| Re: Presidential Panel Disobeys Osibanjo's Directive, Says He Can't Order Them by olowofariwo(m): 7:50am On Mar 18, 2019 |
what were you expecting |
| Re: Presidential Panel Disobeys Osibanjo's Directive, Says He Can't Order Them by wink2015(m): 7:51am On Mar 18, 2019 |
UmuEri:
Monday, March 18,
SPECIAL REPORT: Presidential panel repeatedly disobeys Osinbajo’s directives
For over a year, the Chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel on Recovery of Public Property (SPIP), Okoi Obono-Obla, has continued to run the panel in contravention of multiple presidential orders, PREMIUM TIMES can report.
At least three letters were, within this period, dispatched to the anti-corruption boss to either soft-pedal in what was perceived as excessive use of authority or stop all the activities of the panel.
The first letter from the office of the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, in 2017, instructed Mr Obono-Obla to stop carrying out activities until President Muhammadu Buhari instructs otherwise. The letter reminded him of the provisions of Section (1) 1 of the recovery of Public Properties Act from which the panel derives its power.
The letter quotes the section to state that the president may constitute a panel for the purpose of conducting ‘an investigation into any matter with which (an) officer has been concerned in the performance of his duties or…into assets of any such public officer.’
From the same office, another letter was issued to Mr Obono-Obla one month after, stating his confines as SPIP boss.
This was followed by a series of other cautionary letters. But despite these, Mr Obono-Obla has continued to carry out his duties in violation of his statutory mandate and in disregard to warnings.
The warning letters
The SPIP was set up in August 2017 by the then Acting President, Mr Osinbajo. The panel led by the Special Adviser to the President on Anti-corruption, Mr Obono-Obla as chairman, has three other members and a secretary.
The Act setting it up makes provisions for the investigation of the asset of any public officer who is alleged to have been engaged in corrupt practices, unjust enrichment and abuse of office, or anyone who breaches the Code of Conduct for Public Officers in the country
However, just two months into its establishment, the panel was deemed to have derailed and hence, was cautioned.
On October 20, 2017, Ade Ipaye, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, wrote the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, through the office of the Vice President.
The AGF was directed to ‘please inform Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, in strict compliance with Section (1) 1 of the recovery of Public Properties Act, he should refrain from carrying out any activities as Chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel on Recovery of Public Property (SPIP), Until his Excellency, the Vice President so instructs.’
“As envisaged by this section, it is for the President to specify the purpose or mandate of the panel. It, therefore, came as a surprise that Chief Okoi Obono-Obla had issued notices to several judges to declare their assets without receiving any specific mandate in that regard,” the letter further reads.
Apparently, due to a disregard of the first letter, the Vice President wrote the AGF again as a reminder on November 17, 2017. The reminder came with specifics.
The VP asked the panel to remove ‘Presidency’ from its letterhead and remain ‘Special Investigation Panel on Recovery of Public Property,’ as provided by its enabling statute and not ‘Special Presidential Investigation Panel on Recovery of Public Property.’
The letter also directed the SPIP boss to refer all cases of asset recovery to the AGF after investigation, adhere to the approved budget and due process in its dealings and warned that the panel ‘cannot arrest and detain suspects, but must refer them to relevant law enforcement agencies when necessary.’
In addition to these, the presidency expects the panel to regularly give updates of its activities and recoveries.
Mr Obono-Obla replied the first in a letter addressed to the vice president on November 10, 2017, wherein he stated that none of his actions was intended to disrespect the vice president’s authority.
“I also understand and align with your directives that the panel can only act on a written mandate received from the Presidency, and will seek authorisation from the presidency to undertake fresh mandates in accordance with extant laws of the federation,” the letter reads.
But despite his reply, PREMIUM TIMES’ sources say the SPIP boss continues to run the panel without recourse to the presidency.
This development forced the AGF to again write the vice president. The letter dated March 16, 2018, noted that Mr Obob-Obla was still operating in contravention of the vice president’s orders. The AGF said his office had received at least five petitions against him.
Issues raised in the petitions were part of the activities the panel carried out without taking directives from the Presidency, even after warnings.
The Vice President’s office responded by directing the AGF to request Mr Obono-Obla to respond to the issues raised in the petition, explain why he disobeyed the vice president’s order and submit a detailed report of activities of the panel since inception.
Suspension of all activities
Following complaints of unauthorised activities of the panel, Mr Obono-Obla in a January 25, 2019 letter was asked to suspend all activities of the panel until further directives.
The letter, a copy of which was seen by PREMIUM TIMES, made references to earlier ones informing Mr Obono-Obla of his excesses and consequent warnings.
“Despite the foregoing, the office of the Vice President has been inundated with complaints from various sources, including members of the panel, regarding allegations of unauthorised and illegal activities of the Special Investigation Panel on Recovery of Public Property,” the letter signed by Ade Ipaye reads.
“In consideration of the forgoing, I am directed by His Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, to instruct you to immediately cease all activities, pending an ongoing review of the SIP mandate and further directives of His Excellency.” Despite the clear directives of the letter, however, Mr Obono-Obla has continued to carry out activities of the panel.
Breach of directive
Despite the January letter conveying a direct order to Mr Obono-Obla to seize all activities, the SPIP boss has continued to run the affairs of the panel.
Sources privy to these activities told PREMIUM TIMES that the SPIP has been functioning as of before.
“He has continued to investigate unmandated cases,” a source who does not want to be named told this newspaper. “He has continued to give instructions as if nothing happened, as if there was no directive. Recently, he sent some operatives outside Abuja to seize some properties.”
Apart from ignoring the vice president’s directives, Mr Obono-Obla has continued to work without recourse to superior authorities, another source said.
“For instance, if there is a case of litigation, the panel is supposed to seek guidance from the AGF but he doesn’t do that before acting,”
Multiple sources who have related with the panel also confirmed that the panel still uses a letterhead bearing ‘presidential’ as part of its name.
“It’s an investigative body. You can even investigate the president himself. So, the name is not supposed to bear presidential, any action taken will appear as if the president is going after someone,” the source said.
Sidelines other panel members
Apart from ignoring repeated presidential directives, Mr Obono-Obla has also side-lined the three other members of the panel while delegating their duties to his trusted assistants, PREMIUM TIMES learnt.
Rather than call for panel meetings to deliberate on issues before taking actions, as expected by law, sources close to the panel confirmed that Mr Obono-Obla runs teh place like a sole-adminitrator without consulting other panel members.
One source said other members of the panel have complained to the AGF’s office and to the presidency, out of frustration. This much was confirmed by Mr Osinbajo who stated in his letter to Mr Obla that his office has “been inundated with complaints from various sources, including members of the panel…”
When PREMIUM TIMES contacted two other members of the panel, they declined to comment on this report.
Proceeding Despite Directive To Stop Work
Despite the January directive, Mr Obono-Obla has continued the panel’s operations. The panel has continued with the prosecution of Adedayo Thomas, executive director of the National Film and Video Censor Board (NFVCB), who was arrested for allegedly stealing a multi-million naira generator set. He has been granted bail.
Mr Thomas was arrested after SPIP recovered a Turban generating set in Lagos on November 13, from where he allegedly sold it.
Apart from this, the panel has continued its legal battle with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials over an allegation of mass corruption in the country’s football house.
Obono-Obla speaks
Mr Obono-Obla justified his actions when contacted on the myriads of allegations against him. The SPIP boss said he would not comment on his response to petitions against him and requested for a copy of the petition from the AGF for him to respond to the alleged breach of the Vice President’s directive.
“I will not like to talk to the media about this. These are official issues,” he said.
He confirmed that the panel still uses letter head bearing ‘presidential’ but justified it on the mode of communication on the change.
“I didn’t appoint myself, my letter of appointment read ‘special presidential…’ and it was signed by the Acting SGF who was responsible for those things and I have not gotten a letter from the SGF office saying that we should remove ‘presidential’ from the panel’s name. I’m relying on my letter of appointment.”
Mr Obono-Obla also suggested that he was not bound by the the vice president’s directive but only by that of the president.
“The panel was appointed by the president and the panel reports to Mr President. I’m not aware of those communications (to cease activities). Otherwise, the letter should be written by the chief of staff to the president.
:If you look at the law, it (the panel) was appointed by the president and the panel is supposed to be reporting to the president by virtue of the law. I’m not aware of those communications,” he said.
VP’office, AGF not responsive
Both offices of the Vice President and the AGF did not respond to inquiries by PREMIUM TIMES.
Laolu Akande, the media aide to the Vice President did not respond to questions.
Telephone line of Salihu Isah, the media aide to Mr Malami, was not reachable as at the time of filing this report.
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/320737-special-report-presidential-panel-repeatedly-disobeys-osinbajos-directives.html We have used constitutional things to tie ourselves in this country and this what is responsible for the stagnant growth in the nations economy. NIGERIA GOT TO BE RESTRUCTURED INTO A TRUE FEDERAL STATE. Professor Osinbanjo who is satisfied with the present statusquo which imposes more power on the federal government to control the wealth of the nation is ironically at the receiving end of what he is now experiencing from the Chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel on Recovery of Public Property (SPIP), Okoi Obono-Obla. It is on records that President Muhammadu Buhari often shut him out of security meeting when governors like El Rufai are invited. 4 Likes 1 Share |
| Re: Presidential Panel Disobeys Osibanjo's Directive, Says He Can't Order Them by seguno2: 7:51am On Mar 18, 2019 |
Oyindidi:
Next levu!!!!  .......of failure  |
| Re: Presidential Panel Disobeys Osibanjo's Directive, Says He Can't Order Them by PassiveNaira: 7:51am On Mar 18, 2019 |
Cabal in this second season of APC 's next level have started garnering much strength. 1 Like |
| Re: Presidential Panel Disobeys Osibanjo's Directive, Says He Can't Order Them by Denikayan: 7:53am On Mar 18, 2019 |
[s] Andrewkinggg:
Who takes a houseboy and a market errand boy serious?
Osibande should better run now that his legs can carry him.. Las Las he will be disgraced [/s] [s] Andrewkinggg:
Who takes a houseboy and a market errand boy serious?
Osibande should better run now that his legs can carry him.. Las Las he will be disgraced [/s] [s] Andrewkinggg:
Who takes a houseboy and a market errand boy serious?
Osibande should better run now that his legs can carry him.. Las Las he will be disgraced [/s] 1 Like |
|
| Re: Presidential Panel Disobeys Osibanjo's Directive, Says He Can't Order Them by Denikayan: 7:53am On Mar 18, 2019 |
[s] wink2015:
We have used constitutional things to tie ourselves in this country and this what is responsible for the stagnant growth in the nations economy.
NIGERIA GOT TO BE RESTRUCTURED INTO A TRUE FEDERAL STATE.
Professor Osinbanjo who is satisfied with the present statusquo ironically is at the receiving end of what he is now experiencing.
It is on records that President Muhammadu Buhari often shut him out of security meeting. [/s] |
| Re: Presidential Panel Disobeys Osibanjo's Directive, Says He Can't Order Them by Nodogragra4me(m): 7:54am On Mar 18, 2019 |
Disobedience to constituted authority at the level of the Vice President is intolerable for all practical purposes unless the cabal is using the man to fish for peoples asset to acquire 1 Like |
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| Re: Presidential Panel Disobeys Osibanjo's Directive, Says He Can't Order Them by lexy2014: 7:56am On Mar 18, 2019 |
post=76754569:
Less than 24 hours from now, the panel will come out to say there is nothing of this nature going on.
That there was never a time they disobeyed the V.P's order!
Nigeria: a country where we always have 2 opposite stories (accusations and counter accusation) the same day!
Welcome to Nigeria!!
No be today! But I thought we were going 2 have a better organised aso rock under this govt? If this is characteristic of Nigeria& its still happening 4 years into APC govt, then where's d change? 1 Like |
| Re: Presidential Panel Disobeys Osibanjo's Directive, Says He Can't Order Them by Amuocha: 7:56am On Mar 18, 2019 |
Amazing |
| Re: Presidential Panel Disobeys Osibanjo's Directive, Says He Can't Order Them by amazinglanre: 7:56am On Mar 18, 2019 |
|
| Re: Presidential Panel Disobeys Osibanjo's Directive, Says He Can't Order Them by empressteemah06(f): 7:58am On Mar 18, 2019 |
Welcome to Next level |
| Re: Presidential Panel Disobeys Osibanjo's Directive, Says He Can't Order Them by solajacobs(m): 7:59am On Mar 18, 2019 |
Na wah o |
| Re: Presidential Panel Disobeys Osibanjo's Directive, Says He Can't Order Them by ChristianNorth: 7:59am On Mar 18, 2019 |
Na this one yorubas wan put forward in 2023?
Hahahaha! 1 Like |
| Re: Presidential Panel Disobeys Osibanjo's Directive, Says He Can't Order Them by lexy2014: 7:59am On Mar 18, 2019 |
MyGeneration:
Propaganda. The Yoruba's are just trying to make Buhari look bad, there plans shall never work. Osibanjo does not have the power to dispute an appointee of the Presidency. Y does Osinbajo not have the power to dispute an appointee of the Presidency? Who is d presidency? Is osinbajo not part of that presidency? 1 Like |
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| Re: Presidential Panel Disobeys Osibanjo's Directive, Says He Can't Order Them by fergieboy: 8:02am On Mar 18, 2019 |
He should learn from sambo..
Stay low key as a vice.. |
| Re: Presidential Panel Disobeys Osibanjo's Directive, Says He Can't Order Them by Nobody: 8:05am On Mar 18, 2019 |
post=76754569:
Nigeria: a country where we always have 2 opposite stories (accusations and counter accusation) the same day!
Welcome to Nigeria!!
No be today! When did this development start? 3 Likes 
|
| Re: Presidential Panel Disobeys Osibanjo's Directive, Says He Can't Order Them by oglalasioux(m): 8:05am On Mar 18, 2019 |
post=76754569:
Less than 24 hours from now, the panel will come out to say there is nothing of this nature going on.
That there was never a time they disobeyed the V.P's order!
[b]Nigeria: a country where we always have 2 opposite stories (accusations and counter accusation) the same day!
Welcome to Nigeria!!
No be today! Is it really you behind the keyboard? 1 Like |
|
| Re: Presidential Panel Disobeys Osibanjo's Directive, Says He Can't Order Them by Nobody: 8:06am On Mar 18, 2019 |
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| Re: Presidential Panel Disobeys Osibanjo's Directive, Says He Can't Order Them by igwefivestar(m): 8:07am On Mar 18, 2019 |
UmuEri:
Monday, March 18,
SPECIAL REPORT: Presidential panel repeatedly disobeys Osinbajo’s directives
For over a year, the Chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel on Recovery of Public Property (SPIP), Okoi Obono-Obla, has continued to run the panel in contravention of multiple presidential orders, PREMIUM TIMES can report.
At least three letters were, within this period, dispatched to the anti-corruption boss to either soft-pedal in what was perceived as excessive use of authority or stop all the activities of the panel.
The first letter from the office of the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, in 2017, instructed Mr Obono-Obla to stop carrying out activities until President Muhammadu Buhari instructs otherwise. The letter reminded him of the provisions of Section (1) 1 of the recovery of Public Properties Act from which the panel derives its power.
The letter quotes the section to state that the president may constitute a panel for the purpose of conducting ‘an investigation into any matter with which (an) officer has been concerned in the performance of his duties or…into assets of any such public officer.’
From the same office, another letter was issued to Mr Obono-Obla one month after, stating his confines as SPIP boss.
This was followed by a series of other cautionary letters. But despite these, Mr Obono-Obla has continued to carry out his duties in violation of his statutory mandate and in disregard to warnings.
The warning letters
The SPIP was set up in August 2017 by the then Acting President, Mr Osinbajo. The panel led by the Special Adviser to the President on Anti-corruption, Mr Obono-Obla as chairman, has three other members and a secretary.
The Act setting it up makes provisions for the investigation of the asset of any public officer who is alleged to have been engaged in corrupt practices, unjust enrichment and abuse of office, or anyone who breaches the Code of Conduct for Public Officers in the country
However, just two months into its establishment, the panel was deemed to have derailed and hence, was cautioned.
On October 20, 2017, Ade Ipaye, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, wrote the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, through the office of the Vice President.
The AGF was directed to ‘please inform Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, in strict compliance with Section (1) 1 of the recovery of Public Properties Act, he should refrain from carrying out any activities as Chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel on Recovery of Public Property (SPIP), Until his Excellency, the Vice President so instructs.’
“As envisaged by this section, it is for the President to specify the purpose or mandate of the panel. It, therefore, came as a surprise that Chief Okoi Obono-Obla had issued notices to several judges to declare their assets without receiving any specific mandate in that regard,” the letter further reads.
Apparently, due to a disregard of the first letter, the Vice President wrote the AGF again as a reminder on November 17, 2017. The reminder came with specifics.
The VP asked the panel to remove ‘Presidency’ from its letterhead and remain ‘Special Investigation Panel on Recovery of Public Property,’ as provided by its enabling statute and not ‘Special Presidential Investigation Panel on Recovery of Public Property.’
The letter also directed the SPIP boss to refer all cases of asset recovery to the AGF after investigation, adhere to the approved budget and due process in its dealings and warned that the panel ‘cannot arrest and detain suspects, but must refer them to relevant law enforcement agencies when necessary.’
In addition to these, the presidency expects the panel to regularly give updates of its activities and recoveries.
Mr Obono-Obla replied the first in a letter addressed to the vice president on November 10, 2017, wherein he stated that none of his actions was intended to disrespect the vice president’s authority.
“I also understand and align with your directives that the panel can only act on a written mandate received from the Presidency, and will seek authorisation from the presidency to undertake fresh mandates in accordance with extant laws of the federation,” the letter reads.
But despite his reply, PREMIUM TIMES’ sources say the SPIP boss continues to run the panel without recourse to the presidency.
This development forced the AGF to again write the vice president. The letter dated March 16, 2018, noted that Mr Obob-Obla was still operating in contravention of the vice president’s orders. The AGF said his office had received at least five petitions against him.
Issues raised in the petitions were part of the activities the panel carried out without taking directives from the Presidency, even after warnings.
The Vice President’s office responded by directing the AGF to request Mr Obono-Obla to respond to the issues raised in the petition, explain why he disobeyed the vice president’s order and submit a detailed report of activities of the panel since inception.
Suspension of all activities
Following complaints of unauthorised activities of the panel, Mr Obono-Obla in a January 25, 2019 letter was asked to suspend all activities of the panel until further directives.
The letter, a copy of which was seen by PREMIUM TIMES, made references to earlier ones informing Mr Obono-Obla of his excesses and consequent warnings.
“Despite the foregoing, the office of the Vice President has been inundated with complaints from various sources, including members of the panel, regarding allegations of unauthorised and illegal activities of the Special Investigation Panel on Recovery of Public Property,” the letter signed by Ade Ipaye reads.
“In consideration of the forgoing, I am directed by His Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, to instruct you to immediately cease all activities, pending an ongoing review of the SIP mandate and further directives of His Excellency.” Despite the clear directives of the letter, however, Mr Obono-Obla has continued to carry out activities of the panel.
Breach of directive
Despite the January letter conveying a direct order to Mr Obono-Obla to seize all activities, the SPIP boss has continued to run the affairs of the panel.
Sources privy to these activities told PREMIUM TIMES that the SPIP has been functioning as of before.
“He has continued to investigate unmandated cases,” a source who does not want to be named told this newspaper. “He has continued to give instructions as if nothing happened, as if there was no directive. Recently, he sent some operatives outside Abuja to seize some properties.”
Apart from ignoring the vice president’s directives, Mr Obono-Obla has continued to work without recourse to superior authorities, another source said.
“For instance, if there is a case of litigation, the panel is supposed to seek guidance from the AGF but he doesn’t do that before acting,”
Multiple sources who have related with the panel also confirmed that the panel still uses a letterhead bearing ‘presidential’ as part of its name.
“It’s an investigative body. You can even investigate the president himself. So, the name is not supposed to bear presidential, any action taken will appear as if the president is going after someone,” the source said.
Sidelines other panel members
Apart from ignoring repeated presidential directives, Mr Obono-Obla has also side-lined the three other members of the panel while delegating their duties to his trusted assistants, PREMIUM TIMES learnt.
Rather than call for panel meetings to deliberate on issues before taking actions, as expected by law, sources close to the panel confirmed that Mr Obono-Obla runs teh place like a sole-adminitrator without consulting other panel members.
One source said other members of the panel have complained to the AGF’s office and to the presidency, out of frustration. This much was confirmed by Mr Osinbajo who stated in his letter to Mr Obla that his office has “been inundated with complaints from various sources, including members of the panel…”
When PREMIUM TIMES contacted two other members of the panel, they declined to comment on this report.
Proceeding Despite Directive To Stop Work
Despite the January directive, Mr Obono-Obla has continued the panel’s operations. The panel has continued with the prosecution of Adedayo Thomas, executive director of the National Film and Video Censor Board (NFVCB), who was arrested for allegedly stealing a multi-million naira generator set. He has been granted bail.
Mr Thomas was arrested after SPIP recovered a Turban generating set in Lagos on November 13, from where he allegedly sold it.
Apart from this, the panel has continued its legal battle with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials over an allegation of mass corruption in the country’s football house.
Obono-Obla speaks
Mr Obono-Obla justified his actions when contacted on the myriads of allegations against him. The SPIP boss said he would not comment on his response to petitions against him and requested for a copy of the petition from the AGF for him to respond to the alleged breach of the Vice President’s directive.
“I will not like to talk to the media about this. These are official issues,” he said.
He confirmed that the panel still uses letter head bearing ‘presidential’ but justified it on the mode of communication on the change.
“I didn’t appoint myself, my letter of appointment read ‘special presidential…’ and it was signed by the Acting SGF who was responsible for those things and I have not gotten a letter from the SGF office saying that we should remove ‘presidential’ from the panel’s name. I’m relying on my letter of appointment.”
Mr Obono-Obla also suggested that he was not bound by the the vice president’s directive but only by that of the president.
“The panel was appointed by the president and the panel reports to Mr President. I’m not aware of those communications (to cease activities). Otherwise, the letter should be written by the chief of staff to the president.
:If you look at the law, it (the panel) was appointed by the president and the panel is supposed to be reporting to the president by virtue of the law. I’m not aware of those communications,” he said.
VP’office, AGF not responsive
Both offices of the Vice President and the AGF did not respond to inquiries by PREMIUM TIMES.
Laolu Akande, the media aide to the Vice President did not respond to questions.
Telephone line of Salihu Isah, the media aide to Mr Malami, was not reachable as at the time of filing this report.
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/320737-special-report-presidential-panel-repeatedly-disobeys-osinbajos-directives.html How is that my business now? |
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| Re: Presidential Panel Disobeys Osibanjo's Directive, Says He Can't Order Them by AkhereOkaka(m): 8:18am On Mar 18, 2019 |
[quote author=NobleAngell post=76754596]I just taya for this Osinbajo. One would think that with his size, he will be very domineering (very common with people of his size) but this his lukewarm attitude has made him the presidential doormat. How can the VP of a country be disrespected to this extend?
You're right, he is too docile and naive |
| Re: Presidential Panel Disobeys Osibanjo's Directive, Says He Can't Order Them by quickberry(m): 8:19am On Mar 18, 2019 |
tsinzu:
How can he order them when he is just a mere errand boy? Bus conductor sef get authority pass am Who your papa be? |
| Re: Presidential Panel Disobeys Osibanjo's Directive, Says He Can't Order Them by tsinzu: 8:22am On Mar 18, 2019 |
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| Re: Presidential Panel Disobeys Osibanjo's Directive, Says He Can't Order Them by NobleAngell(f): 8:25am On Mar 18, 2019 |
[quote author=AkhereOkaka post=76755485][/quote] He Is. |
|
| Re: Presidential Panel Disobeys Osibanjo's Directive, Says He Can't Order Them by Nobody: 8:26am On Mar 18, 2019 |
UmuEri:
Monday, March 18,
SPECIAL REPORT: Presidential panel repeatedly disobeys Osinbajo’s directives
For over a year, the Chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel on Recovery of Public Property (SPIP), Okoi Obono-Obla, has continued to run the panel in contravention of multiple presidential orders, PREMIUM TIMES can report.
At least three letters were, within this period, dispatched to the anti-corruption boss to either soft-pedal in what was perceived as excessive use of authority or stop all the activities of the panel.
The first letter from the office of the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, in 2017, instructed Mr Obono-Obla to stop carrying out activities until President Muhammadu Buhari instructs otherwise. The letter reminded him of the provisions of Section (1) 1 of the recovery of Public Properties Act from which the panel derives its power.
The letter quotes the section to state that the president may constitute a panel for the purpose of conducting ‘an investigation into any matter with which (an) officer has been concerned in the performance of his duties or…into assets of any such public officer.’
From the same office, another letter was issued to Mr Obono-Obla one month after, stating his confines as SPIP boss.
This was followed by a series of other cautionary letters. But despite these, Mr Obono-Obla has continued to carry out his duties in violation of his statutory mandate and in disregard to warnings.
The warning letters
The SPIP was set up in August 2017 by the then Acting President, Mr Osinbajo. The panel led by the Special Adviser to the President on Anti-corruption, Mr Obono-Obla as chairman, has three other members and a secretary.
The Act setting it up makes provisions for the investigation of the asset of any public officer who is alleged to have been engaged in corrupt practices, unjust enrichment and abuse of office, or anyone who breaches the Code of Conduct for Public Officers in the country
However, just two months into its establishment, the panel was deemed to have derailed and hence, was cautioned.
On October 20, 2017, Ade Ipaye, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, wrote the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, through the office of the Vice President.
The AGF was directed to ‘please inform Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, in strict compliance with Section (1) 1 of the recovery of Public Properties Act, he should refrain from carrying out any activities as Chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel on Recovery of Public Property (SPIP), Until his Excellency, the Vice President so instructs.’
“As envisaged by this section, it is for the President to specify the purpose or mandate of the panel. It, therefore, came as a surprise that Chief Okoi Obono-Obla had issued notices to several judges to declare their assets without receiving any specific mandate in that regard,” the letter further reads.
Apparently, due to a disregard of the first letter, the Vice President wrote the AGF again as a reminder on November 17, 2017. The reminder came with specifics.
The VP asked the panel to remove ‘Presidency’ from its letterhead and remain ‘Special Investigation Panel on Recovery of Public Property,’ as provided by its enabling statute and not ‘Special Presidential Investigation Panel on Recovery of Public Property.’
The letter also directed the SPIP boss to refer all cases of asset recovery to the AGF after investigation, adhere to the approved budget and due process in its dealings and warned that the panel ‘cannot arrest and detain suspects, but must refer them to relevant law enforcement agencies when necessary.’
In addition to these, the presidency expects the panel to regularly give updates of its activities and recoveries.
Mr Obono-Obla replied the first in a letter addressed to the vice president on November 10, 2017, wherein he stated that none of his actions was intended to disrespect the vice president’s authority.
“I also understand and align with your directives that the panel can only act on a written mandate received from the Presidency, and will seek authorisation from the presidency to undertake fresh mandates in accordance with extant laws of the federation,” the letter reads.
But despite his reply, PREMIUM TIMES’ sources say the SPIP boss continues to run the panel without recourse to the presidency.
This development forced the AGF to again write the vice president. The letter dated March 16, 2018, noted that Mr Obob-Obla was still operating in contravention of the vice president’s orders. The AGF said his office had received at least five petitions against him.
Issues raised in the petitions were part of the activities the panel carried out without taking directives from the Presidency, even after warnings.
The Vice President’s office responded by directing the AGF to request Mr Obono-Obla to respond to the issues raised in the petition, explain why he disobeyed the vice president’s order and submit a detailed report of activities of the panel since inception.
Suspension of all activities
Following complaints of unauthorised activities of the panel, Mr Obono-Obla in a January 25, 2019 letter was asked to suspend all activities of the panel until further directives.
The letter, a copy of which was seen by PREMIUM TIMES, made references to earlier ones informing Mr Obono-Obla of his excesses and consequent warnings.
“Despite the foregoing, the office of the Vice President has been inundated with complaints from various sources, including members of the panel, regarding allegations of unauthorised and illegal activities of the Special Investigation Panel on Recovery of Public Property,” the letter signed by Ade Ipaye reads.
“In consideration of the forgoing, I am directed by His Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, to instruct you to immediately cease all activities, pending an ongoing review of the SIP mandate and further directives of His Excellency.” Despite the clear directives of the letter, however, Mr Obono-Obla has continued to carry out activities of the panel.
Breach of directive
Despite the January letter conveying a direct order to Mr Obono-Obla to seize all activities, the SPIP boss has continued to run the affairs of the panel.
Sources privy to these activities told PREMIUM TIMES that the SPIP has been functioning as of before.
“He has continued to investigate unmandated cases,” a source who does not want to be named told this newspaper. “He has continued to give instructions as if nothing happened, as if there was no directive. Recently, he sent some operatives outside Abuja to seize some properties.”
Apart from ignoring the vice president’s directives, Mr Obono-Obla has continued to work without recourse to superior authorities, another source said.
“For instance, if there is a case of litigation, the panel is supposed to seek guidance from the AGF but he doesn’t do that before acting,”
Multiple sources who have related with the panel also confirmed that the panel still uses a letterhead bearing ‘presidential’ as part of its name.
“It’s an investigative body. You can even investigate the president himself. So, the name is not supposed to bear presidential, any action taken will appear as if the president is going after someone,” the source said.
Sidelines other panel members
Apart from ignoring repeated presidential directives, Mr Obono-Obla has also side-lined the three other members of the panel while delegating their duties to his trusted assistants, PREMIUM TIMES learnt.
Rather than call for panel meetings to deliberate on issues before taking actions, as expected by law, sources close to the panel confirmed that Mr Obono-Obla runs teh place like a sole-adminitrator without consulting other panel members.
One source said other members of the panel have complained to the AGF’s office and to the presidency, out of frustration. This much was confirmed by Mr Osinbajo who stated in his letter to Mr Obla that his office has “been inundated with complaints from various sources, including members of the panel…”
When PREMIUM TIMES contacted two other members of the panel, they declined to comment on this report.
Proceeding Despite Directive To Stop Work
Despite the January directive, Mr Obono-Obla has continued the panel’s operations. The panel has continued with the prosecution of Adedayo Thomas, executive director of the National Film and Video Censor Board (NFVCB), who was arrested for allegedly stealing a multi-million naira generator set. He has been granted bail.
Mr Thomas was arrested after SPIP recovered a Turban generating set in Lagos on November 13, from where he allegedly sold it.
Apart from this, the panel has continued its legal battle with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials over an allegation of mass corruption in the country’s football house.
Obono-Obla speaks
Mr Obono-Obla justified his actions when contacted on the myriads of allegations against him. The SPIP boss said he would not comment on his response to petitions against him and requested for a copy of the petition from the AGF for him to respond to the alleged breach of the Vice President’s directive.
“I will not like to talk to the media about this. These are official issues,” he said.
He confirmed that the panel still uses letter head bearing ‘presidential’ but justified it on the mode of communication on the change.
“I didn’t appoint myself, my letter of appointment read ‘special presidential…’ and it was signed by the Acting SGF who was responsible for those things and I have not gotten a letter from the SGF office saying that we should remove ‘presidential’ from the panel’s name. I’m relying on my letter of appointment.”
Mr Obono-Obla also suggested that he was not bound by the the vice president’s directive but only by that of the president.
“The panel was appointed by the president and the panel reports to Mr President. I’m not aware of those communications (to cease activities). Otherwise, the letter should be written by the chief of staff to the president.
:If you look at the law, it (the panel) was appointed by the president and the panel is supposed to be reporting to the president by virtue of the law. I’m not aware of those communications,” he said.
VP’office, AGF not responsive
Both offices of the Vice President and the AGF did not respond to inquiries by PREMIUM TIMES.
Laolu Akande, the media aide to the Vice President did not respond to questions.
Telephone line of Salihu Isah, the media aide to Mr Malami, was not reachable as at the time of filing this report.
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/320737-special-report-presidential-panel-repeatedly-disobeys-osinbajos-directives.html The mere commissioner is well aware that he's a puppet 1 Like |
