ABUJA — THE Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro who is also chairman of the five-man inter-agency probe panel set up to probe the Halliburton bribery says his panel will unravel the scam and name Nigerians involved within eight weeks.

Okiro said: “as a committee, we appreciate the honours given to us by Mr. President for deeming us fit to handle this sensitive case
“We are going to explore all areas that have not been explored in order to expose the identities of Nigerians involved in the Halliburton scandal. We promise that we will do our best to satisfy Nigerians,” the Police chief said.

Okiro spoke in Abuja yesterday at the inauguration of his panel by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Aondoakaa (SAN).

On his part however, Chief Aondoakaa said he would not prosecute any Nigerian indicted by the Okiro panel except President Umaru Yar’Adua gave him the go-ahead to so do.

Reminded by newsmen that by virtue of Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution, he can initiate criminal proceedings against any person before any law court in Nigeria in respect of any offence without recourse to anybody, Andoakaa (SAN) agreed, but said his discretion to exercise his prosecutorial powers is, unfortunately, subject to the approval of the President.

He cited Section 130 (1) (2) of the 1999 Constitution as one that limited his discretion to exercise his unlimited prosecutorial powers. The said Section 130 of the 1999 constitution states:

(1) There shall be for the Federation a President.

(2) The President shall be the Head of State, the Chief Executive of the Federation and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation.

A thorough reading of the cited constitutional provision though did not circumscribe, in any clear terms, the discretion of the chief law officer of the Federation to prosecute any person in any law court as claimed by Aondoakaa (SAN), he however laboured yesterday to explain that the addition of “Chief Executive” to the appellation of Mr. President which was absent in the 1979 constitution implied that all ministers serving in his (Mr President’s) cabinet must take instruction from him on anything in their ministries including prosecution of criminals.

We’ll expose culprits in 8 weeks

Inspector-General of Police and Chairman of the probe panel, Mr Mike Okiro who said that the panel would not only place the national interest over and above any individual interest involved in the scandal also said yesterday that many things that were hitherto hidden from Nigerians about the deal would also be exposed.

Okiro said: “As a committee, we appreciate the honours given to us by Mr President for deeming us fit to handle this sensitive case. We know that this case is very important to all Nigerians. We promise to do our best and ensure that justice is done.”

Other members of the panel include the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs. Farida Waziri and Directors-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), National Security Agency (NSA) and the State Security Service (SSS).
All were present yesterday at the inauguration except the Director-General of NIA.

Govt aware of anger in the land over scam, says Aondoakaa

Chief Aondoakaa however said the government was not unaware of anger in the land over the alleged slow-pace with which the Federal Government was handling the scandal, pleading with Nigerians to exercise more patience.

He explained that the government was not interested in covering up anybody who is corrupt against prosecution but that the rule of law which is the pivotal agenda of the government would not be compromised in the bid to expose and prosecute the identified culprits.
Aondoakaa said the reaction of a section of the country to the convocation of the Okiro panel to the effect that it was not only diversionary but also deceptive, was faulty.

He said if government were to go by the suggestion of the critics by using the list and evidence sourced from anywhere not recognised by law,

the government would find it difficult to secure the conviction of the identified culprits, if taken to courts.

His words: “Let me start by stating that the Halliburton Bribery Scandal has attracted the attention of Nigerians worldwide who are daily yearning for a corruption-free society. I wish to state that the widespread anger and condemnation which the scandal has generated among Nigerians is justified because transnational corporations such as Halliburton that masterminded the scheme to bribe Nigerians are expected to observe the highest ethical standards in their operations at home.

“The Nigerian Government is therefore quite disappointed that the war against corruption being waged relentlessly by this administration is being sabotaged by the activities of some transnational corporations who are under a duty to prevent bad business practices such as the offering of bribes and other forms of inducements to gain business advantage.

“Government is equally disappointed at the Nigerians that have allowed themselves to be used by Halliburton in this nefarious scheme to violate our laws and they also deserve to be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians for the part they played in this saga. This is why it is important for their identities to be unveiled as soon as possible.

“We have also noted that the desire to unmask those implicated in the bribery scandal has been so strong that a lot of Nigerians understandably have become impatient with the due process of law, preferring the adoption of other informal or unorthodox means to achieve this goal.

“Let me assure you all that this administration will not condone corruption in any form and will therefore not shield anyone found culpable in the bribery scandal. Be that as it may, I am also conscious of my duty to all Nigerians and the need to ensure that due process reigns supreme in all governmental actions. This explains the reason why we commenced action by putting up a request for Mutual Legal Assistance to the U.S. Attorney General in order to access the relevant court records. The process is on-going but we are optimistic that the desired results will be achieved.

“Thus, contrary to the views expressed by a cross section of Nigerians on the desirability or otherwise of constituting this Investigation Committee principally to unravel the names of Nigerians implicated in the Halliburton Bribery Scandal, it is my belief that obtaining such information from the proper source is important if we are to rely on it as a basis for instituting any criminal action against those involved.

Furthermore, as will become evident from the terms of reference, the Committee is expected to do much more than unravel the names of Nigerians implicated in the bribery scandal.

“This is the rationale for Mr. President’s approval that this Investigation Committee comprising of representatives of all our security agencies and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission be constituted under the Chairmanship of the Inspector-General of Police.

“The high calibre of the membership of the Committee is reflective of the leadership qualities of the respective heads of these agencies and a testimony of the seriousness which government attaches to this issue. I am therefore sure that they will do a good job,” he added.

Andoakaa (SAN) who said that the expatriates who collaborated with the Nigerians involved might also face prosecution.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/content/view/34129/41/


corrupt attorney general.

Aondoakaa has become the nemesis of a rudderless infact, dead-and-rotten-from-the-top Government. The man breathes and oozes corruption. Its incredible that the same person will appoint an EFCC boss and exercise oversight function over the same agency.

The man is so power drunk and so full of himself these days. Of course this can only happen in Nigeria. This govt will be remembered as Yaradua-Aondoakaa govt.

It is clear to even the most casual observer that the AG is working at cross-purposes to Yaradua with respect to fighting corruption. Fortunately for him Nigeria lacks leadership at this time. Presidency is in hibernation.

Why 8 weeks - by that time the so called crooks would have concealed the loot. or 8 weeks for the news to die. Nigerians generally have a short memory. Siemens scandal happened about 3 years ago up till now no convictions


NIGERIA IS A BIG JOKE - i wash my hands completely

Thats Yar'adua's government for you.
Another plan to shield those involved like how they shielded Ibori
8 weeks?
What a pity!

I think all Nigerian newspapers should open up an 8week countdown for Aondoakaa and Okiro.


Meanwhile someone should tell these fools that exposing those involved amounts to nothing as the names of the culprits is already in public domain. Will they be jailed for bribery?


[size=28pt]Aondoakaa's clock

56 days left[/size]

On his part however, Chief Aondoakaa said he would not prosecute any Nigerian indicted by the Okiro panel except President Umaru Yar’Adua gave him the go-ahead to so do.

Reminded by newsmen that by virtue of Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution, he can initiate criminal proceedings against any person before any law court in Nigeria in respect of any offence without recourse to anybody, Andoakaa (SAN) agreed, but said his discretion to exercise his prosecutorial powers is, unfortunately, subject to the approval of the President.

He cited Section 130 (1) (2) of the 1999 Constitution as one that limited his discretion to exercise his unlimited prosecutorial powers. The said Section 130 of the 1999 constitution states:

(1) There shall be for the Federation a President.

(2) The President shall be the Head of State, the Chief Executive of the Federation and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation.

rolfmao!!

I wonder why we even waste our braincells thinking about this, we all know the inevitable result of all this posturing, why arrest a man for N1.5 billion power scam and let a perverted, hog like Obasanjo free for $16 billion.

Please let us focus on thinking of ways to make these bastards age very quickly

Amazing the chief law enforcement officer of Nigeria can give this pessimistic explanation,

I wonder why he has not been forced to resign.

Where is the separation of government entities? Why must the president tell him who to prosecute? Where is the checks and balance?

This country is doomed with this charade of characters we call government officials.

In all fairness Okiro is not to be blame with this masquerade parade. The ATF Aondoakaa should be held accountable and not deem to hold that highest post of law.

IF we can not have transparency with this expose and prosecution of culprits, how can we trust him to be trust worthy in prosecuting criminals?

Chief Aondoakaa however said the government was not unaware of anger in the land over the alleged slow-pace with which the Federal Government was handling the scandal, pleading with Nigerians to exercise more patience.

roflmao!!!

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[size=15pt]Aondoakaa's clock

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I don't mind updating this everyday if Nigerian Newspapers don't take the initiative. Il appreciate it if you you guys join in and if Seun can put this on the front page

they should expose the "culprits" in different political killings and oh the NFF looting, the criminal justice system in this country is just a joke (what isnt sef? )

@proudly naija

dont be surprised if he changes mouth and tell us the culprits will be exposed in 2 years. where will you start counting down from .

dominique:

they should expose the "culprits" in different political killings and oh the NFF looting, the criminal justice system in this country is just a joke (what isnt sef? )

@proudly naija

dont be surprised if he changes mouth and tell us the culprits will be in 2 years. where will you start counting down from .

If he changes his mouth he would have broken his word before its 56 days.

The need for the countdown was to see if he can stay true to his words between the space of 56days.

If he can't that will add to his achievements in terms of corruption and inconsistency.

dominique:


@proudly naija

dont be surprised if he changes mouth and tell us the culprits will be exposed in 2 years. where will you start counting down from .

I know he WILL change his mouth, I am so sure of this. But that wouldn't stop me from counting. At least we can show him for he is and what we all know he is, a bloody two mouthed corrupt official. If only, like someone said earlier, if only all Nigerian newspapers can put a countdown on the top left corner of their daily nespapers. That should put pressure on him.

[size=15pt]Aondoakaa if you are reading this, DISAPPOINT ME AND MANY NIGERIANS, BRING OUT THE LIST AS YOU HAVE PROMISED!![/size]

http://www.time55.com/countdown/?y=2009&m=jun&d=17&h=12&mi=0&t=AONDOAKAA-72ct5S-t55HALLIBURTON-SCANDAL-t55CLOCK&yn=MARK&c=gr&mc=2


I have created one already on this link

I wish Seun will code it to his website so that it updates itself automatically

[size=15pt]Aondoakaa's clock

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[size=28pt]Aondoakaa's clock

53 Days left[/size]

lmao i like this thread. keep the clock alive

[size=28pt]Aondoakaa's Clock


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[size=15pt]Aondoakaa's Clock


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[size=28pt]Aondoakaa's clock


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Yar adua is just too slow for any meaningful development. Why 8 weeks?

[size=28pt]Aondoakaa's clock

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In all fairness Okiro is not to be blame with this masquerade parade. The ATF Aondoakaa should be held accountable and not deem to hold that highest post of law.

IF we can not have transparency with this expose and prosecution of culprits, how can we trust him to be trust worthy in prosecuting criminals?

mamajama,
before you make comments here, i urge you to go back and read ur past posts on obj threads. u are such a big fool that u cannot disappear like ur fellow obj supporters.
i hope u can guess what the halliburton saga will look like. do u realize that 1999 till date is in question here? ur saint obj will still remain a saint with this delay in publication which is another way of making room to edit the list.
no wonder u have not been all over nairaland supplying ur stupid information.
we are waiting.

this halliburton issue is part of obj's reasons for not letting go on his grip on power. he did his best in third term and failed. he succeeded in forcing yar adua who he finds favour in on us but there is a God that can supply them with enough confussion to let nigeria and nigerians be free from their deadly grip.

i am praying for that day we will look back to see these egyptians no more.

[size=15pt]Aondoakaa's clock

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story story

[size=15pt]Aondoakaa's clock

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