₦airaland Forum

@MAMAJAMA: I told you that I was going to be fair.

Now, let's wait and see what happeens.

Ehindero fires back - Says he was never arrested, passport not confiscated - CP, 2 others to face trial

THE embattled former Inspector General of Police, Mr. Sunday Ehindero, has described the allegation of corrupt enrichment levelled against him as an attempt to tarnish his image.

He said he would triumph after the investigation into his tenure. He said that he performed his duties as the chief of the Nigeria Police in accordance with the provisions of the constitution, adding that he was innocent of all the allegations.

He also debunked the insinuation that he had been arrested with his international passport confiscated, saying that his detractors were behind the rumour.

Ehindero stated this at the weekend during a welcome reception organised for him by his kinsmen at his hometown, Oyin-Akoko, Akoko North West Local Government Area of Ondo State.

According to him, all the allegations of fraudulent activities levelled against him were false and baseless, as they could not be substantiated by the people behind them.

He said from the first day he was appointed the head of the Nigeria Police, he was confronted with one problem or the other till he left service about three weeks ago.

The former IGP, however, said the present allegations were part of the problems he had been facing since his appointment, adding that he would surmount the present situation as he had been doing before.

He said it would be wrong for him to start running after material things after serving the country for over 30 years in the police.

“I want to say categorically that truth will surely prevail because those behind the allegations are out to blackmail me and discredit me in the eyes of the public.

“We know them and where they come from, what they intend to do and what to achieve with their evil thoughts and know that Almighty God will not allow them to go scot free. What are the things I’m now looking for after over 30 years in service which I want to do when I have left the police? Those behind it are evil geniuses and mischief maker,” he said.

Ehindero added that if he had any plan of enriching himself through corrupt practices, he would have done it while in service and not after he had retired after a meritorious service to the country.

He said, “I read it on the pages of newspapers that I have been arrested because of the allegation and that my passport has been confiscated. They are all lies. My passport is still with me and I have never been arrested. You could see me here today talking to you.

“Police job is a very risky work. There is no how you will not offend some people and these people will not feel happy. Some of them will tell you their mind while some will grumble and they will be waiting till when you will leave service and then they will cook up false stories about you in order to discredit you and drag your name through the mud.

“If they investigate the matter thoroughly, all of you will see that there is no iota of truth in it and by now, I don’t want to comment much on it because a panel has been set up to look into it and I know I will triumph at the end of the day”.

Speaking on his tenure as the IGP, Ehindero stated that the first problem that faced him when he assumed office was that of the Apo-Six killing, saying that after it was discovered that the victims were not armed robbers, the policemen involved were made to face the wrath of the law while the family of the deceased were compensated.

“Also, I was confronted with the issue of Public Order Act. The politicians kicked against it, saying that how can the police grant them permission for any procession and rally? When we dragged it, we won it.

“When I wanted to leave office on 20 December, 2005, the government said no, that one year has been added to it and after that, I was asked to wait till May 29, 2007. I want to say that I never asked for an extension at all as some people perceived. On May 8, 2007, I wrote a letter of disengagement from service that I will go on May 29 and on 1st of June, I was pulled out of the force”, he said.

In another development, former Commissioner of Police in charge of the Force Budget, Mr. John Obaniyi, and two of his aides are to be prosecuted over the N21.6 million recently intercepted at the exit gate of the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

Sources at the Force Headquarters at the weekend told the Nigerian Tribune that the preliminary investigation already submitted to the presidency by the acting Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro, found Mr. Obaniyi and two of his aides, a DSP and constable, culpable.

Already, Mr. Obaniyi and the two aides have been suspended from duty to pave way for the disciplinary action to be taken against them.

It was learnt that Obaniyi and his two aides were recommended for dismissal and prosecution.

Also, Mr. Okiro was said to have cancelled the last minute redeployment of Mr. Obaniyi to the Nigerian Ports Authorities as the commissioner of police done by Mr. Ehindero.

Mr. Okiro reportedly redesignated Mr. Obaniyi commissioner of police, special duties, at Force Headquarters before his suspension last week.

Though the Force Public Relations Officer, FPRO, Mr. Haz Iwendi, could not be immediately reached for comments, another superior officer confirmed the development to the Nigerian Tribune.

http://www.ngex.com/cgi-bin/frame/frameit2.plx?link=%22http://www.tribune.com.ng%22

Posted by degoat

I had a very interesting discussion regarding this topic with couple of Nigerian business owners last night.

Summary of the discussion:
Mr.A confirmed that he's ready to provide job opportunities to Nigerians as long as the senior managers are foreigners. His reasons for this "Nigerians do not respect one another, they prefer the command to come from a foreigner with  brighter skin colour" Mr.A also added that if you want your business to be successful, all the senior managers must be foreigners. (80% of his employees are Nigerians)

Mr.B confirmed that he doesn't believe in doing business with Nigerians in general. He stated that this group of people can not be trusted under any circumstances. He also added that he had lost so much in the past because of deals with Nigerians. He prefers to pay double to bring oyinbo back to Nigeria to run his businesses. He stated that this is the only way you can be successful as a business man in Nigeria. He gets more government contracts because of these foreigners and he will never change his business policy (no Nigerians). Excluding the drivers and cleaners the only 10 Nigerians out of 450 employees are his brothers and sisters.

Mr.C confirmed that he refuses to employ foreigners and things have been going well for him so far. Eventhough, 60% of his employees are Nigerians that studied in United States of America, while the rest are home made Nigerians. He admires everyone of his employees. He stated that they are honest, intelligent, dedicated and make things happen in a big way. They are in the process of introducing the 6th branch in Abuja less than 7 years in business. He said, he doesn't see or know anything special a foreigner can do that a Nigerian can not do better, Honesty and Dedication are the priceless factors. Anything else can be learned or thought.

@degoat: Very very interesting!

Posted by MILITIA

By setting standards and goals to be achieved on a yearly basis!

Very good point.
In addition, I think these goals should be evaluated every 3 months by an independent body; and the result of each evaluation result should be made open to the public.

This move will expose the ineffective leaders and assist citizens to make conclusive decision during next political election process.

Releasing Dokubo is a positive move; now it is up to these criminals to get hold of themselves. Fed Govt should sit and have discussion with them. They should be allowed to present all their problems and Government on the other hand must put effective plan in place to address all these issues.

Releasing Dokubo is a nice gesture coming from the Fed and a signal that says we are open to work together and make thing right in this area of the country.
I think things will improve if government stays focused and do their part.

It is always nice to change direction, especially when things are not improving. I support the release. It is the right thing to do.

And it is a big victory for the Fed as Asari Dokubo denounces kindnapping. Let's hope for the best.

We continue to miss the road, because we've ignored the obvious target.

Who cares about  JEFF KOINENGE?

Please, let us focus on making thing right and ascending our nation back to the top.

Enough of this finger pointing; we've done this for many years and it hasn't taken us anywhere, but left our people suffering and crying.

Please, come up with solutions!

Another blue print for the new administration.

Firms struggle in crumbling Nigeria

Mr and Mrs Irhiuwoba say running a business here is hard

John-Mark Irhiuwoba is putting the final touches to the bouquets. Pauline, his wife, is busy sewing up a bridesmaid's' dress.

"When a big wedding is coming up we work round the clock looking after every detail from the beads in the bride's hair to how much food is needed at the reception," says Mr Irhiuwoba.

Mr and Mrs Irhiuwoba are the joint founders of Fruitful Bridals, a small business located up a narrow alleyway in Lagos, Nigeria's chaotic, sprawling, densely populated premier city.

The lights go off in the 14 by 12 sq ft workshop come showroom.

Mrs Irhiuwoba's sewing machine falls silent.

The power generator has run out of diesel.

"Nigeria is one of the world's biggest oil producers, yet the government can't provide anything like a normal power supply to its people," says Mr Irhiuwoba.

"The politicians make all sorts of promises, but the situation is getting worse by the day.

"I really do wonder why we bother trying to run a business. The problems are endless."

Crumbling infrastructure

Many other Nigerian businesspeople - from small traders to those running large conglomerates - share Mr Irhiuwoba's frustrations.


Poor people and poor infrastructure cause despair

National elections are due to be held at the end of April and politicians have been busy announcing their plans for tackling the nation's economic woes.

Many voters are sceptical.

Despite many billions of dollars spent on power generation and other infrastructure development over the years, the electricity supply in much of this country of more than 140m is more off than on.

The majority of the population does not have access to piped water and roads are often pot holed death traps.

After a series of fatal accidents, the government has recently stopped operations of some airline companies.

"I had to pay 300,000 Naira ($2,400; £1,235) for a second-hand generator," says Mr Irhiuwoba.

"Then I have to buy the diesel and as well as that I have to pay the state company for the electricity connection, for a power supply that we can never depend on."

Early payment

Due to a shortage of commercial properties in Lagos and other cities and towns, business rents are high and have to be paid up front.

"I have a good landlord who only asks for two years in advance," says Mr Irhiuwoba.


Corruption pays for foreign flights for politicians

"Others have to pay five years.

"Meanwhile, the banks are not interested in small business. They only lend to the oil companies and the government.

"If it wasn't for the help of family and friends we'd be lost."

Corruption and mismanagement

Nigeria has considerable economic potential.

Not only does it have vast oil and gas reserve. It also has substantial mineral wealth and rich agricultural resources.

Yet the majority of people live on less than $1 a day, while health, education and other development indices show continuing declines.

Both local and international bodies say corruption, plus chronic financial mismanagement, are to blame.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), set up in 2002 by the government to fight corruption, estimates that in the period from Nigeria's independence in 1960 to when the present government of President Olusegun Obasanjo came to power in 1999, some $380bn (£195bn) was lost from state coffers due to corruption and mismanagement.

Basic necessities

Mr Obasanjo, due to retire after the coming elections, promised when coming to office to "turn Nigeria from a pond of corruption to an island of integrity".


Growing up in Nigeria is difficult

But although a greater degree of transparency in national accounts has been achieved in recent years, corruption is still rife.

The EFCC recently brought corruption charges against 15 of the country's state governors.

Human Rights Watch, the US non governmental body, recently issued a report detailing what it called the "devastating" scale of corruption in Rivers State, one of Nigeria's main oil producing areas.

Politicians, said Human Rights Watch, were siphoning off millions of Naira for foreign travel, jets and fleets of cars while infrastructure crumbled and schools could not operate for want of basic necessities such as chalk for writing on blackboards.

No payment

"Corruption is the central issue in the economy" says Nosa Igiebor, editor in chief of Tell, one of Nigeria's most respected business magazines.

"To produce our magazine we have to pay millions of Naira each year to power our generators.

Then the cost of everything else - paper, printing, communications - is higher than it should be due to various "extra" charges.

What's so painful is that this country has a huge latent entrepreneurial spirit - yet how can it progress and businesses develop if all these handicaps are in the way?"

The government argues that progress is being made.

Over the past two years more than $500m of funds looted from the country's exchequer by Sani Abacha, the former ruler and military dictator, has been repatriated from bank accounts in Switzerland.

Last April Nigeria became the first country in Africa to settle debts with official lenders, paying off nearly $5bn.

Yet local contractors employed by the government say they have not been paid for years.

While Nigeria benefited last year from a surge in international oil prices, continuing violence and kidnappings of oil workers in the Niger Delta area has resulted in a more than 20% cut in oil and gas earnings, which account for the bulk of Federal Government revenues.

Meanwhile, as the elections approach, people are concerned about violence and intimidation.

"The politicians are going round making big speeches and giving their promises," says Mr Irhiuwoba as he fetches more diesel for the Fruitful Bridals generator.

"It's all words, no action.

"Sometimes I think the only thing to do is go into politics myself: at least there would be a chance of making some money."


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6445125.stm

Nigerians Welcome Probe of Ehindero, Advise Okiro

NIGERIANS have expressed support for the Federal Government's move to check corruption in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). They asked the government to take Mr. Ehindero's probe very serious.

They were particularly happy about President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua's directive that the former Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Sunday Ehindero, be probed.

Ehindero was allegedly linked to a N 21 million cash movement scandal. He allegedly used the Commissioner of Police for Budget and Planning, Mr. John Obaniyi, in the process. Obaniyi has since been detained by the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro, pending investigation into the matter.

A Lagos based-businessman Olalekan Adetayo said: "He that goes to equity must go with clean hands. This man, Ehindero, when he was in the office was an advocate of anti-corruption in the Police Force. It is just proper he should be probed so that his name would be cleared if truly he is innocent."

He, however, advised Okiro to learn from the fall of his predecessors. "If he doesn't learn, he should know that one day, somebody would probe him too."

A broadcaster, Adeniran Odutayo said: "Since the Presidency has ordered his probe, it is a clear indication that it does not have confidence in him. If he is found to be guilty, the law should take its full course."

He advised Okiro that since he is the chief prosecutor in this case, Okiro should learn that it would be very appropriate for him at this time to be a good example to other policemen. It is a litmus test for him. I don't expect him to be linked with financial misappropriation in the future."

Also, Mr. Folorunsho Attah, a veteran journalist and producer of Grassroots Television programme said: "The president is advised to look for an upright man from the ranks of commissioners of police. He should look for a man who is incorruptible. We have such men among the commissioners of police. He should retire all the Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) and Assistant Inspectors-General (AIG's) so that we will have a brand new Police Force.

I have been familiar with the police institution as a veteran journalist for over 25 years now. I don't see any officer who can genuinely fight corruption even from the present Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro."

He continued: "Ehindero should be probed. It happened to his boss, Mr. (Tafa) Balogun. I could remember him saying that any man who has two or three houses cannot sleep in two or three rooms at a time. Such man must be a madman.

"If Tafa Balogun could be probed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, there is no reason Ehindero should not be probed by President Yar'Adua, so that Nigeria can move forward."

http://www.ngex.com/cgi-bin/frame/frameit2.plx?link=%22http://www.ngrguardiannews.com%22

Yes, we do not want Yaradua to get himself involved with OBJ propaganda, but at the same time something must be done systematically; or else this young administration will be sending a wrong signal.

1. Government official positions must be made unattractive

2. Government should introduce higher standard qualifications and requirements for these positions.

3. Government official position should be one and only job  for these folks. We do not need a business man that has 5 businesses and also has governor position. We need dedicated people, not a CEO who is looking for a part time job.

4. Government officials and their families should be forced to utilize our resources. No more flying to Germany for stomach pain, no more using our money to send Emeka, Tunde, Teju and Godwin to United States to attend school.

What about the new ones with hot mission?

Dude, all these allegations are still speculations; the man has not been convicted of anything.
It is only fair to relax and allow time to tell.

Nobody is protecting MAMAJAMA and his old man, but it is only fair and civilized to allow the the LAW of the land to take control.

This man is still an innocent citizen of Nigeria; and that is the law.

Sorry!

As we all know, prevention is much better than cure.

This administration is brand new and so far they're doing pretty fine.
On the other hand, corruption continues to be our number one problem in Nigeria and it is clear and extremly  conclusive that this same problem could be the down fall of this current administration if special attention is not dedicated to this deadly epidemic.

Hence, I've decided to post this new topic and allow Nigerians to display their sense of creativeness and unique strategies to prevent these bastards from taking us for another long ride once again.
What are your recommendations to prevent government officials from stealing our money?

FYI: info from this forum are getting to the right folks, therefore do not hesitate to bring it on if you have bright ideas.
(MAMAJAMA is not allowed to post any comment on this thread till his old man gets himself together)

One love!

They should not be allowed to determine how much to be returned. Fed Govt should implement a new department within EFCC to thoroughly investigate each and every single government officials from 1999 to 2007 (not only the governors) and estimate how much these people should return.

They should be given only 10 days to return stolen money. If any of them comes with mago mago, this individual should be sent straight to kirikiri for 50 years with out any parole.

Trust me, after 1 or 2 scapegoats, you guys will see how quick these bastards respond to this proposal.

Nigerians usually respond positively after a scape goat is witnessed.

Let us have empathy for one another. It will be unfair to crucify this guy just like that; he's not a saint, but he's still a friend.
It has been confirmed that MAMAJAMA will be on vacation from this forum for the next few days.

Take it easy on the poor guy for now; together we are going to bury this guy when the time is right.

For now, let's hope for the best and wish him and his family well.

One love!

Not even close, my friend.
One can never take any info from MAMAJAMA, as it is very clear that MAMAJAMA currently has too much in his plate and it is also understandable that he's a very confused man.

Back to the topic:
MAMAJAMA is a friend and all we hope for is for all allegations to come out to be untrue.

Let's wait and see.

@Iyke-D:

Dude, the topic says "Ehindero’s Passport Seized". Please, let's stay focused!

@initiator: Totally incorrect.

You've picked the wrong guy, you need to make adjustment and apologize.

It is amusing how someone's life could change from a champion (HERO) to a loser (ZERO), all within 10 days.

Just 2 weeks ago in Abuja, Sunday Ehindero was honored, docorated and received many awards; and now the same man is about to start eating Gari and nuts at the great KIRIKIRI.

Unbelievable, one has to be very careful, humble and always do what is right because we just do not know what tomorrow will bring.

MAMAJAMA, I truly wish your old man well and I hope all these info are untrue.

Peace and one love all the time.

Yes, you are absolutely correct, Nigeria is a very big country with large population. This is why we should embrace the new administration and allow them to brainstorm, develop effective strategies and successfully execute these strategies.
This is not wuru wuru Era (OBJ's style). These are groups of intelligent people. In order for them to execute without negligence, they need time to thoroughly study the current system.

With time, we shall continue to smile and fall in-love with our great nation all over again.

@Viee, just chill out and see, there are wonders coming toward our country.

The Nigerian president is here, it's time for business!

When the president is solid and focused, the rest of the crew (governors, senators e.t.c) will automatically follow and align on the right path.
New Nigeria, new beginning.

The Nigerian president is here, it's time for business!

We, Nigerians Should Rally Around President Yar'Adua.

This might be the best thing that ever happened to this country.

I told you guys, Nigeria is coming back with full force.

The Nigerian president is here, it's time for business!

People are so corrupt and stupid, sometimes they can't even hear their own voice.

What a stupid statement.

The fruit usually falls not too far from the tree.

@Mckren: are you surprised?

"The Nigerian president is here and it's time for business"

Nigeria is coming back with full force.

It is magnificent to finally witness what is right.

It is not doing the right thing, it is doing what is right.

Yar'Adua is simply honest and ready for business.

Once again, I am proud to be a Nigerian man.

Very soon you will realize that BIG B1 is not just a name; it is much bigger than that.

I wish you and your folks best of luck, but please take a vacation from this forum.

@MAMAJAMA:

Check the history: Every single past regime had a scape goat.

If Ehindero is not careful, things will quickly go out of hand for him and he will be roasted and hanged just like China town spicy chicken.

As per reliable source, no one is willing to step up and help this man. And my friend, you know what that means in Nigeria; FYI: it means, under any circumstances, you have no case.

Yar’Adua orders Ehindero’s arrest

President Umaru Yar’Adua has ordered the arrest of former Inspector General of Police (IG), Sunday Ehindero, to answer allegations of corruption levelled against him.


A police source disclosed in Abuja on Thursday that the directive followed the submission of the interim report on the investigation of the N21.6 million scam, which lid was blown last week when the aides of Police Budget Commissioner, John Obaniyi, were arrested.


The report also showed that over N300 million was taken out of the police budget office a few days to the retirement of Ehindero.


The source said his movement has been restricted to Abuja, his passport seized, and his United Nations civil police job put on hold.


It was learnt that Yar’Adua was astonished on receiving the report that could open a can of worms on how police fund was managed.


According to police sources, Ehindero has denied knowing that the money was kept by Obaniyi, who they said is now poised to cough.


Obaniyi is on suspension until further notice and his movement restricted to Abuja.


Deprived police officers are jubilant that the fraud has been uncovered.


Meanwhile, acting Inspector General of Police (IG), Mike Okiro, has pledged to stay away from the corrupt practices that led to the disgraceful exit of former IG, Tafa Balogun, who was sentenced to prison for using his office to line his pocket.


"I don’t want us to engage in over-generalisation. The fact that it happened once or twice doesn’t mean everyone is doing it. I am the 13th Inspector General of Police, and if out of 13, one or two deviated, it doesn’t mean we draw conclusions. So, it is unfortunate it happened, but it (Ehindero’s case) is still under investigation, and we won’t know what has happened until we complete our investigation", he told journalists.


Okiro spoke in Abuja on Thursday when he visited Federal Capital Territory Transition Committee Chairman, Mohammed Alhassan, during which he solicited the support of the FCT Administration for police accommodation and logistics.


Despite skirmishes here and there, he stresed, Nigeria is a safe country compared with South Africa and the United States.


http://odili.net/news/source/2007/jun/15/605.html

Posted by MAMAJAMA:

Only in Nigeria are you convicted before going to court.  we will hear the out come of the investigation next week

Do you know how many times you've called innocent folks criminals on this forum? Do I have to start pulling your incredible record?

If you can remember, over 8 months ago, I recommended the idea of vigorously probing Ehindero after May29th.  I also predicted that he was going to be the scape goat.
Check the history: Every single past regime had a scape goat.
If Ehindero is not careful, things will quickly go out of hand for him and he will be roasted and hanged just like China town spicy chicken.

As per reliable source, no one is willing to step up and help this man. And my friend, you know what that means in Nigeria; FYI: it means, under any circumstances, you have no case.