening of the independence and capacity of each member states’ anti-corruption institutions.
Tinubu also announced the donation of a property to house the headquarters of NACIWA in Abuja. “In recognition of NACIWA’s pivotal role in our regional anti-corruption efforts, I am proud to announce that the Nigerian government has donated a property to serve as NACIWA’s permanent headquarters. This gesture underscores our commitment to strengthening NACIWA’s institutional capacity and providing a solid operational foundation”, he said.
In his Remark, Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and host of the meeting, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, applauded President Tinubu for demonstrating an uncommon passion for transparency in governance. This, he said, has reinvigorated the nation’s anti-corruption efforts. He noted that the implementation of the ECOWAS Protocol against Corruption was a moral imperative necessitating the dedication and innovative thinking of members.
“The implementation of the ECOWAS Protocol Against Corruption is not a mere technical exercise; it is a moral imperative that demands utmost dedication and innovative thinking. Our presence here today underscores the importance of collaborative and coordinated efforts in fostering transparency, accountability, and good governance across West Africa”, he said.
While thanking the President for the donation of a property to house the headquarters of NACIWA, he called on member states to use their collective expertise, shared experiences, and unwavering commitment to forge a path towards a more transparent and prosperous West Africa. “I urge all delegates to approach discussions over the next few days with renewed vigour and determination,” he said.
Olukoyede explained that the operationalisation of Ecowas Protocol for tackling corruption became imperative owing to the peculiarities of the sub-region. He pointed at the need for return of stolen artefacts to Africa and payment of interests that the stolen treasures had yielded to Western countries. “There are some artefacts that have been taken to some museums within the Western countries and people have been going to these museums for centuries paying to look at these artefacts. So, what happens to the proceeds that have been generated from these artefacts over the years? It is not just enough for them to return the artefacts, we are also going to demand for the proceeds that have accrued from them. We will demand payment of interests on stolen funds stashed away in foreign banks”.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, emphasized the importance of legal cooperation and harmonization among member states. “The ECOWAS Protocols, which we are here to discuss and implement, offer a comprehensive framework for combating corruption… As the Attorney General and Minister of Justice of Nigeria, I am acutely aware of the critical role that legal frameworks play in this struggle. The laws we enact, the policies we implement, and the justice we deliver are the cornerstones upon which a transparent and accountable society is built,” he said.
Also at the event, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar called for regional cooperation among member states. He stressed that corruption was responsible for insecurity and instability in the West African sub-region and called for regional cooperation to tackle the menace. “The link between illicit funds and insecurity is clear – where there is widespread corruption and financial crime, there is instability and conflict… To address these challenges, regional cooperation is crucial. Africa has made significant strides in this regard, with initiatives such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which emphasises good governance, transparency and accountability as key pillars for the continent ’s development”, he said.
Tuggar also called on the international community to continue to support Africa ’s efforts by ensuring that global financial systems are transparent. He charged them to stop providing safe havens for ill-gotten funds, especially nations hosting financial centres. “We must coordinate our efforts to close loopholes, enforce regulations, and repatriate stolen assets. I therefore, call on the international community to strengthen partnerships with Nigeria, and other African countries, to ensure that national resources are returned to their rightful jurisdictions”, he said.
Other stakeholders bared their minds on the need for distinct protocols in the West-African sub-region to address the issue of corruption. The 6th NACIWA General Assembly drew participants from Ghana, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Gambia and other West-African nations and would end on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.
Media & Publicity
August 19, 2024
EFCC Arraigns Man for Alleged N600m, $50,000.00 Investment Fraud in Lagos
The Lagos Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, August 19, 2024, arraigned one Ayodele Toyosi for an alleged investment fraud before Justice A.M. Lawal of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja.
The defendant was arraigned alongside his companies, Reaprite Global Limited and Agrorite Limited, on an 11-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence and stealing to the tune of N600,150,000,00( Six Hundred Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira only) and $50,000.00( Fifty Thousand United States Dollars).
Investigation revealed that the defendant allegedly defrauded a number of persons on the pretence that he had an interest-yielding investment in agricultural export.
One of the counts reads: “That you, Ayodele Toyosi, Reaprite Global Limited and Agrorite Limited, sometime in June 2023 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly converted to your own use the aggregate sum of N200,000,000.00 (Two Hundred Million Naira only) belonging to one K. C. Akoson Investment Limited and Kenneth C. Maduakor by dishonestly representing to them that you will help them transfer the said money to their importers in China whereas you expended the money for your personal use and committed an offence contrary to Sections 278(1) (b) (f) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.”
Another count reads: “That you, Ayodele Toyosi, Reaprite Global Limited and Agrorite Limited, sometime in June 2023 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, by false pretence and with intent to defraud, obtained the aggregate sum of N300,000,000.00 (Three Hundred Million Nara only), belonging to one K. C. Akoson Investment Limited and Kenneth C. Maduakor by dishonestly representing to them that you will help them transfer the said money to their importers in China, whereas you used the money to purchase a property known as Plot 17 Pinnock Beach Estate, Anyiran Town, Eti Osa Local Government Area, Lagos and committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.”
He pleaded “not guilty” to the offence.
In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, G. C Akaogu, prayed that the defendant be remanded in the EFCC custody for continuation of the investigations of other petitions pending against him.
Responding, the defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, prayed the court to remand the defendant in the Ikoyi Correctional facility.
He also sought a date for the hearing of the bail application.
After listening to both counsel, Justice Lawal adjourned the matter till August 21, 2024 for the hearing of the bail application and also remanded the defendant in Ikoyi Correctional facility.
Media & Publicity
August 19, 2024
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU CONGRATULATES YORUBA ON ISESE DAY
The Chairman of the South West Governors Forum and Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated Yoruba on Isese Day being celebrated across the six South West states today, August 20.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, praised the people of the South West, particularly traditional rulers and traditional religious worshippers, for sustaining and preserving the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
The Governor said although the world has become a global village, with an attendant result in multiculturalism, the Yoruba people have unique culture and traditions that must be preserved for the future generations.
He commended all the traditional rulers and people of the South-West for upholding these cultural and traditional virtues of the Yoruba race.
He however charged them to use the occasion of today’s celebrations to remind themselves of the importance of the Yoruba “Omoluabi” ethos, which include tolerance, hospitality, peaceful coexistence among ourselves, different religious groups and our neighbours, noting that these must continue to be the hallmark of the Yoruba people.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who declared a public holiday in Lagos State to commemorate Isese Day, also praised his colleagues for declaring today a public holiday in their respective states for the celebration of Isese Day.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
SPECIAL ADVISER – MEDIA AND PUBLICITY
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS CHAIRMAN OF NATIONAL HAJJ COMMISSION
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman as the Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Professor Usman is a renowned scholar with qualifications from two Islamic centres of excellence — the University of Madinah and Peshawar University, Pakistan.
He is also well-grounded in Hajj operations, having served as the Chairman of Kano State Pilgrims Board, and successfully superintended the operations of the largest quota of state pilgrims in the country.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Senate.
The President expects the new Chairman of NAHCON to discharge his duties with integrity, transparency, and utmost fidelity to the nation.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 19, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NEW MANAGEMENT TEAM FOR THE NIGER DELTA POWER HOLDING COMPANY
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of a new management team for the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).
The new members of the management of the company are as follows:
(1) Engineer Jennifer Adighije — Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer
(2) Engineer Abdullahi Kassim — Executive Director (Generation)
(3) Engineer Bello Babayo Bello — Executive Director (Networks)
(4) Mr. Emmmanuel Umeoji — Executive Director (Corporate Services)
(5) Mr. Omololu Agoro — Executive Director (Finance & Accounts)
(6) Engineer Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama — Executive Director (Strategy & Commercial)
(7) Barrister Steven Andzenge — Executive Director (Legal Services)
The new NDPHC Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Jennifer Adighije, is an experienced engineer with vast competencies across management functions in the private and public sectors.
She holds a master’s degree in Wireless Networks & Telecommunications from Queen Mary University of London, UK, and a bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering from the University of Lagos, Nigeria.
The President expects the new members of the management of the company to deploy their expertise and experience to drive NDPHC’s mandate of effectively managing the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP).
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 19, 2024
