The Code of Conduct Bureau has refused to release copies of asset declaration forms of some prominent Nigerians more than seven days after Saturday Punch sent a letter of request to the bureau.

Relying on the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2011, Saturday Punch had on January 24 written to the CCB asking for copies of asset declaration forms of the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; Minister of Labour, Dr Chris Ngige; Minister of Works, Housing and Power, Babatunde Fashola (SAN); Minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu; and Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.

Other office holders Saturday Punch sought for their declaration forms from the CCB were Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh; Minister of State for Transportation(Aviation), Hadi Sirika; Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; Director-General, DSS, Yusuf Bichi; and Finance Minister, Zainab Ahmed.

In the letter signed by the Punch Head of Abuja Bureau, Olusola Fabiyi, the bureau was also asked to provide the list of defaulters.

The letter read in part, “Beyond the listed political office holders’ asset declaration forms, kindly furnish us with the number and names of political office holders who have yet to fill and submit their asset declaration forms for whatever reasons.

“We will also want to know the number of names of political office holders the Code of Conduct Bureau is investigating over issues relating to asset declaration forms.”

The newspaper also urged the CCB to furnish it with the names of political office holders, who had yet to comply with the bureau’s directive to visit it for verification.

“Based on the provision of the FOI Act, we hope that our request will be granted within seven days of your receipt of this letter,” the letter also read.

But despite a number of reminders during the seven-day period stipulated by the FoI Act, the CCB failed to respond to the letter. As of close of work on Friday, February 1, 2019, the CCB had yet to respond.

When Saturday PUNCH sought to know the reason for the agency’s action, a top official in CCB simply told one of our correspondents, “The letter is on the chairman’s table. Can he be forced to respond?”

The FoI letter, which was addressed to the chairman of the CCB, was received by the bureau with a copy acknowledged by the office of the chairman on January 24, 2019.

The FoI Act provides that public institutions must make the information requested available within seven days of receiving the request.

The Act also said failure to give access to the information requested for within the time limit provided by the Act is deemed as a refusal of access.

Specifically, Section 7 (4) of the Act states, “Where the government or public institution fails to give access to information or record applied for under this Act or part thereof within the time limit set out in this Act, the institution shall, for the purposes of this Act, be deemed to have refused to give access.”

And on the issue of time limit, Section 4 of the Act states, “Where information is applied for under this Act, the public institution to which the application is made shall, subject to Sections 6, 7, and 8 of this Act, within seven days after the application is received – (a) make the information available to the applicant, (b) Where the public institution considers that the application should be denied, the institution shall give written notice to the applicant that access to all or part of the information will not be granted, stating reasons for the denial and the section of this Act under which the denial is made.”

But eight days after the application was filed and acknowledged by the bureau, the information requested was not made available to Saturday PUNCH, neither was there any written notice to state the reasons for the denial.

Agbakoba, other SANs slam FG

Reacting to the development, popular lawyers, especially Senior Advocates of Nigeria, on Friday kicked against the CCB’s action, saying the agency had no legal basis not to respond to the letter even if the request would not be granted.

They said the agency’s decision to keep mum had reinforced rumours and belief that the anti-corruption war was one-sided.

A former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, said the information in the asset declaration forms of public officials should be released immediately upon request because they were in the public interest.

He explained that the purpose of the asset declaration form was to enhance probity and public accountability and the information could not be deemed personal.

He said the idea of the CCB releasing the information to an applicant and denying another applicant could not have been done in good faith.

He added, “Generally, the FoI overturns the Official Secret Act and it is to make public information accessible upon request. But there is a proviso that says they (public institutions) can withhold it for good public reasons or in the national interest. But the CCB must state that in its response to the applicant.”

Recall that the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, was suspended based on a petition filed by a civil society group, Anti-Corruption and Research Based Data Initiative. Led by Mr Dennis Aghanya, the group accused the CJN of false asset declaration and other sundry allegations.

Aghanya had said that the ARDI had written a petition against Onnoghen and commenced investigation against the senior judicial officer about a year ago.

But there had been questions over how the organisation got access to Onnoghen’s asset declaration forms if they were not issued to him by the CCB.

Agbakoba said, “Clearly, it shows that the CCB is not acting in good faith. If on one hand, it (CCB) would decline but on the other hand releases information in respect of a very senior government official, like the CJN, it has to justify why it is refusing the request. Clearly, it puts into doubt its intentions.

“Asset declaration form cannot be personal information and if the CCB sees it as one, it is part of the error. The purpose of asset declaration is for probity and public accountability; so, asset declaration is not personal.”

Another Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Babatunde Fashanu, said the CCB had no legal basis not to honour Saturday PUNCH’s request.

He said, “There is absolutely no legal basis for the CCB not to honour that request.

“In the first place, the CCB and the CCT are performing an open public function and the people who are filling in their information in these forms are public officers. So, since everything is for the public, what would be their reason not to make it available? I think it should be tested because I see no reason why the CCB should not make the forms public.

“Why are they filling the forms before taking office and upon leaving? Is it not for the public to know that they didn’t steal and that they are not corrupt? If they don’t comply, somebody should go to court.”

Also, a former vice-president of the NBA, Mr Monday Ubani, said it was worrisome the public could not have access to the information domiciled with the bureau despite the FoI Act, noting that the purpose of the asset declaration form was to ensure transparency and accountability in governance.

He said, “There have been several instances where people have applied and they were never given. That is why people are surprised how a private NGO was able to get that of the CJN and that is why people are saying if the NGO has that access, the CCB should also be ready to release the information to people who have requested for information. That again shows some level of uncertainty and duplicity in the application of our laws.”

Another SAN, Chief Mike Ozekhome, said there was no legal basis for the CCB not to provide Saturday Punch with the requested information.

He said, “There is no legal basis. You can go to court. It reinforces what we have been saying that the anti-corruption fight is selective.

“If the dossier of even just one, out of the more than 36 ministers close to Buhari, is exposed, the whole country will be shocked by the haemorrhage that members of the council of executive have subjected Nigerians to.

“Corruption is deeper and more cancerous today than ever before, especially within the executive. One minister’s assets alone, if shown to Nigerians, will make Onnoghen’s $10,000 deposit in local domiciliary account look like child’s play.

“I dare the government and the CCB to throw open to Nigerians the asset declaration forms of the President, the Vice-President and all the ministers so that Nigerians can scrutinise and determine who exactly are the corrupt Nigerians that we have today. You will discover that the first 11 most corrupt Nigerians, to the second 11, up to the third 11 all reside within the executive arm of government in Nigeria today, led by the Presidency. So, I dare them to do that, to show that the anti-corruption fight is not selective.”

Another lawyer, Chief Ferdinand Orbih, SAN, faulted the refusal of the bureau to release the official documents, saying, “Even without the Freedom of Information Act, they (asset declaration forms) should be available on demand, provided you are ready to pay the fee and the officer in possession of the documents must certify them and hand over the copies to you.”

The Executive Director, Media Rights Agenda, Mr Edetaen Ojo, said, “I do not believe the Chief Justice of Nigeria can be characterised as an “opposition” member but it is clear that the CCB is selective in its enforcement of the assets declaration requirements and uses it as a political weapon. If it is open to making such a public show of the Chief Justice of Nigeria and his assets declaration, whether the allegations against him are true or false, then there can be no basis for the CCB to claim that it is concerned about any public officer’s privacy or is interested in protecting the privacy of those who have submitted their assets declaration forms to the bureau.”

Buhari’s government playing to the gallery –PDP, CUPP

Similarly, the Coalition of United Political Parties has described the CCB refusal to grant access to asset forms of office holders in line with the FoI Act as an indication that the present administration is not committed to the anti-corruption war as being claimed.

The coalition’s first national spokesperson, Imo Ugochinyere, said this in an interview with one of our correspondents on Friday.

Ugochinyere said, “It shows the President is only playing to the gallery when he talks about his administration’s fight against corruption. They should know that making these documents available will go a long way to help the fight against corruption, if indeed they are committed to the fight.”

Also reacting, the Peoples Democratic Party said the CCB’s refusal to grant access to certain political office holders’ asset declaration forms in line with the provisions of the FoI Act was unconstitutional.

The PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Mr Diran Odeyemi, in an interview with one of our correspondents, said it was evidence of bias by the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government.

Also, the National President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Mr Malachy Ugwummadu, said the CCB had no legal basis to deny Saturday Punch the information requested.

Efforts to speak with the Head of Information of the CCB, Mrs Florence Dibiaezue-Eke, were not successful. She did not take her call and did not respond to a text message sent to her by one of our correspondents on the failure of the bureau to respond to the letter.

-CCB’s refusal to release Buhari’s appointees’ forms shows lack of accountability – Secondus

In his reaction, the PDP said the action of the CCB was a confirmation that the Presidency was not ready to listen to Nigerians.

It also said that it was a sign that the President Buhari-led Federal Government was not bothered about the public perception of the government.

The National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus, who spoke with one of our correspondents, called on Nigerians to impress it on the government to give account to them on its activities.

He said if the request had been for the release of forms by the opposition, the CCB would have released it without pressure.

He said, “Those who expect the APC-led Federal Government to change its style may be living in the past.

“Recall that the Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole recently said that the party forgives sinners? Maybe they are looking for ways of either cleaning the forms of the affected officers or outright withdrawal of the forms to enable then refill.

“You also recall that they said all those who have looted money and are undergoing trial become saints as soon as they join or identify with the ruling party?

“You therefore don’t expect such a party or its government agency to willingly expose its sinful workers.”
https://punchng.com/assets-ccb-refuses-access-to-kyari-amaechi-fasholas-declaration-forms/

Buhari is not just a degrace but All Apc member's that put this upon Nigeria's.Come 16 of this month we be the end of that evil mumusident that call himself a President in Aso Rock......Vote Atiku, Obi to get Nigeria working Again

Where are the BMC Zombies that say Buhari is pighting kwaruption

Front page Lalastiscala

Amaechi, as well as,. most APC politicians are guilty of what Saraki and Onnoghen are accused of.

apc is d biggest fraud in Nigeria history

Thieves and Rogues in suit and agbada

If you take Nigeria serious these days, you go drink Panadol 4 times a day.
It's no longer a country. It's a ring box of weed men dishing out rubbish and claiming government

The Dullard and his Cabals are fighting no corruption. They are just harassing and blackmailing any form of oppositions. Those cabals did not have assets declaration forms.

Since the CJN forms can be released. Same should apply to all.

This just occurred to me now.

Where's Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon

Satan is patiently waiting for Buhari in hell fire.

Anyone still supporting this kind of government is just not normal.

The war against corruption is obviously heavily lopsided - so tilted it is only a political weapon against the opposition. Amaechi is not clean. Neither is Fashola and Kyari. But once the broom Passover you all your sins are forgiven. It takes a strong will to remain in the opposition. Nigeria should strive to strengthen institutions so that this mess cannot continue.

CCB must make public the forms of those public office holders or risk affirming the rumors of bias corruption fight. if CJN's form can be made public, why won't those of Amachi, Fashola et al?

APC is a curse we must rebuke... I reject your evil plans to make more people homeless hungry poor.... You must not win this reelection. Amen!

The people supporting Buhari, is it that they don't want a better life ni?

I've resolved to direct anybody that needs help to the house of Buharists and APC supporters. They must be responsible for the poverty their Messiah has caused.

Shouting 'Sai Baba' must come with a price.

Buhari hasn't given them permission to release it.
If punch presses too much they will edit before releasing it.
Qwaraption paeter.

CCB must release forms.

They cannot say it's confidential, how did the petitioner get Onnoghen's form?

it will be extremely difficult, if not impossible for CCB to grant such request,the perceived saints?,the untouchables, who are d cabals then?,devoid of sentiments, tribal or religious,- this government has failed.

Imagine fa?? .....Yet these idiots will keep shouting 16 years of pdp corruption...While the slumping cow in Aso rock will be shouting phitting kwarapshin.....phitting kwarapshin... corruption kill una there!!!


We no go gree oooo.....What is good for onnoghen is also good for the saints in apshit.......Dem must release the form by fire by force and even zombies must join us in this protest..

APshit.....Den of thieves, career rogues and arse-fucking sorcerers!!...

Who does not know that all APC members are saints but if you are devil from anywhere and as soon as you join APC, you are automatic saint according to Oshemole. If you know, you know

Buhari is d worse tin to ever befall Nigeria it is very clear to everyone that apc is a party of rogues and corruption hiding corrupt pipu and d attack on d CJN is witch hunting because dem jus wam comot am to put dia abóki there......but zobies will still not see dis because politicians do take dia brain play bet naija........fighting corruption my black äss
With did i can also say all zombies are corrupt!!!
P.S. Zombies can argue with buhari

[img]https://media1./images/18321c7ec7b6c09fec3aa0c244d42ea0/tenor.gif?itemid=4484642[/img]

Buhari has messed up this country, and it will take several years to undo the damage the demon did to this country.



May God save us!

It is all becoming very obvious now.

Thanks to Kadaria Ahmed for making me realize how intelligent and prepared the Atiku/Obi combo is compared to PMB/PYO.

I used to be among the misguided shouting '16 years of pdp corruption got us where we are' but alas, those were just empty claims. Even the issue on Atiku's corruption case.

Honestly, Mr. Integrity and the acclaimed anti corruption war has been one sided. I still wonder how I was ever of the thought that the Apc was a better option.

Thank God I am more informed and Atikulated while there's still time. You too can, there is no shame in porting in a bid to getting Nigeria working again.

I just hope that Atiku will stick to his plans when elected. If he doesn't, he'll be booted out too after 4 yrs.

Forget it CCB will never release those forms on the guess that it's private therefore giving them more time to withdraw the old forms and refill new ones, but I trust Nigeria's to dig out their lil dirty secrate .

But if former CJN's form made its way to the public domain then I see no reason why CCB will not release the forms of the above men
It shall never be well with their supporters

If it's confidential how did the petitioner get Onnoghen's form?

Leave politics for the politicians.

Oya the onnoghen must come and clear his name group should come and tel us how and why it was possible to fr the ccb to release his asset declaration form and refused to release the ones for other public office holders