How lack of transparency in oil sector under-develops Nigeria

Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper

By Chukwudi Nweje Acting Features Editor

President Jonathan Diezani Alison Madueke, Minister of Petroleum Resources

Transparency and accountability in the nation’s oil sector was the central focus recently in Lagos when the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) Resource Centre supported by FOSTER (Oxford Policy Management) held an interactive session with journalists on ‘how to build cross-border campaign against oil theft, strengthen citizens awareness on corruption and enhance transparency and accountability in the Nigerian oil sector’.

The session focused on the need for civil society organisations and the media to make use of the opportunities inherent in the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act as a tool for bringing about transparency and accountability in Nigeria oil sector.

The need for the session is better appreciated considering Nigeria is reliant on oil exports for more than 95 percent of its foreign exchange revenues. Thus, whatever happens in the oil sector has a direct consequence on the Nigerian economy. Continue reading “How lack of transparency in oil sector under-develops Nigeria”

2015: Falana appeals to Nigerian elite to vote

on   /   in Politics 10:05 pm   /   Comment

Lagos –  Human Rights Lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), on Wednesday urged the Nigerian elite to ensure they participate actively in politics by voting during the 2015 general elections.

Falana made the appeal in Lagos while delivering a keynote address at the Annual Convention and Integrity Awards of the Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL), an NGO.

Femi Falana

Speaking on “Institutionalising Probity and Accountability in Governance,” Falana said that participation of the elite in voting during elections in the country was low.

“This is a trend that we must change. The time has come to insist on our rights and who is right for leadership in Nigeria,” he said.

He also said that Nigerians must stop celebrating corrupt people and find ways to stigmatise them.

Falana advised that any political party that does not take the welfare of the people seriously was not fit to be in power and must be voted out.

On corruption, Falana said that the government needed to institutionalise a social security scheme as part of efforts to tackle the problem.

“Corruption does not reign in countries where you have social security for citizens in place. We must build a country where people are entitled to unemployment benefits,“ he said..

Speaking on churches in Nigeria and the need for accountability, Falana urged Pastors to ensure that they account for church funds and spend them responsibly.

“We must begin to ask questions from pastors using church funds to build universities that their members cannot afford to send their children to,’’ he said.

Falana however commended CACOL for its consistency and doggedness in fighting corruption in Nigeria.

Also speaking, Mr Mohammed Fawehinmi, son of late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, called for the strengthening of institutions that were fighting corruption in the country.

He said that past leaders found to be corrupt in Nigeria should be prosecuted and those indicted of corrupt practises should be barred from running for public office.

“Any Nigerian seeking to be elected or appointed into public office must be cleared by the Code of Conduct Bureau,’’ he said.

Earlier in his opening speech, CACOL Executive Chairman, Mr Debo Adeniran, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to fighting corruption in Nigeria.

Adeniran said that the Integrity Awards of the organisation was to encourage those who stood out in the face of corruption in the country.

Those honored with the CACOL Integrity Awards 2014 include the former presidential candidates of the National Action Council (NAC) and National Action Party (NAP) Dr Olapade Agoro and Dr Tunji Braithwaite respectively.

Others honored were Dr Mrs Keziah Awosika, Dr Dipo Fashina and late activist, Baba Omojola. (NAN)

– See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/09/2015-falana-appeals-nigerian-elite-vote/#sthash.UIXYCcuh.dpuf

Continue reading “2015: Falana appeals to Nigerian elite to vote”

Christians Should Challenge Pastors To Maintain Transparent Accounts–Femi Falana

Femi Falana (SAN) today called on all Christians to challenge pastors who have diverted contributions and funds from their congregations churches to build universities which the children of the same congregation cannot attend.

Describing the practice as “a sin, illegal and unjust,” Falana made this remark as part of his keynote address at the Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders annual general convention held in Oregun today, with the theme “Institutionalizing Probity & Accountability in Governance: Perspectives and Methodologies”.

“If you set up a school and the poor people, who contributed those funds, cannot attend those institutions because you set up those schools for the children of the rich, you are bound to be made to account,” he said.

 

Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders Annual General Convention In Oregun

“Some Nigerian pastors are under investigation because they had registered as charities and a charitable organization cannot siphon funds to do business. This is why some respected pastors cannot travel to the UK today because they have been indicted,” he said.

He warned those who are using church funds to establish universities are soon going to have to render accounts. 

In the same vein the Executive Chairman of CACOL, Debo Adeniran, has described Lagos State as being governed under false pretense. “It is no gainsaying that Lagos has been running a government of grandstanding imbued by propaganda and bare-faced deception,” he said.

He added that “nobody outside the hierarchy of the state government of the state government can give exact figure of the state’s IGR. The mechanism or arrangement of revenue collection is shrouded in secrecy.”

“There has been dismal governmental failure in the area of the execution of the capital side of the budget and Lagos has been governed by false pretenses otherwise known as 419 governance.”

For Lagosians and Nigerians to fully appreciate the extent of corruption, diligent analysis of budgetary implementation becomes imperative with a view to exposing the official deception that has become governmental policies at various levels of government.

In attendance at the forum was Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Chief Olapade Agoro, Barrister Muhammed Fawehinmi, Barrister Muiz Banire.

Continue reading “Christians Should Challenge Pastors To Maintain Transparent Accounts–Femi Falana”

Seized aircraft: Group seeks details of transaction


Seized aircraft: Group seeks details of transaction

A non-governmental association, the Advocacy for Societal Rights Advancement and Development Initiative (ASRADI) yesterday called for proper investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the $9.3 million allegedly smuggled by two Nigerians and an Israeli citizen into South-Africa in a private aircraft. Also yesterday, a former presidential candidate and National Chairman of National Action Council (NAC), Dr. Olapade Agoro, called on the Federal Government to lay bare the circumstances surrounding the seized aircraft, the money and the men involved in the saga.

Speaking with journalists at the 2014 Annual General Convention and CACOL Integrity Award organised in Lagos by the Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL), where he was honoured with ‘Icon of Integrity Award,’ Agoro said it was shameful to carry corruption beyond the shores of Nigeria to South-Africa. He said: “I see the issue as carrying corruption beyond Nigeria to South- Africa.

The circumstances surrounding the $9.3 million must be probed. Who owns that aircraft? Where did they buy the dollars and at what rate? Who authorised it? Was that aircraft meant for that? Why did they carry corruption beyond the shores of Nigeria to South Africa to humiliate us before a nation we salvaged from the horror of apartheid. “I thought the aircraft was a private jet, not for leasing, so we want to be told who leased it.

We want to see the papers that were signed. We want to know the source of the $9.3 million before flying it all the way from Nigeria to South-Africa. It is a shame on a nation.” ASRADI in a statement made available to New Telegraph by its Executive Director, Adeolu Oyinlola, also demanded a public inquiry on the incident, warning that anything short of a transparent public inquiry would not be acceptable to Nigerians.

“We in ASRADI demand a full scale public inquiry into how a government department or agency would carry loads of cash in a private jet overseas, ostensibly to transact official business. “While we do not intend to set an agenda for the proposed inquiry, ASRADI believes the following posers would assist in unraveling how the surreptitious trip to South Africa was hatched and embarked upon.

“How often does money get spirited out of Nigeria in this clandestine manner? How was the cash sourced? Was the money appropriated by the National Assembly? If, as we are assuming, the cash came from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), how regularly does this happen? Does government just ask CBN to throw its vault open at it’s (government’s) pleasure? “Oyinlola raised more questions, what is the total value of the contract in question? Was there any advance payment? If so, how was it made, in cash too? Were bids invited for this contract as prescribed by the Public Procurement Act? Is government aware of platforms like Telegraphic Transfer and Letter of Credit?

Continue reading “Seized aircraft: Group seeks details of transaction”

‘Corrupt people must be stigmatised’

Home » News » ‘Corrupt people must be stigmatised’
 
Falana  Femi  jpeg

‘Corrupt people must be stigmatised’

 

Human rights’ activist Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) has urged Nigerians not to celebrate corrupt people.

Falana spoke yesterday in Lagos at the Annual General Convention of the Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL).

He admonished Nigerians to stigmatise corrupt people to act as a deterrent to others.

The activist said if the security and welfare of the people were not taken seriously, government would be unable to fight corruption.

CACOL’s Executive Chairman  Comrade Debo Adeniran said corruption remained unsolved by the present administration, like its predecessors, making Nigeria a laughing stock among the comity of nations.

 Said he: “The rate of corruption is alarming. Allegations are flying everywhere about government’s ineptitude in tackling corruption. The  majority of Nigerians are living below one dollar per day. This is in contrast to what lawmakers take home monthly.

“While a senator earns $1.7million, members of the House of Representatives collect over $1.45 million each. Our organisation has in the past one year taken steps to make independent investigation and analysis of facts available at people’s disposal.”

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, who was represented by Rev. Ishola Adebiyi, hailed the initiative of the coalition in fighting corruption.

“We must discourage money politics if we want our leaders to be accountable to us.”

The Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Lamorde, who was represented by Mr. Abubakar Aliyu Madaki, advised public office holders to be accountable and transparent.

Continue reading “‘Corrupt people must be stigmatised’”

2015: Stigmatise corrupt people, don’t celebrate them – Falana

print

Published on September 17, 2014 by   ·   4 Comments

Human Rights Lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), on Wednesday urged Nigerians to stigmatise corrupt leaders instead of celebrating them as is often obtainable across the country.

Falana made the call in Lagos while delivering a keynote address at the Annual Convention and Integrity Awards of the Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL), an NGO.

Speaking on “Institutionalising Probity and Accountability in Governance,” Falana said that participation of the elite in voting during elections in the country was low. Continue reading “2015: Stigmatise corrupt people, don’t celebrate them – Falana”

Stop Celebrating Corrupt Nigerians- Falana

Stop Celebrating Corrupt Nigerians- Falana

 
 

 

Prominent Human Rights Lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Femi Falana ( SAN ), on Wednesday implored Nigerians to stigmatise corrupt leaders instead of celebrating them as is often the case across the entire country .
 
Mr Falana made the appeal in Lagos while delivering a keynote address at the Annual Convention and Integrity Awards of the Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL ).
 
Speaking on “ Institutionalising Probity and Accountability in Governance , ” Falana said that participation of the elite in voting during elections in the country was low .
 
Falana therefore declared that any political party that does not take the welfare of the people seriously was not fit to be in power and must be voted out.
 
He also said that Nigerians must stop celebrating corrupt people and find ways to stigmatise them. He said that the government needed to institutionalise a social security scheme as part of efforts to tackle the problem .
 
“ Corruption does not reign in countries where you have social security for citizens in place.
 
We must build a country where people are entitled to unemployment benefits , ” he said .
Speaking further on churches in Nigeria and the need for proper accountability , Falana urged Pastors to ensure that they account for church funds and spend them responsibly.
 
“ We must begin to ask questions from pastors using church funds to build universities that their members cannot afford to send their children to , ” he said .
 
“ This is a trend that we must change . The time has come to insist on our rights and who is right for leadership in Nigeria, ” he said .
 
Falana however commended CACOL for its consistency and doggedness in fighting corruption in Nigeria.
 
Also speaking, the scion of the late human rights activist and prominent lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Mr Mohammed Fawehinmi, called for the
strengthening of institutions that were fighting corruption in the country .

 
He said that past leaders found to be corrupt in Nigeria should be prosecuted and those indicted of corrupt practises should be barred from running for public office .
 
“ Any Nigerian seeking to be elected or appointed into public office must be cleared by the Code of Conduct Bureau , ” he said .

 
CACOL Executive Chairman , Debo Adeniran, reiterated the organisation’ s commitment to fighting corruption in Nigeria.
 
 
Adeniran said that the Integrity Awards of the organisation was to encourage those who stood out in the face of corruption in the country .
 
Those honored with the CACOL Integrity Awards 2014 include the former presidential candidates of the National Action Council (NAC) and National Action Party (NAP ) Dr Olapade Agoro and Dr Tunji Braithwaite respectively.
 
Others honored were Dr Mrs Keziah Awosika, Dr Dipo Fashina and late activist , Baba Omojola.

Continue reading “Stop Celebrating Corrupt Nigerians- Falana”

RE: INVITATION TO CACOL ANNUAL GENERAL CONVENTION/INTEGRITY AWARDS

Compatriot,

Kindly be reminded that the Annual General Convention/Integrity Awards of the Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL) holds Wednesday, 17 September, 2014 at Yard 158, The Event Arena, Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos by 10:00am prompt.

Members outside Lagos are to arrive on Tuesday, 16 September and depart Thursday, 18 September, 2014.

We look forward to your kind attendance.

INVITATION TO CACOL AGC/INTEGRITY AWARDS

Compatriots,

Please be invited to the Annual General Convention/Integrity Awards of the Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL) coming up on Wednesday, 17 September, 2014 at Yard 158, The Event Arena, Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos by 10:00am.

Members and affiliates of the Coalition are enjoined to please pay up their annual dues to facilitate our planning.

Members from outside Lagos and Ogun States should also note that they are expected to arrive on Tuesday, 16 September and depart on Thursday, 18 September, 2014.

We thank you in anticipation as we look forward to your kind attendance.

Debo Adeniran
Executive Chairman, CACOL
www.deboadeniran.com
dadnig@yahoo.com
08037194969

 

INVITATION TO CACOL ANNUAL GENERAL CONVENTION/INTEGRITY AWARDS 2014

Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL)

The Humanity Centre: 610, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Ijaye Bus stop, Ijaye-Ojokoro.

P.O. Box 1592, Agege, Lagos, Nigeria. Tel: 01-4736534, 08023226276, 08037194969

www.thehumanitycentre.org E-mail: cacolc@yahoo.com, dadnig@yahoo.com

Name, Nail, Shame and Shun Corrupt Leaders Anywhere, Everywhere

           

 

05 September, 2014

 

 

 

 

Compatriot,

INVITATION TO CACOL ANNUAL GENERAL CONVENTION/INTEGRITY AWARDS

The Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL) as a group of civil-society, community-based and other non-governmental organisations with the objective of fighting corruption and corrupt persons by any means possible at all level humbly invites you to its Annual General Convention and Integrity Awards.

The Annual General Convention seeks to educate members on the workings, strategies and the tactics of the Coalition in fighting corruption in Nigeria, while the CACOL Integrity Awards (CIA), seeks to appreciate the contributions of some individuals to the corruption fight in the country.

The event, which will also serve as an avenue for participants to socialize and welcome new members into the Coalition, is scheduled to hold as follows:

Theme:          Institutionalizing Probity and Accountability in Governance: Perspectives and Methodologies        

Date:              Wednesday, 17 September, 2014

Time:              10:00 am

Venue:           Yard 158, The Events Arena, between UAC Foods and First Bank Bus-stop, Kudirat Abiola Way,  Oregun, Lagos

Thanking you for the anticipated cooperation as we look forward to your kind attendance.

Yours faithfully,

 

 

Debo Adeniran

Executive Chairman, CACOL

www.deboadeniran.com

dadnig@yahoo.com

08037194969