Reps Vote to Remove CCT Chairman

The House of Representatives voted to remove Danladi Umar as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) during a plenary session on Tuesday.  The motion cited specific sections of the 1999 Constitution and the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act as grounds for his removal, which include issues such as misconduct or failure to properly perform his duties. However, the decision was met with controversy, as reports indicated that fewer than 150 lawmakers were present during the vote, far below the necessary two-thirds majority of the 360-member House required by the Constitution for such actions. This raises concerns over the legitimacy of the session. In a related development, the Nigerian Senate recently acknowledged an error in its motion to remove Umar.  Sponsored by Senate Leader Michael Bamidele Opeyemi, the motion referenced an incorrect section of the Constitution, which pertains to the Code of Conduct Bureau, not the CCT Chairman.

Anti-corruption groups demand transparency in investigation of Kano PCACC Chairman

A coalition of prominent civil society groups dedicated to combating corruption and promoting transparency and accountability is closely monitoring the alleged investigation of Barrister Muhyi Rimingado, Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (Kano State PCACC), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB). The statement, jointly signed by Olanrewaju Suraju of HEDA, Anwalu Musa Rafsanjani of CISLAC, David Ugolor of ANEEJ, Ibrahim M. Zikrullahi of CHRICED, and Muhammed Attah of PRADIN, underscores the coalition’s commitment to tracking developments in this case as they unfold. The coalition expresses concern that this probe follows the PCACC’s inquiry into alleged financial misconduct during the previous administration led by Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who currently serves as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The coalition stands in support of Chairman Muhyi Rimingado, believing that he will emerge unscathed from the investigation. In their official statement, the coalition commends the EFCC and CCB for their efforts to uphold transparency and accountability. They call upon these agencies to conduct their duties with unwavering professionalism and integrity, free from political interference. The statement emphasizes the importance of an impartial and thorough inquiry into recent developments surrounding the investigation of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Commission Chairman. The credibility and reputation of the Kano State PCACC depend on demonstrating transparency and fairness in its internal processes. All parties involved are urged to collaborate closely and adhere strictly to established legal procedures. The anti-corruption groups further call on the Kano State Anti-Corruption Commission, the EFCC, and the CCB to foster a spirit of collaboration in their individual anti-corruption pursuits. Timely cooperation between these agencies is crucial to addressing historical and current allegations of corruption promptly and diligently. By working together, these organizations can significantly contribute to a governance framework in Kano State characterized by transparency and accountability. For these groups, the commitment to eradicating corruption goes beyond mere rhetoric; it represents a shared conviction that eliminating corruption is fundamental to sustainable development, social justice, and the overall well-being of society. The coalition remains optimistic that the involved agencies will uphold the highest standards of professionalism and make substantial contributions to the realization of a corruption-free Kano State while holding former public office holders in the state accountable for their actions before the Kano State Anti-Corruption Commission.

Stella Oketete not under our investigation- Code of Conduct Bureau

The Code of Conduct Bureau has denied reports making the rounds in some online media platforms that the Executive Director of NEXIM Bank, Stella Erhuvwu Oketete is under investigation by the Bureau. In a statement signed by the Director Investigation and Monitoring, Gwimi S.P. on behalf of the Chairman of the Bureau, and made available to the media, he noted that the information did not in any way emanate from their office, and as such, advised the general public to disregard the information. “The attention of the Code of Conduct Bureau, (CCB) has been drawn to the nefarious and deceptive letter with Ref No. CCB/HQ/11&M/NB/099 dated 21st March 2023 purported to have emanated from the Bureau on the above-named Public Officer being investigated by the Bureau in an online media, particularly published by the Sahara Reporters on the 29th July 2023. “The Code of Conduct Bureau wishes to state clearly that it has no hand in the information in circulation, as such the general public should disregard the letter and it’s content,” the statement said. NIGERIAN ANCHOR had reported that an Abuja-based human rights lawyer, Oladotun Hassan, asked the Nigerian Senate to disqualify one of the ministerial nominees, Stella Okotete, over allegations of corruption. Read more.. Similarly, the Nigeria Police Force also ordered a discreet investigation of Okotete over alleged falsification of documents and monumental fraud. The human rights lawyer ordered a proper investigation over the alleged use of various front companies as proxies to defraud banks of billions of naira and dollars. The petition called for a reversal of Okotete’s appointment, stating that she was not qualified to hold such a position. “Predicated upon our demand for the independent and conscientious thorough background investigation and profiling of the culprit’s academic credentials and sequence of events as stated in her unsubstantiated and ridiculously padded CV as follows: “To investigate her academic profile as regards her school’s records of exams, school fees payments and NYSC certificate, as well allowance payments during years of service. “To investigate her disqualification by the Senate and her noncompliance to Senate resolution and ruling is highly contemptuous and disobedience to the constituted authority of Senate,” the petition partly read. The Nigeria Police Force investigation order followed a petition by Barrister Aare Oladotun Hassan Esq of Juryman Associate Chambers against the ministerial nominee to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over alleged falsification of documents, fraudulent misrepresentation of qualification to hold Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) statutory position, corrupt practice, monumental fraud and misappropriation. The lawyer in had in April, written a petition to the National Assembly through Akinyelure, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition to look into the issue of the Executive Director of Nexim Bank.

I’m 12% poorer since I assumed office, says Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has said he is poorer by 12 percent in the last four years as governor of the state. Makinde made this known on Sunday while speaking with newsmen in Ibadan. He told them that he submitted his Asset Declaration form at the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) office, situated on State Secretariat, Total Garden Road, on Friday in Ibadan. Makinde, on assumption of office in 2019, had declared N48 billion worth of assets. He, however, did not reveal the details of his assets but told newsmen that in due time it will all be revealed to the public. In compliance with Paragraph 11 Part 1 to the fifth schedule of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a governor is mandated to declare his assets at the end of the first tenure. “By law, I have to do a Declaration of Assets at the end of my first tenure and before assuming office for the next tenure. “So, I have gone to CCB office to submit my Assets Declaration form at the end of my first tenure and also my assets at the beginning of the second tenure. “You are all aware of my Assets Declaration for the first tenure. “I can tell you that in the last four years, I’m poorer by 10 to 12 percent. “This is because, I have not really have the chance to look after my business. “We have been looking after Oyo State business; so, I’m not surprised that there were losses a bit here and there, but I’m still okay,” Makinde said. Makinde’s Deputy, Chief Bayo Lawal, also went with the governor to submit his own Assets Declaration form. Meanwhile, the inauguration of Makinde as the Chief Executive Governor for the second term will come up on Monday at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke-Ado, Ibadan.