CACOL MEMBERSHIP FORM

NOTICE TO CACOL MEMBERS, UNITS AND CHAPTERS

This is to notify and direct all members, Units, Chapters and Affiliates of CACOL to immediately renew their membership of the organization. This is in line with and following the rebranding of the organization which necessitates the upgrade of membership and systematization of the Centre’s activities.

Each member, Unit, Chapter and Affiliate is therefore required to fill a membership renewal form which is available on the Centre’s website and at the National HQs added with the payment of 500 naira as registration fee (members opting to fill the form online would pay at the point of submission or to Centre’s bank account).

Members are also required to pay the backlog of their monthly dues. The dues remain unchanged at 500 naira per month for individuals and 10, 000 naira for affiliates.

Signed:

Debo Adeniran

Executive Chairman, CACOL

For more Information contact

The Humanity Centre, 610, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Ijaye Bus Stop, Ijaye-jokoro,P.O. Box 1592, Agege, Lagos, Nigeria.  Tel: 01-4736534, 08141121208, 07082147742, E-mail: cacolc@yahoo.com, cacol@thehumanitycentre.org, www.cacol.thehumanitycentre.org, www.cwatch.thehumanitycentre.org, www.corruptionwatchng.com

Click here to download CACOL  Form

Lagos Open Parliament 3: ‘The Change We See’ -Review

The Book “Lagos Open Parliament 3” is a product of one year of painstaking research and investigation incorporating the application of scientific research instruments and the analysis of research outcomes.

This commendable mission undertaken by the Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL) is the focus of our review.  CACOL is a coalition of human rights advocacy/civil society organisations whose main agenda is the Campaign Against Corruption and Corrupt Leaders in Nigeria.

The project tagged “Lagos Open Parliament” is a strategic component of its anti-corruption crusade aimed at monitoring government policies, projects and programmes with a view to assessing government performance in Lagos State as its own contribution to the promotion of accountability and good governance.  It is also targeted at strengthening the interface between government and civil society.  This is the third in the series of such efforts by CACOL since the idea was midwived in 2013.

The book “Lagos Open Parliament 3” is a compendium of the records of CACOL’s findings on the performance of the Lagos State government under the leadership of Governor Akinwumi Ambode in all sectors of governance since May 29, 2015; the reports by the nation’s major newspapers on the activities and programmes of the government as well as the graphic and pictorial illustrations of such findings.  These illustrations lend credence to the depth of its investigations and the credibility of its research outcomes.  CACOL by its own admission focussed its attention on education, security, health, road construction/rehabilitation and the administration of law and order.

The book divided into eight chapters chronicles the performance of the Akinwumi Ambode-led administration in Lagos State from inception on May 29, 2015 up till May 28, 2016.

It highlights the positive changes that the administration has introduced into the different sectors of governance within a period of 12 months.  CACOL in the book’s preface explained that its report often goes through three stages of exploration, validation and public presentation.  This further underscores the rigorous investigative procedure adopted by Coalition.

 

Chapter One of the book highlights the positive impacts that the Ambode administration has made in the areas of road construction/rehabilitation, infrastructure upgrade, guarantee of public safety and security, improvement in transportation, health care delivery, education, agriculture, housing delivery, etc.

The Chapter outlines in detail the specific roads that have been rehabilitated especially through its “Operation 114” where each of the 57 Local governments and  LCDAs in Lagos rehabilitated two roads within its own jurisdiction.

This “Operation”, coupled with another “Operation fix all roads”, has given a remarkable face-lift to the state of road networks in Lagos metropolis.  Although, it cannot be said that all Lagos roads have been satisfactorily fixed, a sustenance of current efforts will bring about noticeable transformation to the condition of roads in the state.

Roads such as the one from Mile 12 to Ikorodu, Ijegun-Isheri Osun-Isolo, Ipakodo to Ijede, Lagos-Badagry and roads within Apapa Business district, etc have all experienced a major facelift.

This added to the planned construction of a 4th Mainland bridge as well as several pedestrian bridges gave the Ambode administration high marks in the area of road construction/rehabilitation.  Other projects like slip roads, lay-bys and pedestrian bridges now adorn the metropolis as part of what may soon become the Ambodean legacy.

CACOL further highlighted the infrastructural upgrade that Lagos State-owned health facilities such as Ayinke house have experienced resulting in a marked improvement in the health care delivery system of the State.  More mobile intensive care unit ambulances were bought for State-owned hospitals and more medical and paramedical staff were recruited for those hospitals.

The government purchased more BRT buses to ease transportation problems in Lagos while adopting well thought out strategies to address traffic grid-lock in many parts of the State.

In Education, CACOL documents the infrastructural changes that have been recorded in many State-owned higher institutions as well as the rehabilitation of schools, construction of new classrooms, provision of furniture and employment of over 1,300 teachers.  All of these measures have brought a new lease of life to educational institutions across Lagos State.  Governing Boards of Higher Institutions were promptly constituted and peace seemed to have returned to these institutions that were hitherto perennially turbulent.

The achievements in the area of agriculture and housing are no less significant.  Security is one area in which the Ambode-led administration is believed by CACOL to have scored high marks with the purchase of more up-to-date equipment for the security agencies to enhance their mobility and efficiency.  In the opinion of CACOL, Lagosians under the current administration appear a lot safer than they have ever been.

However, it is not yet uhuru for security in Lagos as the State still experiences cases of kidnap and occasional robberies.  The Badoo’ phenomenon in Ibeshe where women and children are serially raped or murdered remains a malignant tumour that needs excision.  More will still need to be done for Lagosians to be able to sleep with their two eyes closed.

 

Chapter Two reproduces the press Conference addressed by Comrade Debo Adeniran, Executive Chairman of CACOL at the Exploratory Conference of the Lagos Open Parliament – 3 Project.

The address reiterates the objectives of the LOP project and summaries some of the achievement of the Ambode administration in Lagos while expressing objection to some other policies of the government that it believes will make life more difficult for the already pauperised citizenry of the State.  Such policies believed to be counterproductive include “the illogical move to enforce a ban on street trading” and the move to tax the poor and under-employed.

The Executive Chairman further condemned the appointment of Sole Administrators for Lagos Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).  He concluded that the action is not only undemocratic but unconstitutional.

The Chapter also contains the presentations made at the exploratory conference by Dr. Niran Malaolu and Mr. Awosika (representing the Lagos State Information Commissioner)  Dr. Malaolu identified the lack of understanding of the concept of change by the nation’s leaders as one of the factors responsible for Nigerian’s underdevelopment.  In his view, there is a pervasive mistaken notion that change is an event rather than a process.  He called for a restructuring of the country in order to make the desired change possible since the present structure of the nation is antithetical to either change or transformation.

He commended Governor Akinwumi Ambode for doing reasonably well since he mounted the saddle in Lagos State.

Mr. Awosika in his comments restated the positive contributions that the Ambode-led administration has made in the areas of healthcare, rule of law, transportation, infrastructural development, employment and job creation, education, security, food security, tourism and environment.

He catalogued the creation of new Ministries, the streamlining in the cost of governance, Operation Light-up Lagos, Lagos rail project, Lekki Free Trade Zone, adoption of e-governance, establishment of an employment trust fund (with a target of N25billion), the proposed fourth mainland bridge and skill acquisition projects as revolutionary policies/projects that will in no time transform Lagos to a true mega city.

 

Chapters 3 & 4 contain newspaper reports on the innovative projects and programmes that the Lagos State government has implemented within the 12 months that the research covered.  These reports further affirm the veracity and credibility of CACOL’s findings.

It is noteworthy that the reports showed clearly that the administration in Lagos State is a thinking one, no wonder it is in today’s Nigeria, the numero uno among all the States of the federation.

It promulgated a “Property Protection Law” to save property owners from harassment and intimidation by “Omo-oniles” and backed this up with the establishment of a task force.

The “Operation Clean-up Lagos” is another important step taken to rid Lagos of abandoned property, unapproved mechanic workshops, illegal kiosks and roadside beer parlours and other unwholesome environmental practices that are hazardous to living.  The Ambode administration has also taken steps to intensify the campaign against domestic and sexual violence in Lagos State.

 

Chapter Five gives a comprehensive and graphic analysis of the data gathered by CACOL’s researchers and gives us an insight into the content and nature of the research survey it carried out in each of the 20 Local government Areas in Lagos State.

The Chapter also presents numerous pictorial evidences of the projects initiated and completed by the Ambode-led administration during the period under review.

 

Chapter Six contains more newspaper cuttings where reports about the activities of the Lagos State government were published.  These reports contained in the clips are not significantly different from those that appeared in Chapters Three and Four.  It is my humble opinion that this repetition is unnecessary and apart from increasing the volume of the publication, it adds very little value to the content.  If that chapter is deleted, the book would not have lost anything.

The inclusion of the Chapter practically created printing problems as the press clips within the same chapter got reproduced in numerous pages for example the contents of pages 210 – 215 were reproduced after page 222 and re-numbered pages 210 – 215 all over again.

 

Chapter Seven presents the Press Conference on the “State of the nation” addressed by CACOL’s executive Chairman, Comrade Debo Adeniran on June 29, 2016.  In the address, he lamented the failure of the APC-led Federal Government to live up to the promises it made during the electioneering period in 2015.  He criticised the administration for its tardiness, seeming ineptitude and obvious lack of answers to the nation’s numerous problems.

I fail to see why the editor included the Press Conference in a book that is designed to assess the performance of the Lagos State Government under Mr. Akinwumi Ambode.

The inclusion created its own problems even though the Chapter included other press releases targeted at policies of the Lagos State government earlier criticised by CACOL.  For instance, portions of the releases were repeated in some pages within the same chapter.  Some of the contents of pages 252 – 253 were reproduced verbatim on pages 255 – 256.

 

Chapter Eight details the conclusions and recommendations that emerged from the LOP3 process.  It re-emphasized CACOL’s earlier findings such as the ban on street trading and imposition of taxes on the under-employed.

It further recommends a process led budgeting system that should be more participatory and inclusive, rather than the incremental envelope system that we are used to.

 

It called on the State government to allow full democratisation of governance at the Local government level as any other option will remain unconstitutional and illegal.  CACOL urges government to address the problem of multiple taxation in the State while also stressing the need for the State to fully embrace the TSA policy to curb corruption and raise the State’s revenue profile.

 

It advised that, Lagos can only became a mega city if it expedites action on its rail project and improve on its water transportation system.  The book also advocates for a stronger and more robust interface between the State government and civil society organisations.

 

The book “Lagos Open Parliament – 3” is a good book which throws a big challenge to other State governments to subject their activities to critical scrutiny in conformity with the principles of transparency and accountability.

I commend CACOL for this bold effort which has definitely sealed its position as the leading non-governmental anti-corruption organisation in Nigeria.  It takes courage, determination, commitment and intellectual clarity to be able to painstakingly document and critique a state government’s performance within the first year of the administration’s tenure, the way it has done.  The book is lucid, readable and aesthetically appealing.

 

There are a few errors in the work which I hope will be corrected in subsequent editions.  The pagination is highly inaccurate and confusing.  For example P. 91 comes immediately after P. 82. P. 87 comes after P. 94 while P.95 comes after P. 90.  P. 83 comes immediately after page 78.

 

This has led to some omissions resulting in merging together of unrelated information which unless care is taken will lead the readers confused.  The report titled “FCMB, Lagos to boost job Creation” which started on P. 86 was completed after P. 94.

 

I thank you for your attention.

 

Reviewed By:Prof. Tunde Babawale

Department of Political Science

University of Lagos

 

BILL FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIAL CRIMES COURTS: CACOL LAUDS FG

The Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders, CACOL, has lauded the Federal Government for sending a bill for the establishment of special crimes courts to focus on cases of corruption, narcotics, terrorism, human trafficking, kidnapping etc. The bill was previously sent by Prof. Itse Sagay, led Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, PACAC to the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami for onward transmission to the National Assembly.
 
The Executive Chairman of CACOL, Mr. Debo Adeniran, in reacting to the development said, “the country really need special anti-corruption courts to the speed-up judicial processes in corruption cases and other related offences.”
 
“CACOL have consistently advocated for reforms in the judicial system including the creation of Special courts for corruption cases to facilitate the enabling environment for the successful prosecution of the anti-corruption war. Several cogent reasons abound for the inevitable need for Special courts for corruption cases and some reforms in our laws.”
 
“As a matter of fact, since the kitchen became hotter for corruption criminals based on the ongoing war against corruption, corrupt elements are fighting back using every means available including lapses in our laws to evade justice. The plethora of corruption cases that the ongoing anti-corruption drive has thrown up calls for reforms in the existing judicial system to ensure that the efforts to rid Nigeria of sharp practices bears fruits.” Mr. Adeniran continued.
 
 “It is a good thing that the AGF have now submitted the bill to NASS for consideration and passage; it is the way forward in the fight against corruption. We call on the NASS to expeditiously pass the bills in the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians. The National Assembly should not hesitate in taking actions that will translate the bill into Act of Law if they are really sincere and on the same page with majority of Nigerians on the need to expunge corruption from our system holistically.”
 
“As corruption fights backs viciously, the logical response is to; lawfully remove all the encumbrances on the path of the anti-corruption drive which corruption criminals cleverly use to wriggle through the labyrinths of the existing judicial system to escape justice.
 
 “We therefore welcome and commend the Federal government on its initiatives and the proactive steps being taken to achieve the establishment of Special Courts, just as we call on all the Arms of the Federal Government to work in unison to fight corruption, a scourge that have encroached our country for too long and threatening to obliterate it.” Mr. Adeniran concluded.
 
Wale Salami
Media Coordinator, CACOL
08141121208
December 7, 2016
 
 
 
For more press releases and statements, please visit our website at
 

Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL), yesterday, demanded that wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Patience, must explain funds used to build a N10 billion hotel in Bayelsa State.

Patience, according to The Financial Times, a United Kingdom newspaper, allegedly inaugurated the hotel, known as Aridolf Resort Wellness and Spa, in Yenagoa, capital of Bayelsa State, in April 2015, about a month before the end of her husband’s tenure.
Regardless, CACOL, which recalled in a statement yesterday that Patience was only a permanent secretary in Bayelsa State at a time, said the ex-president’s wife must be made to explain the source of her wealth.
The statement, released by the group’s acting Media Officer, Abiodun Rabiu, quoted the Executive Chairman of CACOL, Debo Adeniran, as saying that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) needed no further petition to invite Patience for questioning.

Click here to continue

Patience must explain her source of wealth, says CACOL

Also, a civil society organisation, Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders, has said Patience must explain how she came about the funds with which she reportedly built a N10bn hotel in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The hotel, which is known as Aridolf Resort Wellness and Spa, Yenagoa, was inaugurated by Patience in April 2015, barely a month before the end of her husband’s tenure.

But CACOL, which recalled in a statement on Tuesday that Patience was only a Permanent Secretary in Bayelsa State at a time, said the ex-President’s wife must be made to explain the source of her wealth.

Click Here to continue

 

CACOL COMMENDS INEC ON ITS STANCE TO BAR SUSPECTED CORRUPT OFFICIALS FROM PARTICIPATING IN ELECTIONEERING PROCESS

The Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders, CACOL, has commended the decision made by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to bar some of its electoral officials under investigation by the anti-graft agencies over alleged corrupt practices from partaking in the oncoming gubernatorial elections in Ondo and Edo states.
This came in a response to media reports that INEC has hindered some of its electoral officials undergoing investigation over alleged corrupt practices from supervising the elections that would take place in Ondo and Edo State.
 
CACOL described the step taken by INEC as bold and quite necessary as the country battles corruption on all plains. Executive Chairman of the Coalition, Comrade Debo Adeniran, said “the step is certainly one of the required steps in the efforts to curb political corruption in the country. It is part of the cravings of majority of Nigerians and it represents one of the yields of the anti-corruption drive.”
 
“The tenacity and the unrelentiveness of the Federal government in its fight against corruption also deserve commendation for this development. The truth is that the anti-corruption drive embedded in President Muhammadu Buhari’s led administration is gradually gaining victory over corruption; a menace that has ravished our country and encroached on every facet in our system for so long.”
Continuing, Adeniran said, “tackling political corruption is very fundamental in battling corruption, because it is political corruption that produces corrupt leaders that robs the country’s treasury willy-nilly. Political corruption is what deprives the people of their basic needs to exist. We believe that even candidates who are under investigations by the anti-corruption agencies should not be allowed to contest elections until such candidates prove their innocence.”
 
In concluding he said, “we therefore urge the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, INEC and other relevant agencies, to swing into action on the affected INEC officials. The suspected officials must be prosecuted while applying disciplinary actions against those found wanting must also be ensured. Also, the emergence of laws that would forestall electoral misconduct in the future which is driven to solve immediate and long-term measures towards curbing impunity in our electoral process is paramount.”
 
Wale Salami
Media Coordinator, CACOL
08141121208
 
7 September 2016
 
 
 
For more press releases and statements, please visit our website at

Lagos has no social right to ban street trading — Adeniran

Executive Chairman of Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders, Mr. Debo Adeniran

Executive Chairman of Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders, Mr. Debo Adeniran, tells BAYO AKINLOYE that Lagos State Government’s renewed enforcement of Street Trading and Illegal Market Prohibition Law 2003 is unfair and unwarranted

Why are you against Lagos State’s renewed enforcement of the Street Trading and Illegal Market Prohibition Law?

The Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders is opposed to the promulgation of the anti-street hawking law in the first place because Nigeria, and Lagos in particular, has a preponderance of poor people who live on less than a dollar a day. The situation even gets worse when you realise that there are people who live on less than 50 cents a day. We said that all the facilities that are available for the people are far beyond their reach. We educated the previous administration on the need why such a law should not be promulgated. The concept of creating a megacity is not about making the environment look beautiful with flowers and other architectural projects and de-population; chasing out the poor from the city. It is about expanding the existing infrastructure to accommodate the mega population. The government needs to provide adequate structures and facilities that will enable every member of the state to realise their potential within the ambit of such provisions. Since there has not been any provision to keep people gainfully employed away from major roads, it is improper for the government to invoke a law that is, considering the present realities, against the masses’ welfare. True, we do not want anybody to constitute a nuisance on the road but we do not want a situation where the poor pay for the convenience of the rich. The ban on street hawking as it is today only satisfies the needs of the rich rather than the poor’s.

Click for more detail

 

The Ban On Street Trading Without Alternative Is Insensitive To The Plight Of Poor, Working And Toiling Lagosians – CACOL

The Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders, CACOL, unequivocally condemns the ban on street trading by the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode-led Lagos State government. The ban represents the increasing the sufferings of the poor and toiling people who ordinarily are trying under the present extremely harsh economic conditions to fend for themselves.

Click Here to Continue

Click

Click

Click