The ICPC Chairman said this during a courtesy visit by members of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) to the Commission’s Headquarters on Thursday.

Aliyu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Mr Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu, said Nigeria was facing the realities of corruption, which had drastically affected the development of the economy.

He, therefore, encouraged Nigerians to be patient while ensuring that they contribute their quota to the ongoing reform of the nation.

Speaking on the enlightenment mandate of the commission, the chairman said it was important for Nigerians to adhere to policies to curb the challenges being faced in the execution of constituency and executive projects.

He stressed the importance of placing significance on enlightening the public on and against corruption by institutions like the CJID and individuals, saying that one of the core mandates of the Commission is public enlightenment.

He advised the CJID to take advantage of the Freedom of Information Act to get information from government agencies, adding that when agencies refuse to disclose the information they requested, CJID could sue them in court.

Earlier in his remarks, the leader of the team and CEO of CJID, Mr. Dapo Olorunyomi, stated that the visit was aimed at strengthening the already existing relationship between the organisation and the ICPC, as well as to identify areas to assist the Commission in the tracking of constituency and executive projects.

Olorunyomi emphasised the need for a lot more direct engagement with citizens as Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs) could not win the fight against corruption alone and that it was important to enlighten citizens more about CEPTI as the organisation could also aid the tracking exercise if armed with adequate knowledge.

Aliyu made this statement during a strategic meeting with delegates from the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) in Abuja on Thursday.

The ICPC chairman reiterated the agency’s dedication to identifying and addressing corruption, which has long tarnished Nigeria’s image.

He emphasized that the adverse effects of corruption are evident in underdevelopment and poverty, deterring potential investments. Aliyu stressed the need for a collective effort in portraying the country positively.

Aliyu acknowledged the strategic partnerships established by his predecessors and expressed his intent to build upon those foundations.

He highlighted the history of successful collaboration between ICPC and NEPAD on various projects, including election monitoring.

Aliyu emphasized the importance of future collaborations focusing on presenting a favorable image of Nigeria to attract both domestic and foreign investments, fostering overall development.

The ICPC chairman asserted that the eradication of corruption in Nigeria would have a positive ripple effect on neighboring countries and the entire continent.

This, he stated, would contribute significantly to development by enhancing socio-economic values and infrastructure.

In addition to Aliyu’s remarks, Mr. Clifford Oparaodu, the Secretary to the Commission, underscored the value of policies resulting from joint initiatives between the ICPC and stakeholders.

He highlighted the potential for increased efficiency, which would be instrumental in driving development forward.

Initiated by the Chairman of ICPC, Musa Adamu Aliyu, the meeting took place at the EFCC headquarters and included the chairmen and management staff of both anti-graft agencies.

The primary objectives were to deepen mutual cooperation, synergize efforts, and discuss areas of collaboration for a more impactful anti-corruption drive in Nigeria.

During the meeting, Chairman of ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, emphasized the commitment to the existing relationship between the two agencies.

He expressed the ICPC’s readiness to provide necessary support and cooperation in the interest of eradicating corruption in Nigeria.

Aliyu highlighted the importance of working together and avoiding duplication of responsibilities to optimize resources and time.

The Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, concurred on the position of collaboration, noting that the meeting provided an opportunity to review the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the agencies.

He emphasized the similar mandates of both agencies, considering the significant population of Nigeria, and stressed the need for collaborative efforts.

Mr. Olukoyede also acknowledged the political will of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to combat corruption, expressing confidence that the President’s leadership would strengthen anti-corruption agencies.

He stated that with the President’s support, there would be no hiding place for individuals not adhering to the rules, emphasizing that nobody is too big to be investigated in the country.

The National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education, Festus Okoye, made this known during an expert meeting on election logistics for the 2023 general election held in Lagos on Tuesday.

Okoye, while giving updates on the commission’s efforts to curb financial inducements at polling units, said anyone found culpable would be apprehended.

He said, “The commission has been doing a lot on the issue of vote-buying. We have changed the architecture and the configuration of the polling units by making sure that the secrecy of the votes is protected. We have also banned the use of smart phones and other electronic devices at the polling units. But more importantly, we are collaborating with the various security agencies under the auspices of consultative committee on election security to make sure those engaging in vote-buying are apprehended. So, on the election day, we are going to have the ICPC, EFCC and other agencies go to different polling units to make sure that people are not doing anything that is untoward.

He also urged Nigerians to shun the common habit of selling and buying votes during elections.

He said, “We have a country and we must protect the integrity of the electoral process. That is the only way we can progress. We must never on any account allow people to use the vulnerability and poverty of our people in order to derail the democratic process.”

Fabian Benjamin, JAMB’s Head of Public Affairs and Protocol, said the smear campaign was sponsored by those against the board’s reforms which have blocked their sources of illicit wealth.

Benjamin alleged that those behind the falsehood are using a faceless non-governmental organization, NGO, to circulate the concocted allegations.

In a statement by the signed, Benjamin urged security agencies to investigate the allegations and make their findings public.

According to Benjamin: “This is to alert the general public to a well-orchestrated smear campaign against JAMB and its management.

“This sinister campaign is being sponsored by some disgruntled individuals whose unwholesome interests are being affected by the spate of current reforms in JAMB which have successfully blocked their sources of illicit wealth.

“To achieve their nefarious agenda, an unstable shadowy character is being used to launch calculated and vicious attacks against the Board.

“Already, they have concocted some false and totally baseless allegations for which they have contracted an unregistered and faceless NGO to be circulating to various agencies, especially the ICPC, media outlets, and bloggers across the country.

“While we urge the ICPC to investigate the malicious allegations and make its findings public, we also advise the media and members of the public to beware of the shenanigans of these merchants of falsehoods who are hell-bent on tarnishing the hard-earned and positive image of the Board and its leadership.

“The management of the Board will continue to manage the affairs of the organisation with utmost transparency and in line with international best practices regardless of the array of dark and powerful forces working round the clock to pull it down.”

According to a statement by the ICPC spokesperson, Azuka Ogugwa, Mr Akawo was arraigned by the commission at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday February 4.

He was arraigned before the trial judge, Inyang Ekwo, on charges of corruption, including money laundering and fraudulent diversion of public funds.

The anti-corruption agency had accused the former Secretary-General of diverting funds released by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) for the successful hosting of the CAA Grand Prix Competition in Delta State, also known as the 2017 Warri Relay Competition.

The defendant allegedly committed the offences in July and August 2017, when he was said to have diverted sums of money from the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development for personal use.

The ICPC alleged that Mr Akawo actions violated Sections 1 (a) and 16 (1) (d) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 and are punishable under relevant sections of the same Act.

Akawo pleaded not guilty to all the charges and then filed for bail.

Appearing before a House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee investigating the activities of estate developers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Thursday, October 28, ICPC Chairman, Prof Bolaji Owasanoye said a study they conducted between 2010 and 2011, revealed the sharp practices in the sector including massive corruption and injection of illicit funds.

Owasanoye who revealed that the agency has recovered 241 houses and 60 buildings from corrupt public officers through its investigation, added that estate developers have a habit of selling allocated lands for mass housing piecemeal to the highest bidders.

Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mohammed Bawa who was represented by a director of the agency, Daniel Esei, alleged that developers are not complying with extant laws which aggravated the sharp practices in the sector.

He accused developers of breaking the law by allowing third parties to make payments or buy houses, shortchanging the real subscribers. The EFCC Chairman noted that there is need for more stringent laws to allow the application of sanctions on developers who go against the law.

The Commission, in a two-count charge filed at the Jos Judicial Division of the High Court of Plateau State, maintained its allegations that the former SPIP head presented a fake result with a credit pass in English Literature to the University of Jos, with which he secured admission to read law.

The charge filed before Justice C. L. Dabup revealed that while Obono-Obla did not sit for the Ordinary Level, General Certificate Examination (GCE) in English Literature in 1982, he presented a result of the same GCE to the University of Jos, in 1985, containing Credit 6 from Mary Knoll College, Ogoja.

He was alleged to have committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 366 of the Penal Code Law of Plateau State. Obono-Obla entered a not guilty plea on each of the two-count when they were read to him, following which his counsel, M.A. Agara, filed an application praying the court to grant him bail on self-recognizance.

Agara had earlier filed a motion contesting the jurisdiction of the court on the matter as well as accused the prosecution of bringing a defective charge before the court and prayed the court not to allow the charge to be read to the defendant.

ICPC’s lead Counsel, Henry Emore, who opposed the motion challenging the jurisdiction of the court, submitted that the defendant was brought before the court because the offence of certificate forgery was allegedly committed in Jos where the court sits.

He however did not oppose the bail application but urged the court to admit him to bail on stringent terms.

Justice Dabup, in her ruling on the bail application, admitted Obono-Obla to bail in the sum of N1 million with one surety in like sum. She further ruled that the surety must be resident within the jurisdiction of the court and must submit an affidavit of means including a tax clearance certificate showing evidence of payment for three years. The case has been adjourned to 25th November 2021 for trial.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the ICPC made the discovery during the ongoing Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Exercise in the state.

The agency said it has it on good authority that the items were stored in a warehouse allegedly belonging to the lawmaker.

The items, which were bought in 2019 and 2020, included grinding machines, sewing machines, driers, clippers, among others.

The ICPC officials, who visited the constituency for checks with the listed beneficiaries, disclosed that they had not received the items and all efforts to access the warehouse were frustrated by the lawmaker’s agents.

The officials, who pleaded anonymity, said they were denied access to the warehouse after three attempts due to the reluctance on the part of the lawmaker`s team to take them to the facility.

“We have the list of the intended beneficiaries but those we called said they did not receive the items,” the officials said.

The ICPC team also said nobody was around to show them the evidence of the rural electrification project awarded through the Projects Development Agency.  In Ogbaru Federal Constituency, the anti-graft agents said they were able to verify that functional solar-powered streetlights had been installed in Okpoko and Umunankwo.

In Orumba North and South, the ICPC officials also verified the donation of an 18-seater bus to a community in Akpu as approved for the lawmaker in 2019.

In the Anambra North Senatorial Zone, the ICPC officials verified and interacted with some market women who got training and start-up capital of N80,000 each.

The women attested that the money helped them to expand their various businesses which yielded income for their families.

Still, in Anambra North, the ICPC officials confirmed that some youth were trained on ICT and got N20,000 each as transport fare.

Only one of the beneficiaries said he got a computer set and a printer, while none of the 22 trainees was paid the N120,000 that was approved in the bill of quantity

Tricycles were said to have been distributed to youth but the ICPC officials said no single beneficiary could be produced as evidence that the project was executed. NAN reported that the ICPC was currently on the third phase of the tracking exercise, which would cover 18 states.

The ICPC spokesperson, Azuka Ogugua, said in a statement that a total of 1,251 projects, comprising 1,024 constituencies and 227 executive projects executed under the 2019 and 2020 appropriations, had been listed for tracking.

The anti-graft agency gave the warning in a statement released today March 31st. It cautioned the public officers against inflation and padding of cost of items being procured under emergencies. It said COVID-19 should not be used as excuse for corruption in any sector of the economy.

Read the statement below

ICPC COVID-19 MANAGEMENT AND ANTI-CORRUPTION ADVISORY

As the nation reels from the effect of COVID-19, ICPC wishes to caution against increase in risky behaviour hinged on critical desire to respond to COVID-19.

From past experience, national emergencies and pandemics instigate need for proactive measures driven by local or national exigency such as the times that we are in. However, bearing in mind that the stark reality of the inadequacy and vulnerability of our health system cannot be separated from the negative effects and impact of persistent corruption in past years of the locusts, we caution against the exigency of the times resulting in further undermining the credibility and stability of Nigeria’s health system including the well being of those who operate therein and the citizens to be catered for.

Emergency response is not immune to corruption risks. As the threat to national livelihood increases, so do the vulnerabilities to dishonesty. Corrupt public and private sector individuals will again test the nation’s anti-corruption architecture and commitment to integrity. It has happened before and may happen again. We have seen corruption in past responses to –
? managing the needs of internally displaced persons;
? treatment of persons affected by natural disasters or acts of God;
? delivery of government palliatives for the poorest of the poor;
? Implementation of policies to address critical economic vulnerabilities such as assistance to SME; poverty alleviation programmes; improvement in education, promotion of agriculture etc.

These emergencies did not prick the conscience of greedy policymakers and public and private sector implementers of otherwise noble and responsive government policies not to exploit the dire situation to negative advantage. This very attitude of greed and impunity is what has consistently undermined positive outcomes from otherwise well-thought-out national response programmes and laid-out plans that covered everything except keeping corruption in implementation at bay.

Therefore, ICPC, while commending the gallant role being played by all those currently involved in responding to this pandemic wishes to remind us of corruption vulnerabilities in COVID-19 management and response.

Please take note and avoid these pitfalls-
1. Corruption risks inherent in emergency procurement;
2. Non-compliance with laid-down procedures – get necessary approvals. In emergencies approvals are not delayed;
3. Disregarding due diligence;
4. Neglecting post quarantine management and regulatory controls;
5. Ignoring financial control regulations and limits;
6. Engaging in a conflict of interest, nepotism, padding, inflated costs and other risky behaviour in the name of emergency response.

This Advisory is not finger-pointing at the health sector or its leaders and others in government and outside government who have sacrificially and admirably led our response to COVID-19 thus far. It is an opportunity for reflection and warning to all Nigerians at national and sub-national levels that it is wise to remember that keeping safe distancing from a post-pandemic corruption investigation in any sector of the economy is as important as safe social distancing to prevent COVID-19.

The noble desire of the government to ameliorate the pain of citizens in these difficult times should not be converted to another _rue de la corruption_. COVID-19 should not be used as an excuse for corruption in any sector of the economy.

Better to be safe than sorry. Responding to this or any other emergency or implementation of government policy for that matter should not increase integrity deficit or risky behaviour.

Keep your social distance from corruption.