JTB defends INEC’s demand for candidates’ tax clearance certificates

"MORE hurdles were yesterday placed on the paths of candidates already screened by the Independent National electoral Commission (INEC) for the April general elections. The Joint Tax Board (JTB) insisted that it would, in addition to having their tax clearance certificates (TCC) already filed with INEC vetted, also confirm with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) if the correct taxes were paid as claimed by the candidates in the first instance".

http://www.guardiannewsngr.com/news/article05
http://www.champion-newspapers.com/news/article_8_160207.htm
http://www.vanguardngr.com/articles/2002/cover/february07/169022007/f316022007.html

The focus is about to shift from OBJ and EFCC to the Tax Board and I hope voters will know those politicans that have faked tax clearances.

US Authorities Investigate Payments to Nevada Governor
http://www-tech.mit.edu/V127/N4/long2.html

US Federal authorities are investigating gifts and payments that Gov. Jim Gibbons of Nevada received as a congressman from an executive of a software company that got millions of dollars in federal contracts, government officials said ,

In Nigeria, the action of the FG will be considered illegal.

I am happy we have a good Lawyer onboard

BRAVO McKren, Well Done!

Indicted Politicians in our midst?

My guess it that there may be some Nigerian politicians on this forum.

I suspect that some indicted and non indicted politicians that are contesting elections are attending this/other political forums to monitor events. They may have also planted their sons, daughters, brothers, family members, staff, lawyers or agents to visit this and other forums to monitor public reactions, opinions and contribute to the current debates and discussions.

With the new web technology and the popularity of NairaLand, anything is possible and I hope EFCC will do the same. However, I doubt if they will be interested.

My reasoning on this line stems from the fact that some members are die hard believers in the so-called indicted candidates and seem to be paying more attention on insulting OBJ and not discussing issues that affects millions of poor Nigerians.

The rich in Nigeria will always avoid talking about the poor. And it is clearly visible here. If you want to prove me wrong read the postings.

Not a bad thing though, so if you're one, please feel free to tell us your political affiliation. We'd like to get your personal perspectives on the issue of "war against corruption and how we can make life better for our poor citizens".

Big B1, please, reactivate your EFCC membership and think less about OBJ. He is out - a forgone history.

The more you guys are focused on the non-indicted politicians, the more you will be at peace with yourselves and come to terms with the new realities.

A change has come to Nigeria the way you have never seen before. Brethens, it's a positive change every Nigerian MUST embrace for the sake of our future generations.

We in Europe have seen the system work and that is why every Nigerian abroad will support the war against corruption. Romania and Bulgaria adopted the same system and today they are proud to be part of the EU Club.

Like in Europe, one day Nigeria will have Job Centers, Social Services and Pension Schemes. Foreign Investments and Tourism will flourish and Unemployment will be a thing of the past and Nigerians abroad will feel safe to return with their wealth, skills and expertise to contribute to the development of their father land.

This is the aim of Ribadu and we must all support his efforts.  I am doing my bit via this Forum!

Be clean guys and you will have nothing to fear. We in Europe are used to the FBI, CIA, Interpol and all forms of secret police. Not to mention the countless CCTV cameras, phone tapping, fax scanning and recently sms/email tapping.

It's not bad, as long as they don't tramp on peoples privacy too much.

It just seems hot because Ribadu needs to move fast to avoid corrupt people taking over the helms of the country and Nigerians are caught unaware by these events.

He is a smart guy!

Politicians have given Nigerians no chance to evaluate them, if they have all these past years been carring out illegal activities.

If their servant or driver saw them loading boxes of cash in 1999 and decides to inform EFCC in 2007, what evaluations does the electorate need again. The guy has simply proven he is a thief and must be disqualified.

That is the issue at stake. Every Nigerian, not just the politicians must learn to keep their secret secret. Your neighbor, friends or family could leak your secret to EFCC at anytime.

With EFCC, the hidding game is over in Nigeria. Very soon you will have CCTV cameras poking through the street to your houses like in London.

debosky ? It been a long journey for Nigeria, corruptions has been around us for too long.

If it takes an election to rid our country of fraudulent leaders then it is good. You gotta start somewhere.

The timing was not dictated by Ribadu but by the people who are exercising their right by reporting cases against the politicians. Why did they chose this last minute to report to EFCC is a secret they share with no one than their God.

You're right McKren, EFCC under Yaradua or Buhari will even be more vigorous. EFCC may investigate even us who are abroad and shoe sellers in Ikeja.

The Politics Rule is:

DON'T DABBLE INTO POLITICS IF YOU ARE NOT STRONG HEARTED.

This has never been the case in Nigeria. With Ribadu all is about to change.

Hey, the TAX BOARD hasn't got involved yet in screening the politicians. Ribadu says they must be or he will indict members of the tax board, so there is more actions on the way.

EFCC will indict OBJ in a couple of days or weeks. I can predict it and Ribadu has promised he will release the investigation report shortly. There will be damning evidence regarding his investments while serving as President. OBJ is doing all he can to avoid even more damning scenarios and he is being tipped to do so.

The timing must be right. Then the world will learn to fear Ribadu

OBJ is scared of Ribadu, contrary to what you guys think.

adconline, you may wish to send your findings to EFCC ASAP.

You seems to have made some research recently.

Thanks alabiyemmy,

Nigeria will be a better place if we all understand what is good for us all poor and not what is good for a few rich. This is the way Europeans think.

My men, there is a secret I want to share with you.

Have you wondered what will happen to OBJ if he does not apply the chapter in the Constitution before the election.

Guess what?

EFCC will indict him for not fulfilling his legal obligations as President and blame him if the indicted politicians are later found guilty of corruption after the election.

These guys (OBJ and Ribadu) may be sharing information but I don't think is a dubious one but one that will make sure events don't come back to hunt OBJ.

Think about it.

Not even VODOO can stop Ribadu, EFCC is here to stay and Nigerian politics is maturing!

To be frank, the whole process is not fair at all, don't get me wrong.

However, elections must go on, you cannot wait endlessly for the courts.

In the western world, the politicians simply give up and resign knowing that fighting their innocence may consume time.

In Nigeria, they are not used to the system hence the fight to finish.

What can we do, blame our fore fathers who chose to adopt a foreign constitution.

Thanks guys, I am happy some people are getting the picture. What you have is an adopted system of government

The solution to this would be for the young generation to redraft the Constitution. Unfortunately it was written during the dark ages before most of you were born or infant.

These events seems to hurt the youth than the politicians themselves and they don't have the system to explain it to the public.

In the western world, the youth are so comfortable, that they care less about politics. They are given incentives to participate in elections and vote.

Nigerian youths want a change hence they feel upset about the way things are organized. Unfortunately, it not your fault.

Have you been reading the news in the USA.

You will not be surprised if Hillary Clinton is indicted few days or months to the election. That is politics my man.

The opponents wait for the last hour and pounce on the victim.

And who are the opponents?

- Companies who gave bribes,
- Charity organizations who received funding,
- Foreign bodies who signed fake contracts,
- Banks who wired funds,
- Citizens who were servant and saw lorry load of cash.

The existence of EFCC has opened up the can and not OBJ's timing. People are reporting to EFCC and they determine when they do so.

https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-40754.0.html

Hope that will answer your query?

Too young then to remember, he was second in command though (if your history is right?)

THE POSITION OF THE CONSTITUTION

INDICTED: You are free until proven guilty by a competent court of law. (OK ACCEPTED)

ELECTION: You are disqualified if you are indicted.

If the court acquits you, then you can contest election or else you remain disqualified  Court cases can last days, months or years and an election cannot wait just until some nasty criminals can prove their innocence hence the constitution was drafted to address these electoral issues.

For more info, please consult your lawyers.

Note:
People must try to understand there are two issues here. OBJ is given the power by the constitution to enforce this. It's probably never been done before and I can understand the anger in people. Only a bold President will attempt it and OBJ has the credentials as we all know. Such as Biafra (60's), Udoji Award (70's), Festac (70's), Abuja (80's), Prison (90's), Abuja Stadium(00's), EFCC (today).

THE POSITION OF THE CONSTITUTION

INDICTED: You are free until proven guilty by a competent court of law. (OK ACCEPTED)

ELECTION: You are disqualified if you are indicted.

If the court acquits you, then you can contest election or else you remain disqualified  Court cases can last days, months or years and an election cannot wait just until some nasty criminals can prove their innocence hence the constitution was drafted to address these electoral issues.

People must try to understand there are two issues here. OBJ is given the power by the constitution to enforce this. It's probably never been done before and I can understand the anger in people. Don't worry, OBJ is right, we will all get to praise him in future for this bold act. Remember he gave our fathers UDOGI SALARY BONUS AWARDS in the 70's and no other President has ever done same.

Funny that I have become a legal teacher in this forum. Guys consult your lawyers please. I give up!

Sorry, disqualification without trial is definitely legal. (if indicted). It's in the constitution and AC/Atiku does not dispute it.

Rather, AC/Atiku questions the legality of the panels set up to probe or indict him.

Here we go again, OBJ, OBJ, OBJ, AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Are you aware that OBJ will cease to be President in April 2007?

OBJ has a constitutional duty to perform before his exit and he has chosen to do it without fear or favor. You can continue to question his rights, but the fact is that the constitution of Nigeria which was drafted before most of you were born gave him so much power.

Who dear question his authority if he choses to exercise powers bestowed on him by the constitution. That to me is a part of democracy. If he chose to disqualify those he has genuine reasons to believe are corrupt, we must all accept it and move forward.

The other matters are history as he will be out in a few days.

The Foreign Media has always written negative things about Africa.  However, it must shock you to read what the ordinary white people think and say about Africa.

Read the full text here:
http://enough.typepad.com/enough/2005/07/not_a_dime_for_.html#comment-17393865

Extracts:

QUOTE:
"Africa was sort of well-run in an economical aspect when white Europeans ran the show, then they went home and everything's been to the rats ever since:

Malaria - Flies sting, You die. Africa is a nice place for flies. Africa is not good for humans. I wonder how many malaria-nets you can get for an AK-47? Hmm,

Climate - Quite hot and difficult to work in. Rains a LOT at once and then nothing for decades, bad for crops. Parts of Africa is not good for humans. Swamps could be drained, The French have tried that with success.

Aids - You mess, You die. Condoms could solve it but are back-talked real bad: "punctured", "some evil plan of the americans", "against religion". So the africans die. A lot of them.

Dictators  - Why be tortured by a white man when you can be by a black? So the africans go through scores of 'em, always looking for the newest fad in dictators, never taking some responsibility and ending the endless chain.

Wars - lots of wars, bad for business, bad for health, bad for everything.

Mentality - Africans have never gotten used to think for themselves so they don't. All reports from aid-workers and entrepreneurs down there tells us this sad story in different variations - and it makes for easy decisions about packing up and pulling out.

Look, Africans have only themselves to blame for their quagmire."

"I agree with you that money will not solve the problems in Africa. People who go to Africa with ideas and hard work are driven out or murdered"

"I'll donate to any African that wants to have their tubes tied or a vasectomy. I'll willingly pay for birth control- that's all."
UNQUOTE:

Don't be offended, it's freedom of expression.


Unless you have lived abroad and experienced racism or discrimination, you would not understand how bad the situation is. Africa is crippled by corruption, poverty, diseases and poor governance and the world has simply abandoned it to it's fate.

Do you now understand why I am here?

MAMAJAMA, that report is NOT coming from the US Govt. Read it carefully!!!

It's some few US congressmen who are somehow affiliated or sympathetic to some of the indicted Nigerian politicians. Remember Atiku meet some members of US congress and press during his trip to the US and brainwashed them about situation in Nigeria. Many are convinced hence the report.

The indicted Nigerian politicians are powerful and wealthy and have lots of influence abroad especially in the USA where corruption is rampant. Can you imagine how many flying politicians and corporate executives indicted in the US between 2000-2007. Without the strict laws in the USA, it will probably be the most corrupt country in the world.

The corrupt Nigerian politicians seem to imitate and take clues from their US counterparts and not from Europe where corruption is properly managed and controlled.

Bush may not be the best of all Presidents, but he is surely in support of the fight against corruption in Nigeria as it helps keep terrorist at bay and out of Africa. US has a good reason to be concerned about the political situation in Nigeria as any conflict in the country may spiral out of control and affect other regions.

Failed States Index: http://www.fundforpeace.org/programs/fsi/fsiassessments.php

Relax, don't panic !!!

Israeli President Faces Indictment on Charges
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6963951

In Israel, an indicted President is advised to resign even before he appears in court.

In Nigeria, an indicted Vice-president refuses to resign, but rather want to contest forthcoming election as a Presidential candidate.

Are there any lessons Nigerian voters and indicted politicians may learn from the recent events in Israel?

Your views!!!

They probably spent the previous nights having sex with prostitutes.

I wonder what can make rich men like this fall asleep in a conference hall.

Not even high school students preparing for exams will do this.

Shameful!!!

The EFCC's work has just began and it's needs time to investigate all cases brought before it by citizens and corporate bodies. It's major priority now is to make sure that the right people lead our country.

In the following years, if adequately funded by the incoming FG, it will have enough resources to investigate all the cases you have listed. EFCC cannot just work on guesses and gossips. To be fair and just, they must investigate all cases thoroughly.

As a citizen, you can conduct your own investigations into those cases and report your findings to the EFCC. Afterall, indictments are based on factual reports sent to the EFCC by citizens, companies, govt bodies, charity organizations, foreign bodies etc.

The Internet will yield assorted information about our politicians if you constantly do a YAHOO or Google search, so let us all do private investigations and report to EFCC to indict or exonerate our politicans.

Join the EFCC Team!!!

PLEASE, COULD YOU READ THIS:

Political scandals of the United States (Indictments and Case Studies )
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_scandals_of_the_United_States

Israeli President Faces Indictment on Charges
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6963951

To answer your question:
I am not a legal expert but through my research, I vividly believe the FG had the constitutional right to set up these panels and has followed the legal due processes to disqualify the indicted politicians. The Constitution is Supreme and that is the end of the matter. No Judge can rule against the Constitution, rather only the parliament can amend the Constitution and as the case stands now, it's a dead end for the corrupt politicians and everyone must respect the Constitution.

Blame it on the foreign political system ADOPTED by Nigeria and not on the FG. The Nigerian Parliament has power but more power is vested on the PRESIDENT.

U-N-F-O-R-T-U-N-A-T-E-L-Y!!!

Although, my screen name is "sHUTMOUTH". I don't insult people but if I may ask you "azorjiu" apologetically to shut it and read my replies carefully.

Sometimes you have to be very aggressive in putting your points across where people just write misleading articles. Our country is in an election mood and the least we want is adding more flames to the already inflamed and tensed situation in the country. We can all use the latest web technology to educate and advise and not cause undue tensions.

The way you have explained it in a very simple sentence is great and the author of this thread should have done so. He was not predicting as he seem to show but his comments stands to mislead and flame peoples minds. I had to step in to correct, explain and clarify the issues and I did so acknowledging that he may not be knowledgable in Politics. That is not an insult.

I am here to put matters straight using available facts and not just dwell on irrelevant and misleading information which is the hall mark of most forums given the freedom people exercise on the Internet today to write whatever they want without verifications, thoughts or researches.

If you are a Nigerian, whatever your age, status and educational qualification, let us use the web to educate our people on how to identify and vote for the right politician who will work toward the development of their communities and our country and let them understand the work of the EFCC and it's main objectives.

OBJ is using EFCC  as hell

These are speculations and misleading threads. It's sickening for anyone who has read and understands the main objectives of the EFCC and it's Modus Operandi.

Are people too young or too ignorant to know that Nigeria has been plunged into poverty by it's past and present rulers? Take a close look at some of the Asian (India, Singerpore, Thailand, Malaysia etc) and Eastern European and Baltic countries. Do any of these countries possess the type of resources Nigeria has, yet they are increasing their standard of living, reducing unemployment, advancing in new technologies, providing quality education and attracting foreign investments, tourism and recognised worldwide. 

Nigeria on the other hand is still regarded as a backward, poor and corrupt country. Simply known as the inventor of 419.

Take a look at Romania and Bulgaria that embarked on the same objectives as the EFCC and were able to eradicate corruption before joining the EU in 2007. If these small countries can achieve that within a short period of time, EFCC can do it within a year given the current drive and zeal of Ribadu and the support of the FG.

As a nation, we must not just support our Govt in it's current efforts to rid the country of corruption, but make our own individual contributions to the fight through educating those that still dwell on ignorance.

Sometimes, you can not help holding your breath to see what people write about EFCC on this/other forums. I wonder if they have ever visited the EFCC web site to understand their main objectives.

EFCC Web Site: http://www.efccnigeria.org/

Whatever, Nigerians think about EFCC, the USA, Europe and the world are solidly behind the FG/EFCC as they believe the solution to Nigerian's problems will help to solve the ailing problems in the continent and prevent terrorists from taking advantage of the poverty in the continent to sow their seeds.

What you are reading about here are simple party protocols, they don't determine election results.

They are quite normal political selection processes and good for democracy.

Again, lack of knowledge in politics. Please, stop these undue alerts in this forum.

"predetermined and acceptable"  rules of engagement

Whatever that means? Typical ignorance!

When people don't know something, ignorance takes common stage. Of course, we praise those who are at home but could you imagine how many times people in Nigeria complain to us.

Uncle, "Nigeria economy is really bad, things are really hard in Nigeria, please send money urgently". A rich country with oil and yet it's people are one of the poorest in the world, A big shame!

It's very provocative to know that those at home (like you) continue to support these corrupt politicians (out of pure ignorance) even though you all know they are doing nothing for your communities. Come over here and see what local politicians do for their communities and yet they have no cars or luxury villas.

Many people supporting these fraudulent politicians are jobless and have no hopes for the future. Are you pining your hopes on politicians who have bad records of embezzlement of public funds? Could you imagine if these politicians could spend more time fixing the country's problems rather than the huge time and resources wasted on defending themselves in the courts.

Today, I live modestly in Europe and I am currently financing and sponsoring two young graduates in Nigeria and Ghana on separate technology projects. One question put to me by these young men were "Why do you do this for us when our rich politicians here can never do it FREE for us?". My answer was "Consider it done and do it for the young ones after you" . Teaching by example is what is important and not reckless talking and dubious actions common with these politicians.

I recently called my family and friends and said "TO HELL WITH NIGERIA", you'll never see me there again. My interest in Nigeria began to rekindle when I read about Ribadu. My first impression was "This is the man Nigeria have been looking for, someone who is fearless, swift and determined to rid the country of its aged long woes - corruption"

God bless Ribadu, and to hell with Atiku and his cronies.