I DON'T THINK SOMEBODY LL CLAIMED THAT JONATHAN DOES KNOW ABOUT THIS. PLS, FELLOW NIGERIANS.DON'T VOTE YOUR FUTURE FOR PDP JUST BECAUSE OF WHERE YOU AND I COME FROM,VOTE WISELY NOT SENTIMENTALLY. HERE IS OUR LAST CHANCE TO PUT THINGS RIGHT. JONATHAN HAS A GOOD HEART BUT THE VULTURES AROUND HIM LL NEVER ALLOW HIM TO DO ANYTHING. BELIEVE IT OR NOT, DON'T EVER THINK YOUR SITUATION GONNA CHANGE IF JONATHAN WIN THE APRIL ELECTION SIMPLY BECAUSE YOU RE FROM SOUTH/SOUTH,SOUTH/WEST,SOUTH/EAST. WE VE ALL TRIED PDP FOR 12 YEARS,LET'S TRY AND SEE IF BUHARI OR RIBADU UNDER DIFFERENT PLATFORM COULD CHANGE OUR HISTORY AND OUR FUTURE GENERATION.

THE ONLY PROBLEM I THINK ALL NIGERIANS SHOULD BE CONCERNED ABOUT IS CORRUPTION AND THE ONLY PERSON WHO COULD FIGHT THIS CORRUPTION IS GEN.BUHARI GOING BY THE PAST RECORD. I KNOW SOME PEOPLE ARE BLINDED BY ETHNIC SENTIMENT WHICH LL NEVER TAKE US ANYWHERE. PLS,CAN SOMEONE TELL ME HOW ORDINARY MAN ON THE STREET OF KANO,KADUNA OR ZAMFARA BENEFITTED FROM THE NORHTERN PRESIDENCY REIGN OF OVER 30 YEARS? I GUESS UR ANSWER IS AS GOOD AS MINE.

PLS READ THIS AND ASK YOURSELF IF THIS'S WHAT U WANT FOR THE NEXT 4 YEARS AGAIN.

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Anti-Corruption Coalition Call For Prosecution Of AGF Bello Adoke; He Has A “Level Of Wealth Comparable Only To Oil Czars”
Posted: February 17, 2011 - 18:19
Posted by siteadmin

caption: AGF, Mohammed Bello Adoke
Civil society groups working in the anti-corruption field in Nigeria have called for the prosecution of the Attorney General of the Federation and Justice Minister, Mr. Bello Adoke (SAN), for “aiding and abetting” corruption in the country.
They also called on him to resign his office immediately, and for President Goodluck Jonathan to categorically dissociate himself from his AGF’s pro-corruption position.

The allied groups include: ZERO-CORRUPTION COALITION; CIVIL SOCIETY LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY CENTRE (CISLAC); WEST AFRICAN CIVIL SOCIETY FORUM; CENTRE FOR DEMOCRACY AND DEVELOPMENT; WOMEN IN NIGERIA; PUBLISH WHAT YOU PAY; TRANSPARENCY IN NIGERIA; Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD); Centre for the Development of Civil Society (CDCS); and NATIONAL PROCUREMENT WATCH PLATFORM (NPWP).

In a joint statement, the groups said that Mr. Adoke has “demonstrated a total lack of commitment to the anti-corruption war and has aligned himself with the conspiracy to continue the cover-up.”

Examining the personal lifestyle of the AGF, they said, “It appears as if Mr. Adoke SAN, has suddenly become one of the richest sitting Ministers of Justice in the contemporary world today, with a level of wealth comparable only to those of the oil czars.”

They drew attention to some of his bizarre actions since he assumed office 10 months ago, and compared him to his predecessor, Michael Aondoakaa, who was also “unwilling to prosecute public officials involved and was shown the way out in circumstances that are dishonorable and disgraceful.”


In their eleven-point demand, the groups called on the Senate and House of Representatives to immediately set up a public Hearing and inquiry into Halliburton funds scam in order to stop the AGF and other collaborators from further scandalizing our dear country by his various acts of infamy.

They also called on the general public to rise up against corruption and corrupt leaders.

Full text of the statement:

CALL FOR THE IMMEDIATE PROSECUTION OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION, BELLO ADOKE SAN FOR AIDING AND ABBETING CORRUPTION:
TEXT OF A PRESS CONFERENCE BY CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS WORKING ON ANTI-CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA

In February 2010, the Nigerian Bar Association through its President, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu SAN, raised an alarm over attempts by the Federal Government to sweep the Halliburton scam under the carpet. A year after the clarion call, it is distressful to see Bello Adoke SAN, the Attorney General of the Federation and Justice Minister following the line of his predecessor-in-office Chief Michael Aondoakaa who was unwilling to prosecute public officials involved and was shown the way out in circumstances that are dishonorable and disgraceful.

It is clear that Bello Adoke SAN, has demonstrated a total lack of commitment to the anti-corruption war and has aligned himself with the conspiracy to continue the cover-up. It appears as if Mr. Adoke SAN, has suddenly become one of the richest sitting Ministers of Justice in the contemporary world today, with a level of wealth comparable only to those of the oil czars. We do not know the mystery behind his vast riches but we know that since coming into office:

1) AGF Bello Adoke SAN has flagrantly violated sections 15(5) and 174 (3) of the 1999 Constitution when he set out to withdraw several cases on economic crimes against the public interest. We note in particular the case of the Vaswani Brothers whom EFCC was bent on prosecuting for multi-billion naira tax evasion and forgery; his morbid deal with former Governor of Bauchi State, Adamu Muazu to stop his prosecution; withdrawal of charges and return of recovered stolen funds to former National Electricity Regulatory Commissioners; assurances of safe landing for Dele Oye and Akingbola’s return from criminally self-imposed exile; the trial of Chief Kenny Martins handled by Festus Keyamo, for embezzling Police Equipment Funds was profanely halted by the AGF; so also was the trial of Julius Berger, Siemens Plc., Saipem, Technip and Halliburton Inc.; the attempt to stop the criminal trial of the Anosikes (Daily Times N3Billion scam), was resisted by a brave Trial Judge who actually overruled the AGF when he applied for a withdrawal of the charges on the ground that it was not in the public interest to do so. Within his ten months of being in office, the AGF has an all-time record of over 25 cases withdrawn by him against corrupt persons with a high political profile.

2) When EFCC published an advisory list of corrupt politicians, AGF Adoke in his characteristic unpatriotic posture, issued EFCC a stern warning notice not to embarrass the Federal Government.

3) On Monday 14th Feb., 2011 AGF Adoke appeared before the Senate Committee on Judiciary to defend the Ministry’s budget, and he insulted the Nation when he said that only $21 Million was given as bribe to Nigerian Government officials in the Halliburton scam and that the $170.8 Million disgorged and paid by the Halliburton crime suspects as levies under a plea bargain arrangement will not be part of government revenue. The question is into whose pocket is he putting the money.

4) It is clear to all that the Seventh Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, as amended which his boss, President Goodluck Jonathan swore to uphold in his oath of allegiance and oath of office, to discharge his duties “faithfully and in accordance with the Constitution and the law and always in the interest of the sovereignty, integrity, solidarity, well being and prosperity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”, has now been put in abeyance by the many deliberate acts of malfeasance by AGF Adoke.

5) Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which stipulates that “the State shall abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power” has been rendered un-operational, as people in power sap the nation’s economic strength through corrupt acts.

It is regrettable that at a time in which serious minded nations are holding business firms accountable for unethical practices and prosecuting them for abuse of public trust, an individual occupying an office which should be at the forefront of prosecuting acts of corruption has made it a practice to make excuses for corrupt people and practices and trivialize serious corruption matters by explaining them away, thereby insulting the sensibilities of Nigerians and making us a laughing stock within the international community.


Our demands;

1. We call on the Senate and House of Representatives to immediately set up a public Hearing and inquiry into Halliburton funds scam in order to stop the AGF and other collaborators from further scandalizing our dear country by his various acts of infamy.

2. We call for the immediate resignation of the AGF Adoke SAN from office for his desecration of the exalted office.

3. We demand for the immediate prosecution of AGF Adoke for corrupt enrichment and gross abuse of a public office.

4. We call on the National Assembly to amend all relevant laws to strengthen Anticorruption Agencies to position them to take more proactive actions on clear cases of massive public corruption.

5. We call on the National Assembly to ensure effective oversight on all the Anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria.

6. We call on President Goodluck Jonathan to categorically dissociate himself from the pro-corruption stance of his AGF.

7. We call on the general public to rise up and ensure that corruption and corrupt leaders are not tolerated and are removed from offices that embody public trust.

8. We call on Civil Society Groups and the Media to ensure that the issue of corruption remains in the front burner during the campaign for elections and candidates are compelled to issue categorical statements on what they would do about corruption if elected.

9. We call on the International Community to impose travel sanctions on all public officials implicated in corrupt practices.

10. We call on the judiciary to be more patriotic and assertive in the performance of their constitutional responsibilities.

11. We Call on the Anticorruption institutions in Nigeria to demonstrate more commitment and refused to yield to the intimidation and manipulation by the political class.

Signed:

1. ZERO-CORRUPTION COALITION
2. CIVIL SOCIETY LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY CENTRE(CISLAC)
3. WEST AFRICAN CIVIL SOCIETY FORUM
4. CENTRE FOR DEMOCRACY AND DEVELOPMENT
5. WOMEN IN NIGERIA
6. PUBLISH WHAT YOU PAY
7. TRANSPARENCY IN NIGERIA
8. Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD)
9. Centre for the Development of Civil Society (CDCS)
10. NATIONAL PROCUREMENT WATCH PLATFORM (NPWP)

February 17TH 2011

Adoke again? Dude is the new and improved Aondoakaa . GEJ employed him so that is saying a lot for the intentions, decision making and judgement of Mr. President. This is why many of us continue to say that GEJ is "more of the same". He has shunned every chance to do things differently to justify his "fresh air" tag. Instead , at every stage, he has acted precisely like those before him with condemnable insincerity and lack of integrity . Is Adoke the type of AGF we need right now? Hell no !!!! Yet GEJ gave him the job. Go figure.

Jonathan Ll Be Is The Worst President In The History Of Nigeria.trust Me.

^^^ corrected

In case the poster has forgotten your it was this same man bello aboke that dropped the charges of ur messiah NUHU RIBADU he is one of the 30 high profile cases dropped oh and in case u have also forgotten EL RUFAI was one of them by this post u have shot urself on foot if. He his corrupt and facilitated the dropping of NUHU RIBADU that means NUHU is also corrupt prove me wrong if they are not among the cases dropped by the ACF

WHO IS AFRAID OF RIBADU
COMING BACK

weeks now, there have been speculations that former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, will be returning to the country after more than two years abroad.

It was further speculated that Ribadu is coming back to join the government of Acting President Goodluck Jonathan as Special Adviser on Anti-corruption.

Although the speculation remains unconfirmed, the decision of the federal government to drop charges against Ribadu at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, appears to be giving vent to the speculation that the presidency may be working out a script with the Ribadu issue.

Ribadu was standing trial before the tribunal over allegation of non-declaration of his asset while in office as EFCC chairman. He was alleged to have bought houses in London, Dubai and Abuja worth N200million.

Since the charges against Ribadu were dropped about two weeks ago, there has been concern from some quarters, especially from politicians and civil society activists who believed that Ribadu was used by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to punish his (Obasanjo’s) perceived political opponents.

The reason given for the withdrawal of charges against Ribadu according to an official statement from the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, is that the AGF, as the chief law officer of the nation, can discontinue from any case by his discretion.

The newly appointed Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Bello Adoke, during a courtesy visit to the EFCC office in Abuja during the week, said: “The reports making round that the former chairman of the EFCC would be appointed Presidential Adviser on Anti-corruption was a mere speculation.”

Adoke said, “The Acting President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan is yet to appoint any adviser and had not disclosed the portfolio that would be occupied by anyone and, as such, the reports on Ribadu were mere speculation.”

But despite the disclaimer by the AGF that the presidency did not have an ulterior motive the return of Ribadu, speculation has also been rife that Obasanjo bears a very strong influence on the Jonathan government and might, indeed, be be instrumental to the proposed return of Ribadu as a presidential adviser.

Another clear pointer to the fact that the presidency might be interested in Ribadu’s return and offer him a job as a presidential adviser was the interview the Acting President had with the Cable News Network (CNN), in the United States of America, where he had made a subtle reference to the declining tempo of anti-corruption fight in Nigeria.

Jonathan was said to have said during the interview that corruption in the country is no longer being fought the way it used to be.

Expectedly, there have also been concern that the plot to return Ribadu could be part of the calculation for the 2011 election.

Already, there is a strong pressure on Jonathan to contest the 2011 presidential election, and it is widely believed that the return of Ribadu is to prosecute a political course that will pave the path for the Acting President Jonathan’s emergence as president in next year’s election.

Even within the EFCC itself, there has been concern that the return of Ribadu and an offer of a job for him as a presidential aide will be a direct indictment of the Farida Waziri-led EFCC.

There is bickering between Ribadu and Waziri with the EFCC raising fresh allegations against Ribadu over the sale of some property seized from corrupt state officials who have been convicted by the court. For instance, the EFCC is alleging that there were irregularities in the sale of property seized from former Bayelsa State governor, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha; Chief Emmanuel Nwude and former Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Tafa Balogun.

The EFCC set up a committee to look into the sales of property seized by the Commission under Ribadu, the interim report of indicted Ribadu.

The report alleged that due process and due diligence were not followed in the sale of some of the properties.

According to the report, the AGF, the Minister of Works, the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Auditor-General of the Federation who ought to be parties in the disposal of the properties forfeited to the federal government as stipulated in the EFCC Establishment Act and as required by Financial Regulations 2520 (revised 2006) were not briefed by the Secretary to the commission.

But Ribadu fired back almost immediately saying that Waziri was privy to the sale of some specific convicts’ forfeitures.

While at the helm of affairs at the EFCC during the last phase of Obasanjo’s administration, Ribadu alleged that about 31 out of the 36 state governors then were corrupt. Before he was removed from office in 2007, he had arraigned about eight former governors in court over alleged money laundering, stealing and misappropriation of public funds.

Since the arrest and arraignments of the ex-governors, none of the cases has passed interlocutory stage at the various courts where they are being tried.

The development has caused some Nigerians to be favourably disposed to the return of Ribadu, on the account that the EFCC under Ribadu had a penchant for prosecuting its cases, and pushing most of its empathy through the media.

But Waziri, often time, had been pointing the accusing finger to the judiciary for slowing down the pace of prosecution against many of those it had accused of corruption.

At a time, Waziri had asked for the establishment of special courts to try corruption cases.

Although it is believed in some quarters that the allegations against Ribadu was meant to whittle down Ribadu’s influence and cast aspersions on the suitability of his candidature as Special Adviser to the Acting President the Anti-graft Matters, but a retired Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Abubakar Tsav, condemned the withdrawal of the charges by the Federal Government at the Code of Conduct Tribunal against Ribadu. Tsav said the decision to withdraw the charges was ill-advised.

But Ribadu’s counsel, Mr. Femi Falana, described that statement from Tsav as “a campaign of calumny” mounted by those “who are under the illusion that Ribadu is coming back to head the commission again.”

Tsav had said, “Ribadu is alleged to have bought a house worth N200 million. Where did he get the money from?

“The act of discrimination in justice delivery will only heighten violent crimes in the country. If, indeed, Ribadu believes he did not corruptly acquire his wealth, why did he not appear before the tribunal to defend himself?

“This is a direct fight against President Umaru Yar Adua. I am sure Acting President Goodluck Jonathan wants to use Ribadu the way Obasanjo did.”

But Falana described the statement from Tsav as “irresponsible.”

He said, “This is a wishful thinking, we shall join issue with them at the right time.”

Tsav is not the only one who condemns the withdrawal of the charges against Ribadu.

Lagos lawyer, Festus Keyamo, also described the decision as “totally wrong and an abuse of power by Acting President Goodluck Jonathan.”

Keyamo said, “The reported decision of the Federal Government to withdraw criminal charges against Malam Nuhu Ribadu bordering on failure to declare assets as a public officer is totally wrong, very insensitive, entirely unwise, ill-advised and amounts to an abuse of office and power by the Acting President, Goodluck Jonathan.

“On what moral or legal basis was the decision taken? In the last ten years in this country, corruption charges have never been withdrawn against any public officer except the court decides the public officer has no case to answer.

“So, why treat Nuhu Ribadu as a sacred cow when that was the very tendency he was reported to have fought against?

“Why should Ribadu not be held accountable by the same standards by which he also held others accountable?

It would appear that the Federal Government has simply bowed to a certain sectional interest in this case, as there appears to be no legal or moral basis for such withdrawal of charges. It is important that Nigerian should not operate two sets of laws and different standards for the citizens and for public officers.

“It is shocking that Ribadu, who arrested and detained many public officers for similar offences, can be left off the hook without letting him have his day in court.

“In the past Ribadu consistently told the Code of Conduct Tribunal that he was ready to defend himself, but that erstwhile Attorney-General, (Michael) Aondoakaa, was threatening to kill him, hence he refused to appear before the tribunal. Now that Aondoakaa is out of office, it is only commonsense that Ribadu should come to court to show his Assets Declaration Forms which he filed at the time he was made chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

“The Jonathan administration has shown crass timidity and gross irresponsibility by this decision. No citizen is above the law and none can have immunity against prosecution because of any perceived track record.

“The withdrawal of the charges against Ribadu is corruption at its best. The only thing Goodluck Jonathan should have ensured is that Ribadu gets a fair trial and that he should not be arrested or treated badly if he comes to face his trial.”




Now ribadu is your hero and the man who would fight corruption in 9ja and the man who made his coming back to the country to be ur messiah is corrupt that's food for thought for people who just support blindly anthing they see on the net they run and post on NL
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With the level of economic viability in Nigeria,no Head of state or President in the past has equalled the achievements of President Jonathan.So why the noise?GEJ will take Nigeria to greater heights if given another chance.That is the truth.