Collapse of NDDC MD underlines weight of corruption in APC – PDP

National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the “dramatic collapse” of acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Professor Kemebradikumo Pondei, while being grilled by the House of Representatives, further underscored the weight of corruption that has allegedly bedevilled the present administration.

Pondei “fainted” on Monday during his presentation at the ongoing probe of the agency by the House of Representatives.

Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio and the Pondei-led NDDC’s Interim Management Committee (IMC) appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Niger Delta over alleged corruption.

The PDP in a statement on Monday, by its National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan said Pondei “collapsed” under the weight and shame of overwhelming collective guilt brought on him by the exposure of massive corruption allegedly being perpetrated by NDDC officials and APC leaders.

The party also reiterated its call on President Muhammadu Buhari to suspend the Minister of Niger Delta Affair, Godswill Akpabio and to also disband the NDDC Interim Management Committee (IMC), if he desired the coordinated probe he ordered to yield any credible results.

“Mr. President must note that the malevolent odour of corruption oozing out of his administration are too odious to be swept under the carpets.

“It is revealing that Pondei could go no further in the face of scathing revelations of direct pillaging of resources meant for the development and welfare of the Niger Delta people, in an unbridled corruption racket, in which the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, also stands accused.

“It is rather curious that Prof. Pondei slumped after lawmakers demanded that he offers explanations on the contentious payment of billions of naira, alleged unbudgeted sums, to certain companies by the NDDC.

“This is particularly as Nigerians recall that the embattled NDDC boss had, last week, stalled proceedings by challenging the legislators and walking out on the House of Representatives investigative panel,” the party said.

Magu Is Fighting Back By Leaking Memos That Expose the Attorney General of the federation Malami’s Own Corruption

Magu the arrested former EFCC chairman is fighting back by leaking memos that expose the Honorable Attorney General of the federation and minister of Justice Malami’s own corruption. They’re both tarred with the same morally stained brush. EVERYONE in the Buhari regime is pilfering the national till. The only “clean” person in the regime is the uncaught one.

Read the memo below

Magu failed to account for interest on N550bn recovered loot – Panel (See Detailed Allegations )

A prior presidential panel, which investigated the suspended acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu, indicted him, a report published by the News Agency of Nigeria has alleged.

The report, according to NAN, noted that the embattled EFCC boss had been unable to account for the interest generated from N550bn cash recovered from 2015 to 2020.

The panel is separate from the panel led by a former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami, which is currently probing Magu and other top officials of the agency.

The chairman of the previous committee was Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim and the members were DIG Anthony Ogbizi; a member from Federal Ministry of Justice; Mualledi Dogondaji from the EFCC; Hassan Abdullahi from the DSS; an unnamed member from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation; Chinedu Ifediora from the NFIU, while Mr Kazeem Attitebi served as the secretary.

The committee’s report, it was learnt, became the basis for the setting up of the Salami-led panel.

The report titled, ‘Final Report of the Presidential Investigation Committee on the EFCC Federal Government Recovered Assets and Finances from May 2015 to May 2020’ was obtained by the Federal Government-owned News Agency of Nigeria.

The report read in part, “Failure to report on the interest on actual lodgements clearly establishes that the interest element of over N550bn has been re-looted relating to the period under review.

“This is an apparent case of manipulation of data in a very brazen and unprofessional manner and this has greatly eroded the public confidence in the anti-corruption efforts.”

The panel said it was quite disturbing that conflicting figures were being circulated in the public space by the EFCC as the amount of recovered funds.

It said these inconsistencies cast serious doubt on the accuracy of figures submitted by the EFCC.

The committee said it was of the view that the EFCC could not be said to have fully accounted for cash recoveries made by it, noting that there were discrepancies between what the embattled chairman reported and the lodgements the commission made.

It added, “It must be pointed out that the discrepancy of more than N31bn does not include interest accrued in this account since it was opened.

 

Magu failed to account for interest on N550bn recovered loot – Panel

“It therefore cast serious doubt on the credibility of the figures and means that substantial amount of money has not been accurately accounted for.”

NAN observed that the report had also confirmed the concerns of the public about contradictory recovery figures emanating from Magu.

The Presidential Committee on Audit of Recovered Assets revealed how the investigative reports on EFCC’s activities by the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit exposed acts of corruption and money laundering against some EFCC officials, including Magu.

The report added, “The NFIU reports established that the acting chairman has been using different sources to siphon money from the EFCC.

“The report has shown that a particular Bureau de Change, owned by Ahmed Shanono linked to the acting chairman based in Kaduna, has more than 158 accounts and has been receiving huge sums of funds.”

The committee accused Magu of paying a prominent Lagos-based senior advocate N28m.

…alleges he acquired N573m Dubai property through pastor

The panel accused the suspended EFCC boss of using one Pastor Omale to launder funds abroad.

Omale’s name was uncovered through an investigative report on EFCC’s activities by the NFIU.

According to the report, the unknown clergyman is alleged to have bought a property on behalf of Magu worth N573m in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

“As an unknown pastor, the NFIU’s report showed the huge movement of funds ranging from N573,228,040.41,” the report said.

NAN also gathered that efforts had been intensified to expose the real identity of the pastor with a view to arraigning him for prosecution, if found culpable.

Meanwhile, efforts to reach the said pastor to get his reaction were not successful. Several calls made to his mobile phone were not answered while the text message sent to him had yet to be replied as of 12:52am.

The committee accused the suspended EFCC boss of mishandling the probe of a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

The suspended EFCC boss was accused of failing to cooperate with authorities in the United Kingdom to facilitate effective prosecution of the case.

The report read in part, “In the Diezani Alison-Madueke case, the acting chairman is failing to further cooperate with the UK NCA (National Crime Agency) to enable them to charge the former minister to court in the UK.

“The acting chairman, despite his knowledge that Mrs Alison-Madueke will not be extradited to Nigeria until after her trial in the UK, has consistently been accusing the UK government on the pages of print and electronic media of not wanting to extradite her to Nigeria.”

Magu was also accused of deliberately refusing to provide documentary evidence that would make the office of the Attorney-General to commence the extradition process of Diezani Madueke.

“This has strained the EFCC’s relationship with Europe, our most strategic partner,’’ the report further observed.

NAN reported that Magu, who is being held at the Police headquarters, Abuja, is expected to reappear before the Salami probe panel on Monday to defend himself against several allegations.

No sacred cows in Buhari’s govt, EFCC bigger than Magu – Presidency

The Presidency on Saturday said those who held the belief that the ongoing investigation of the suspended the EFCC acting chairman was an indication of the regime’s failing anti-corruption fight had missed the point.

It said rather, the development was further proof that the fight was real and active.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, in a statement, titled ‘Presidency’s statement on the suspension of Mr Ibrahim Magu’, said this was the first time the Presidency would react officially since Magu’s travails started on Monday when he was arrested and brought before the Justice Ayo Salami-led presidential panel.

The statement added, “There is no better indication that the fight is real and active than the will to investigate allegations in an open and transparent manner against those who have been charged to be custodians of this very system.

“Under this President and government, this is our mantra and guiding principle. There are no sacred cows, and for those who think they have a halo over their heads, their days are also numbered.

“Mr Magu was not immune – and regardless of the obvious embarrassment that potential acts of wrongdoing by him, given the office he held, may appear for the government.

“No other administration in the history of Nigeria would have moved to bring into the light and public domain such an allegation.”

Shehu explained that a series of documented allegations were made against Magu, noting that a preliminary review of the allegations levelled against him and several other members of his staff revealed that there were grounds for a detailed investigation to be conducted, hence, an investigative panel was constituted in compliance with the extant laws governing the convening of such a body.

Justifying Magu’s suspension, Shehu added, “As is the proper procedure, when allegations are made against the chief executive of an institution, and in this case an institution that ought to be seen as beyond reproach, the chief executive has to step down from his post and allow for a transparent and unhindered investigation.”

He said Magu’s suspension would allow the EFCC to continue its work without the cloud of investigation hanging over its head, noting that the EFCC does not revolve around the personality of an individual and as such could not be seen through the prism of any individual.

He added, “Mr Magu is being availed the opportunity to defend himself and answer the allegations against him. This is how it should be, as is the fact that under the Laws of Nigeria every citizen is presumed and remains innocent until proven guilty.

“What is however important is that there must be accountability and transparency and our people must realise that they would be held to account. This is the building block in the fight against corruption, the establishment of the concept of accountability and the recognition of the rule of law.”

Counsel for Magu, Mr Tosin Ojaomo, on Saturday, expressed confidence that his client would be released from detention on Monday.

Ojaomo said that "he had met Magu at the detention facility at the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Garki Area 10, in Abuja, and had a client-lawyer interview with him for about an hour on Saturday.

Ojaomo said, “Magu is not on trial. He has been appearing before the panel which is just a fact-finding panel. Our only concern is that he is in detention. We strongly believe that he will be released on Monday unfailingly.

“Our application for bail is receiving attention. Those celebrating that Magu is gone should be ready to face more crisis as long as they continue to partake in corruption.”

Ojaomo said on Saturday that Magu, whom he reportedly met in high spirits, denied Malami’s allegations during their client-lawyer interview session at the FCID facility on Saturday.

The lawyer added, “He told me the allegations are frivolous, vexatious and are all concocted to blackmail him and subject him to public ridicule and opprobrium, nothingclash

PMB Has Approved The Termination Of The Appointment Of Prof Charles Uwakwe As The Registrar Of NECO and Three Members.

The President also dismissed four members of the management for various offences bordering on financial impropriety.

Prof. Charles Uwakwe had been suspended since May 2018 by the Federal Government over alleged financial mismanagement and abuse of office.

Mr Abubakar Gana was appointed as the acting Registrar.

Uwakwe and some top officials allegedly awarded contracts in the council to the tune of N25billion without following the due process.

NECO in a release on Wednesday confirmed that the suspended registrar had been relieved of his appointment by the President, while four members of the management had also been dismissed.

The President’s directive was conveyed in a letter, dated May 11, and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Sonny Echono, on behalf of the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, which said Uwakwe was accused of violating the Public Procurement Act (2007) and pursuant to PSR 030402 and Part 1 schedule 4 (i) of NECO Establishment Act.

Echono said, “After due consideration of the investigative panel on the allegation of unsatisfactory conduct levelled against you and some management staff of the council, Mr. President in exercise of his powers, has approved your removal as the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of National Examinations Council with effect from the date of your suspension from duty.”

The former Registrar was also directed to hand over all the government property in his custody to the acting Registrar.

In another letter, FME/S/1419/C.3/T/98, on May 11, by the Permanent Secretary, the President approved the dismissal from service of four Management workers.

The letter partly reads, “After due consideration of the Financial Report of the Review Committee, Mr. President has approved the recommendations as follows; Bamidele Olure, dismissal from the service with effect from the date of his suspension from office having been found guilty of financial impropriety and not qualified to Head the Finance and Accounts Department.

“Dr. Shina Adetona was dismissed from service with effect from the date he was suspended from office for acts tantamount to fraudulent practices, sabotage and suppression of official records.”

Ondo uncovers N4.3bn kept in secret account for 10 years

N4.3bn which was kept in a secret account for more than 10 years has been uncovered by the Ondo state government.

Ondo Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo confirmed this in a statement released on Thursday, May 14.

He said the money which was uncovered due to the discrete financial intelligence of the Commissioner for Finance Mr. Wale Akinterinwa, was lodged in a third-generation bank without due process for over 10 years ago.

Ojogo said;

“We recall that at inception of this administration, concerted efforts were made to take a comprehensive inventory of all assets and liabilities of Government which include liquidity status.

“This exercise, modestly conducted without the usual noise, was aimed at avoiding sensationalization and needless acrimony. In this regard, all development partners of the Government, including Banks rendered highly commendable forms of assistance.

“It should be noted that neither the Finance Commissioner nor the Accountant-General was in his present position as at when the said account was opened more than ten years ago.

“The invitation of the Finance Commissioner by the House of Assembly and indeed, same extended to both the State Accountant-General and the Auditor-General are in line with Government’s desire to make as transparent as possible, the management of our commonwealth in Ondo State.”

The Commissioner for Finance Mr. Wale Akinterinwa who also confirmed this while appearing before lawmakers said the money has been ploughed into the revenue account of government. He also denied claims of a consultant being hired in the course of retrieving the N4.3bn.

HOW NIGERIANS PUSH US INTO STEALING- former commissioner speaks

Bola Adewara of E-life interviewed a former commissioner in a state.

It was to be an interview on Christians in politics. But the interviewee, a former commissioner in a state, now a pastor, changed the topic. He said, "Bola, if Jesus or Mohammed were given political appointments or elected to any office in Nigeria, they would have to resign their appointments or Nigerians would push them into corruption. 

"Politicians are not really corrupt before election or when appointed. But immediately they get there, from my experience, the expectations and demands our people place on them turn them to theives. People say we are corrupt but forget they made us corrupt because if we don't meet up with their expectations, we become bad people to them. I will tell you my experience, Bola."

"I was a lecturer in university of ... when the governor-elect invited me to be a commissioner. The very first challenge came from my wife: "Dear, immediately you are sworn in, my status much change o. You have to get me a big SUV. This Toyota Yaris is not befitting my status as a commissioner's wife. I have to change my wardrobe and change the schools of our children. I also need a personal assistant to be helping me in case all the  commissioners wives are to meet or the governor call us or journalists want to speak with me." 

I thought my wife was joking. I was not even sworn in yet, she has started buying things on credit for herself and the children, from a shop, telling them she would pay by month's end. By her calculation, I must have been sworn in then! That was the first salvo that jolted me that the appointment could land me in trouble!

"I noticed that immediately the news got out that I was to be made a commissioner, different people began to come to my house. Some, people I don't know, some of them I've not seen in ten years! Some would come from morning till evening, have breakfast, lunch, supper and refreshments between! There was no day between 10-30 people would not visit, some not going away. When I got back in the evening, they expect transport. Bola, I was not even sworn in as a commissioner yet, I was picking bills!

Now the very day I was sworn in was war! I was a lecturer who depended on salary. We have gone for some orientation at statehouse and governors office. The security details, PA, staff, etc came with their bukata and expectations. I had to speak to a friend to help me with about N7m to meet these demands or else people would see me as a fool. I was told we have to cook and merry, take Aso ebi, etc. 

When my wife brought the list of people we would cater for and buy aso ebi for, I was like Jesus! Taking that N7m loan was inevitable. Remember, that money has to be paid back. That marks the beginning of compromising!

The first three weeks, I commenced a familiarisation tour of offices and parastatals under my ministry. That is another avenue for corruption. The civil servants are the biggest criminals. They teach politicians how to steal. The people there want to preserve themselves and gifts of all shades would start flowing in, depending on how rich the offices are. I was able to pay back the N7m in less than a month from gifts gotten from familiarisation tours, but was also getting deeper and deeper into new ones.

As a commissioner, you lose your privacy. I could not sleep in my house again because it became a kind of party office where multitudes report every day. As a commissioner, I got a new safer place at ... Still, some visitors would still penetrate. One day, some men came, they are from Oshogbo. They come to show me native protection from enemies. I should not rely on the oyinbo religion because that wouldn't save me. of course, I declined. I am a Christian. This is not a time to deny Christ. Bola, every body wants to eat. When they were going I know how much they got. People are jobless. They all come under one pretext or the other. 

The family members have theirs. I am the first child, I have five siblings behind me. All of them placed their demands before me at a family meeting: each of them wants at least a two storey building, six flats and two vehicles, including one SUV. Meaning five SUVs, and five cars, and five six flats! A commissioner, Bola!

Going to my home town became a frightening venture because the Oba was expecting, his chiefs, my siblings children, in-laws, the area boys, the pastors in the town, Islamic clerics, etc. They all believe you are their meal ticket as long as you are a commissioner!

In the city where I served, I stopped going to church because my pastor placed all the demands of the church on my table. Anybody is sick, call commissioner. Anybody puts to bed, call commissioner. Any burial party, call commissioner. My pastor even told me to help them rebuild the church and bring all the commissioners and governor to donate money. You pastors are terrible, Bola. Do you know how much stolen government funds end up in Churches as donations and tithes? Everybody building camps with stolen banks and government money! Bola, I love Jesus, I don't like these pastors!

Anytime I got home, there are over 20 invitations cards on my table, all of them expecting me to make generous donations! If you don't give, you become an enemy to the people and they begin to bad mouth you.

Bola, I've not told you about the expectations and demands of my friends, my wife's friends, neighbours, you journalists so as not to get bad press, area boys who would be threatening you, staff, etc. It was a war! A friend came to me and said, Dr, you were a commissioner, I did not drink a bottle of Fanta from your commissionership. You are a disgrace!" and he left. 

I am still trying to repair that friendship till date. How many people would you give money? See how Nigerians turn their leaders to theives? This is just 30% of my story when I was a commissioner in .... state between 1999 and 2003!