₦airaland Forum

24th July, 2019
Distinguished Senator Ahmed Lawal, PhD
President of the Senate
Senate Chambers,
National Assembly complex,
Three Arms Zone,
Abuja.

His Excellency,

REJECTION OF THE NOMINATION OF ABUBAKAR MALAMI AS A RETURNING MINISTER OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
On behalf of the Civil society Coalition on Anticorruption committed to the fight against corruption and impunity in Nigeria, I write to request that the National Assembly rejects the nomination of Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), as a returning minister in the current administration and direct the anticorruption agencies to immediately probe the former AGF on allegations of gross abuse of office to the detriment of public interest.
The coalition, under the platform of Say No campaign, which is made up of Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre for Africa (PAACA), YIAGA AFRICA, Civil Society Legislative and Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA), The African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL), Protest to Power (P2P), Keen and Care Initiative, Connected Development (CODE), Social Action, Action Aid, Yes Project, Lawyers Network Against Corruption (LAWNAC) conducted an exhaustive audit of the office of the then AGF, occupied by Mr. Malami, in April 2019, after several media reports of his unpatriotic actions and blatant abuse of office.
The outcome of the audit was made available to the President, in June, through a letter that was delivered directly to his office, detailing the shady actions of the AGF as against public interest; incongruent with the demands of his office and damaging to the nation’s highly regarded fight against corruption. We further demanded, among others, for an immediate sack of the AGF and a directive for the investigation and prosecution of Mr. Malami for grossly abusing his office, undermining public interest in his service as the AGF and minister of Justice.



An excerpt from the letter detailing our concerns about Mr. Malami’s dishonourable conducts reads:
Mr President may wish to be reminded about these, as just representative of the many other scandals under Mr Malami’s watch:

1. A case in point is the Malabu scandal involving former Oil Minister Dan Etete, Eni and Shell in a heist allegedly resulting in a loss of more than $US1billion to Nigeria. The minister has done everything, including writing legal advise against taking the matter to the court.
2. Nigerians have not forgotten the minister’s role in the fraudulent reinstatement of former chairman of Pension Task Force, Abdulrasheed Maina who was wanted on allegations of corruption, into the federal civil service.
3. The shady deal involving the minister which led to the approval for payment of a highly controversial and contentious payment of $17 million to two lawyers for an already concluded deal on the repatriation of the Abacha loot from the Swiss Bank. There are many reported cases of undue meddling and interference by the attorney general to gag and muzzle the anticorruption agencies and force discontinuation of investigations and prosecutions of high profile government officials.
4. The minister has also been fingered in the suspected attempt to frustrate the investigation and prosecution of the Director General of the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission for his alleged involvement of diversion of about N2.5 Billion. Most crucially, Mr. Malami has superintended a systematic strategy of frustrating the freedom of information law.
5. Under his leadership, government agencies have found cover and a new boldness to ignore and/or outright treat, with impunity, the many FOI requests in order to frustrate any accountability effort by concerned public. Going by the record of its hall of shame and fame program, the Media Rights Agenda, a leading civil society organization at the forefront of strengthening application and compliance with the freedom of information of law, a significant number of federal agencies have been hauled into the hall of shame for the blatant refusal to respect FOI requests. These persist, while the Minister continues to present himself as chief in frustrating the fight against corruption and civil society’s effort for accountability.



Your Excellency, these gross misconducts, in one of the most critical office of the federation, should not be swept under the carpet for a country that is ravaged by corruption and as a result, pioneering a fight against the menace. Nominating this personality to return as a Minister of the federal republic of Nigeria rather than issuing a directive for a thorough investigation and prosecution has ridiculed the president’s purported zest to fight corruption, however, confirming the same personality, will not just constitute a disservice to the nation or tarnish the country’s image in the global anticorruption scheme of affairs, but will also dampen the morale of the Nigerian populace and their fragile hope in this 9th Assembly to represent the interest of the great people of Nigeria. We hope that this distinguish senate under your leadership will reject any plot to promote personal interests above the interest of the nation.
It is on the strength of these allegations that we implore this hallowed chambers to, in good faith, consider these allegations vis a vis their grave implications, and forestall the impending danger that comes with confirming an individual with such antecedents to become a Minister of this great country. We therefore urge the Nigerian senate to out-rightly reject the nomination of Mr. Abubakar Malami as an Honourable minister of the federation, as the damaging effect on the already suffering reputation of our country will be irreparable.
We appeal to your good conscience to consider the trust bequeathed you by the good people of this country and once again reassure Nigerians of your commitment to serve with integrity and the fear of God in delivering good governance to the people. We believe in the leadership of the 9th Assembly to make impartial decisions that can transform the polity.
We urge the senate to seize this singular opportunity to write its name in gold by not enabling corrupt personalities or ignoring weighty allegations of corruption and abuse of public office. May posterity be kind to you.
While we congratulate Your Excellency on your elevation and all distinguished senators, for securing a four year of active service, we assure you of our unreserved support, as we build a nation we all can be proud of.
God bless Nigeria, God bless the Good people of Nigeria!
Please accept the assurances of the coalition highest regards.

Sincerely,
Ezenwa Nwagwu,
Executive Director- PAACA

CC:
Distinguished Senator Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege
Deputy Senate President


APPENDIX
Letter to President Mohammadu Buhari: Consolidating on the Fight against Corruption and the need for a more Credible, Patriotic Attorney General of the Federation

rajowski:
palm oil business is a best bet for you. its usually cheaper around this month, june and july and ur investment can surely doubled after 3 months

I agree with you. Tonnes of litres of palm oil will be used to cook tonight. Sell able commodity

somehow:
If you're interested in shipping in hard drives, let me know. Realistically, you will make #12-#18k monthly on your #100k. I will handle the buying, shipping and selling all together.

#50k comes with #6-#9k monthly.

#200k upward 15-20% monthly profit guaranteed.

I get the HDDs (ext) from my reliable sources at a discounted price.

Ok, but how often does people buy or replace their hard drives. Dont want something that will occupy space waiting for customers to buy.

Thanks all for these. I appreciate all the comments. But the food business is looking more attractive given that this change era, people must eat come what may. But since there are other options, they still remain open to me. I will call everybody to get more details. I appreciate guys.

I have N100,000 I can spare monthly from my consultancy work. What can I invest the money in that will bring returns and give me time leverage to monitor since one source of income cannot make one wealthy?

Sincere contributions will be appreciated.

THIS STORY IS STILL DEVELOPING...

(Local Team News 9) Cristiano Ronaldo died in a single vehicle crash on Route 80 between Morristown and Roswell. He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics responding to the vehicle accident and was identified by photo ID found on his body. Alcohol and drugs do not appear to have been a factor in this accident - March 25, 2013
Highway Safety Investigators have told reporters that Cristiano Ronaldo lost control while driving a friend's vehicle on Interstate 80 and rolled the vehicle several times killing him instantly.

The vehicle was believed to have been traveling at approximately 95 miles per hour in a 55mph zone at the time of the accident.

Witnesses have stated that Cristiano Ronaldo's car crossed the double lines several times prior to the accident and hit the center lane divider causing the vehicle to flip and roll.

Toxicology tests will be performed to determine whether he was driving under the influence, however initial findings indicate that durgs or alcohol did not contribute in any way to this accident as it was more likely to been caused by road conditions.

Memorial services for Cristiano Ronaldo have not yet been announced. The service is expected to be a closed casket funeral due to the severe head trauma.

Additional details and information will be forthcoming as they become available.


http://cristiano.ronaldo.swellserver.com/news/top_stories/auto80.php

Alamieyeseigha’s Pardon: Jonathan’s Contempt For Anti-Corruption Norms By Clement Nwankwo


By Clement Nwankwo
Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) condemns the grant of Presidential pardon to ex-Bayelsa governor, D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha. While section 175(1) (a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, gives the President unlimited powers to grant pardon to convicted persons, PLAC believes that this power must be exercised responsibly and in the national interest. In the immediate case of Alamieyeseigha, this power has been blatantly and arrogantly abused and raises serious questions about the President’s ability to govern in the larger Nigerian national interest.

The power of pardon appears to have been exercised for primordial and personal reasons by a President acting only to please a benefactor and kinsman whose actions as governor brought Nigeria into national and international ridicule and odium. The pardon rubbishes Nigeria’s international treaty and other obligations and its standing in the comity of Nations.

It should be noted that in addition to being convicted in Nigeria, Alamieyeseigha also has an international warrant of arrest issued by the UK authorities around the world for his arrest and extradition to face trial for charges that are still pending in the UK. In other words, Alamieyeseigha is an international fugitive from justice. The Nigerian authorities needed to have taken into account that the case against Alamieyeseigha is an extra-territorial and internationalised issue exceeding just Nigeria’s legal territorial boundaries and cutting across the world.

The United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) imposes on Nigeria and the 165 state parties to it, a duty to cooperate and assist in apprehending and bringing to account all persons charged with corruption. The Convention further requires in Article 43 that domestic legal systems including Constitutions must be consistent with the international requirement of countries working together and assisting each other in the investigations of and proceedings in bringing to account all corrupt persons.

Nigeria is a part of the international community and has obligations to join the rest of the world to fight official corruption. As well, President Jonathan continues to mouth his government’s fight against corruption. The pardon of Alamieyeseigha is a major failing in this obligation. It shows a lack of moral courage and indeed portrays this government as encouraging corruption. Most Nigerians are of the view that corruption levels in this government are unprecedented. Only a few months ago, an unprecedented publication by the Malaysian High Commissioner to Nigeria had accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory of demanding bribes from a Malaysian investment project in Nigeria. This cross-border international allegation was never rebutted nor investigated at the Presidential level and this particular Minister continues to sit pretty in the Jonathan administration.

Other allegations too numerous to recite here including the oil subsidy scam report, by the National Assembly which businessmen friends of these administration tried to discredit, as well as massive looting of pension funds whose main perpetrator remains unapprehended continue to be a sore and rallying point for millions of critics who cite this government as unprecedentedly corrupt.

PLAC calls on President Jonathan to take the following immediate steps to address the anger of Nigerians over the high levels of corruption in Nigeria, sparked more recently by Alamieyeseigha’s pardon:

1. Extradite Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha to the UK to face pending charges of corruption in the UK courts in line with Nigeria’s international treaty obligations as he is a fugitive from justice;
2. Implement National Assembly probe reports indicting his ministers and officials of government for corruption and abuse of office;
3. Sack ministers and officials indicted and/or cited for various acts of corruption;
4. Ensure that no public fund is expended in payment to Alamieyeseigha in consequence of the pardon issued;
5. Implement practical steps to convince Nigerians and the international community that this administration is genuinely willing and able to tackle the multifarious levels of corruption in Nigeria.

Clement Nwankwo
Executive Director,
Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC)
Abuja

Alamieyeseigha’s Pardon: Jonathan’s Contempt For Anti-Corruption Norms By Clement Nwankwo


By Clement Nwankwo
Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) condemns the grant of Presidential pardon to ex-Bayelsa governor, D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha. While section 175(1) (a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, gives the President unlimited powers to grant pardon to convicted persons, PLAC believes that this power must be exercised responsibly and in the national interest. In the immediate case of Alamieyeseigha, this power has been blatantly and arrogantly abused and raises serious questions about the President’s ability to govern in the larger Nigerian national interest.

The power of pardon appears to have been exercised for primordial and personal reasons by a President acting only to please a benefactor and kinsman whose actions as governor brought Nigeria into national and international ridicule and odium. The pardon rubbishes Nigeria’s international treaty and other obligations and its standing in the comity of Nations.

It should be noted that in addition to being convicted in Nigeria, Alamieyeseigha also has an international warrant of arrest issued by the UK authorities around the world for his arrest and extradition to face trial for charges that are still pending in the UK. In other words, Alamieyeseigha is an international fugitive from justice. The Nigerian authorities needed to have taken into account that the case against Alamieyeseigha is an extra-territorial and internationalised issue exceeding just Nigeria’s legal territorial boundaries and cutting across the world.

The United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) imposes on Nigeria and the 165 state parties to it, a duty to cooperate and assist in apprehending and bringing to account all persons charged with corruption. The Convention further requires in Article 43 that domestic legal systems including Constitutions must be consistent with the international requirement of countries working together and assisting each other in the investigations of and proceedings in bringing to account all corrupt persons.

Nigeria is a part of the international community and has obligations to join the rest of the world to fight official corruption. As well, President Jonathan continues to mouth his government’s fight against corruption. The pardon of Alamieyeseigha is a major failing in this obligation. It shows a lack of moral courage and indeed portrays this government as encouraging corruption. Most Nigerians are of the view that corruption levels in this government are unprecedented. Only a few months ago, an unprecedented publication by the Malaysian High Commissioner to Nigeria had accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory of demanding bribes from a Malaysian investment project in Nigeria. This cross-border international allegation was never rebutted nor investigated at the Presidential level and this particular Minister continues to sit pretty in the Jonathan administration.

Other allegations too numerous to recite here including the oil subsidy scam report, by the National Assembly which businessmen friends of these administration tried to discredit, as well as massive looting of pension funds whose main perpetrator remains unapprehended continue to be a sore and rallying point for millions of critics who cite this government as unprecedentedly corrupt.

PLAC calls on President Jonathan to take the following immediate steps to address the anger of Nigerians over the high levels of corruption in Nigeria, sparked more recently by Alamieyeseigha’s pardon:

1. Extradite Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha to the UK to face pending charges of corruption in the UK courts in line with Nigeria’s international treaty obligations as he is a fugitive from justice;
2. Implement National Assembly probe reports indicting his ministers and officials of government for corruption and abuse of office;
3. Sack ministers and officials indicted and/or cited for various acts of corruption;
4. Ensure that no public fund is expended in payment to Alamieyeseigha in consequence of the pardon issued;
5. Implement practical steps to convince Nigerians and the international community that this administration is genuinely willing and able to tackle the multifarious levels of corruption in Nigeria.

Clement Nwankwo
Executive Director,
Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC)
Abuja

The baby na Odeshi! Hope she'll live to forgive her mother. At times, these foolish acts are done out of ignorance. She should have taken her to a motherless baby home!