Introduction and Backgrounds As usual, the end of the year 2022 presents yet another opportunity to assess the fight against corruption. No doubt, it remains a consistently sad account that the annual Corruption Perception Index (CPI) released by Transparency International (TI) continues to rank Nigeria low on anti-corruption. The issues and concerns remain constant and it is unclear whether much has actually changed. Although according to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), in 2022, a total of 672 and 565 non-petition-led investigations were successfully conducted. The Commission also recovered 117 billion Naira as proceeds of crime during the period. During the same period, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured 3,328 convictions in addition to forfeiture of N775 million and landed properties linked to two former government officials; as well as forfeiture of 40 assets in Nigeria, the United States of America, London and Dubai belonging to former deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu. Despite this, the issue of abandoned corruption cases is one that has remained a feature of Nigeria’s corruption situation up to 2022. A recent study conducted by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) chronicles 35 various cases of corruption that remained unresolved between 1999 and 2022 involving about 826 billion US dollars. This is not to mention cases that are being prosecuted and prolonged for years within the court system. According to the 6th (2022) edition of a compendium of 100 High Profile Corruption Cases in Nigeria, covering the period between 2015 and 2022, also released by HEDA, more than 21 trillion Naira and over 47 billion US Dollars are involved in several pending and some concluded cases. The year 2022 was also filled with developments that caused concerns for whistle-blowers. There is a need to review various issues affecting whistle-blowing with a view to advancing the cause of exposing corruption in 2023. Beyond the continued lack of comprehensive legal protection for whistle-blowers, the Oath of Secrecy in the civil service has continued to serve as a readily available tool in the hands of corrupt officials to victimize while-blowers despite the cover provided against it by the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act. How can we address these in 2023? What are available interim measures to deploy? The role of media in the onslaught against corruption is yet another area in need of review. How has the media helped in protecting whistle-blowers? How is the media helping to spotlight abandoned and delayed cases? How better can the media help in exposing oppressors of whistle-blowers? Allied to this is the role of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), what has been the impact of this organisation in the last year in sensitizing against corruption? What can be done better in 2023? While there has been debate as to the performance of the Buhari Administration in the fight against corruption, two incidents seemed to have narrowed the discussion, making it difficult to defend the genuineness of the fight against corruption under President Buhari. One of these is the series of shocking theft, with a 2022 notable example being the one involving the former Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, who allegedly stole about 109 billion Naira. The second 2022 development that cast serious doubts on the genuineness of the fight against corruption under this government was the State Pardon granted by the President to 159 prisoners, two of whom were Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame — ex-governors of Plateau and Taraba states, respectively. While Dariye was found guilty and jailed for stealing N1.16 billion, Nyame was sentenced for N1.6 billion. There have been arguments about the legality, moral validity, and political correctness of this development7. The 29th Anti-Corruption Situation Room (ACSR) was themed: “State of Anti-corruption in Nigeria: Review of 2022 and Agenda for 2023” with the objective of looking at these issues with a view to educating stakeholders and setting an agenda for the New Year even as the country settles into an election year. This is to review the fight against corruption in 2022 with a view to making agenda-setting recommendations to key stakeholders in the fight against corruption in 2023;  reorganize the civil society and the media for a stand against persecution of anti-corruption activists – including whistle-blowers and journalists – and defend activists’ rights; and sensitize stakeholders on key anti-corruption development and highlight perspectives for progress. The event, chaired by Prof. Sadiq Isah Radda, Executive Secretary of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), was attended by over 50 stakeholders from the state and non-state actors across Nigeria including, Dr. Kole Shettima, MacArthur Foundation; AbdulRasheed Bawa, EFCC Chairman ably represented by Hadiza Gamawa, Chief of Staff to the EFCC Chairman; Mrs. Kemi Okenyodo, Executive Director, Partners West Africa; Comrade Yunusa Z. Ya’u, Executive Director, Centre for Information, Technology, and Development (CITAD); Dr. Chido Onumah, Coordinator, AFRICMIL; Peggy Chukwuemeka, Executive Director, Parent-Child Intervention Centre; Comrade Jaye Jaskiya, Executive Director, Praxis Academy; Mrs. Adenike Aloba, Program Director, Dataphyte; Ms. Ladi Bala, President NAWOJ; Ms. Lillian Ekeanyanwu, UNODC; Dr. Ibrahim Zikirullah, Executive Director, Resource Centre for Human Rights; Mr. Tijah Bolton-Akpan, Executive Director, Policy Alert; Comrade Taiwo Otitolaye, National Coordinator, PWYP; Comrade Celestine Akpobare, National Coordinator, Ogoni Solidarity Forum; and Mr. Femi Falana SAN, Human Rights Lawyer, who delivered the keynote speech, among others. Following four presentations, discussions, and extensive deliberation, the following communique was adopted: Observations Participants observed that: Corruption poses a great threat to the Nigerian state and society and all efforts aimed at defeating it must be made. Society. The implementation of the constitutional laws has been the major challenge for Anti-Corruption Agencies. Media responsibility is below recommendation regarding corruption-based reports and its media agenda setting as what ought to be is not been put to the public space. Corruption is systemic as corrupt politicians, officials network to truncate the efforts of civil society organizations, and media in the fight against the menace. The Presidential pardon intent is an issue in the fight against corruption as it

Introduction and Background The 27th Anti-Corruption Situation Room (ACSR) was themed: “Towards Nigeria’s 2023 General Elections” with the objective to seek to re-evaluate the situation and discuss those issues capable of affecting the sanctity of the forthcoming general elections. This is with a view to sensitizing relevant stakeholders and towards making agenda-setting recommendations to key stakeholders in capable of affecting the sanctity of the forthcoming general elections. The event, was attended by over 50 stakeholders from the state and non-state actors across Nigeria including Mr. Tony Ojukwu SAN, Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Hajia Saudatu Mahdi MFR, Secretary General, Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), Mrs Mma Odi, General Secretary Alliance for Credible Elections (ACE Nigeria), Mr. Tijah Bolton-Akpan, Executive Director, Policy Alert, Dr. Bukola Adebayo, Founder, Human and Organizational Resources Development Centre (HORDC), Hamzat Lawal, Executive Director, Connected Development (CODE), Commandant Remi Ekundayo of NSCDC, Dr. Chido Onumah, AFRICMIL, represented by Mr Godwin Onyeacholem; and Barr. Mike Igini, a Former Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC who delivered the keynote speech, among others. Following the lead presentation, three panel discussions and extensive deliberations, the following communique was adopted: Observations Participants observed that: Multi-stakeholders’ collective responsibility is below par as their contribution make or mar the electoral process. Withholding of voters’ card by political candidates and agents pose a big threat to free, fair and credible elections come 2023. The judicial system is still struggling with high profile corruption cases especially politicians who have not been tried and still contesting for offices in the next general elections. Vote trading and poverty in the country also pose threats to the corruption-free election Nigeria seeks to actualize at the 2023 polls. Corruption poses an existential threat to Nigeria election such that if the country is able to tame it, every other thing will be addressed. The judiciary is culpable in undermining the electoral system in Nigeria, by systematically delaying the electoral tribunal cases more than it is required. Recommendations Participants recommended that: The media, beyond being the watchdog, should step up their game in scrutinizing political candidates and call for citizens’ full participation in the forthcoming general elections.  Relevant stakeholders should monitor the judicial system in ensuring that they abide by the rule of law and are not being used by politicians to undermine the electoral process. Security personnel through relevant security agencies should be educated and trained on electoral duties and made to understand the gravity of their actions should they be compromised in the discharge of their duties. Civil Society Organizations should continually engage and create awareness of the 2022 electoral act to the citizens, political parties, candidates and security agencies. The Political finances legal framework beyond INEC act should be looked into as loopholes in the political financing during elections encourages corruption, vote trading and bribery. As the country moves into election campaigns period, the Law Enforcement Agencies should gear up to enforce the laws on campaign finances as enshrined. EFCC, NFIU should intensify their tracking on the huge illegal financial flows from political parties, candidates before and during elections. Calls for strategic partnership with CSO, Law enforcement agencies and the media to stem the tide of electoral corruption practices. Media should be professional and factual in reporting to hold corrupt politicians accountable. Security of the voters before, during and after election should be prioritized by the federal and state government in collaboration with relevant security agencies. Participation of the electorates should be made a priority. Nigerians should be involved in political participation and engagement for a better Nigeria. 27th ACSR REPORT 2023 Polls: HEDA Holds ACSR Stakeholders Engagement, Issues Communique on Electoral Integrity …. We organized to brainstorm on ways to ensure integrity of the 2023 polls – HEDA Chairman As part of her core mandates in ensuring good governance in Nigeria, the foremost civil society organization, Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has sensitized relevant stakeholders and made agenda-setting recommendations to key stakeholders ahead of the forthcoming general elections. The civil society group’s 27th Anti-Corruption Situation Room (ACSR) themed: “Towards Nigeria’s 2023 General Elections” held in Abuja seek to re-evaluate the situation and discuss those issues capable of affecting the sanctity of the forthcoming general elections. Speaking during his lead presentation on the Electoral Act 2022 assessment at the event, the former INEC Akwa Ibom Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barrister Mike Igini maintained that power has been returned to the Nigerian electorate following the introduction of electronic technology – Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), making manipulation of election result almost impossible. Igini, who charged citizens with political participation, also urged the electorate to keep vigil over their votes during the 2023 general elections and ensure compliance with the electoral law. On his part, Chairman, HEDA Resource Centre, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju said that the event was organized to brainstorm on ways of ensuring the integrity of the 2023 elections. He further noted that fixing Nigeria’s electoral challenges would address the country’s development problems. However, following the lead presentation, three panel discussions and extensive deliberations, some observations and recommendations were adopted as communique from the event for stakeholders to implement ahead of the forthcoming general elections. Meanwhile, some observations raised by the participants include the multi-stakeholders collective responsibility below par as their contribution make or mar the electoral process; withholding of voters’ cards by political candidates and agents; vote trading and poverty in the country; corruption among others. Part of the recommendations adopted at the anti-corruption event reads in part, “The media, beyond being the watchdog, should step up their game in scrutinizing political candidates and call for citizens’ full participation in the forthcoming general elections. They should be professional and factual in reporting to hold corrupt politicians accountable. “Relevant stakeholders should monitor the judicial system in ensuring that they abide by the rule of law and are not being used by politicians to undermine the electoral process. Security personnel through relevant security agencies should be educated and trained on electoral duties and made to

Being the Communique issued at the end of a one day seminar organized by Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) in collaboration with the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) with the theme The Imperative of State Anti-Corruption Agency: Kano State as a Case Study held at the K Suites Hotel, Nassarawa Way, Kano on Thursday, August 01, 2019. The programmed was supported by SCRAP-C actionaid, Ukaid and Mac Arthur Foundation. Background Concerned that corruption is a major impediment to sustainable development and livelihood; Worried that in Nigeria, corruption continues to undermine social and economic growth and that corruption is a breeding ground for social disorder including but not limited to unemployment, crime, violent extremism, even terrorism and other associated miseries; Recognising the various efforts of the Federal Government in the fight against corruption with associated strength and weaknesses; Noting that inspite of these efforts, corruption continues to thrive across the country not assisted by the Federal Government’s recent cabinet list which though contains the names of credible  people but also dotted by spurious credentials of individuals linked with corruption cases; Convinced that Nigeria will not attain genuine transformation unless corruption is tackled headlong; The conference was enriched with an avalanche of highly resourceful personalities including Executive Secretary, PACAC, Prof. Abdullahi Shehu, Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaint Anti-Corruption Commission, Mr Ezenwa Nwagu, Motajo Abdulkareem, Dr. Albari Garba, Mr Ibrahim Zikrillahi, Mr Emmanuel Bonet Emmanuel among close to 50 participants. The conference received solidarity cum goodwill messages and presentations from Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), National Orientation Agency (NOA), Strengthening Citizens’ Resistance Against the Prevalence of Corruption (SCRAPC), ACORN, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), CHRICED, Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Kano State Ministry of Justice, Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption and other civil society platforms. Participants made the following RESOLUTIONS  this day, August 01, 2019: That corruption can no longer be isolated as a local challenge but a threat to local and international communities. That unmitigated cases of corruption hampers economic growth and development in every state in Nigeria. Now we have the highest number of children who are out of school in the world. That corruption must be brought to an end or reduced to its barest minimum through joint efforts and collaboration of civil society, Community Based Organisations, (CBOs) and the government in the interest of individuals and for the stability and prosperity of the people and the country. That there has been over concentration of the anti-corruption campaign on Federal Government agencies whereas, the allocation of natural resources skew in favour of the State and Local Governments with about 52 percent to the FG’s 48 percent with data-driven facts that corruption is more pronounced within the States and LGs than that of the Federal Government. That a significant amount of corruption that happens in our country happens at the states and local government levels and that civil society groups should intensify efforts in engaging the states and local governments on the need to expand and tackle corruption mainly at the state level. Kano state set a good example in principle in 2008 by setting up the Kano State Anti-Corruption Commission. The remaining 35 states of the Federation are encouraged to set up similar anti-corruption agencies with strong flavor for independence and a human resource base driven by credibility and moral uprightness. That the proposed State anti-corruption Commissions should have strong and effective laws, investigative and enforcement mechanisms in the states’ Commissions for effective investigation and diligent prosecution. Henceforth, participants will reinforce a network to ensure that the anti-corruption dragnet is spread to cover activities focusing on the States and LGs; Summit supports the policy of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) allocation of resources directly to Local Governments as such will promote accountability and inclusiveness. State and Local Governments should promote and adopt the TSA policy as a way of preventing graft. For the anti-corruption agencies to effectively discharge their responsibilities, they should be well resourced. That the anti-corruption campaign will be more effective when it is driven by the people. Journalists should be more proactive through investigative reporting in the collaborative efforts of exposing corrupt institutions and individuals. The anti-corruption situation room commended the initiative and leadership of the HEDA Resource Centre, the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, (PACAC), and the National Orientation Agency, (NOA) for putting together this laudable, enriching, and empowering conference. WATCH THE 11TH ACSR HERE

Vote Trading and Other Electoral Corruption in the 2019 General Elections: Setting Agenda for Prosecution and Reforms: HEDA and collaborating CSOs and government agencies fulfil promise to collaborate. On April 10, 2019, stakeholders gathered at the 9th ACSR to exchange experience, collate reports of electoral corruption in line with the commitment made at the 8th edition of ACSR. The forum which held at the Rockview Hotel, Abuja had in attendance Peter Ogunsanwo (Assistant Inspector General of Police) who represented the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Festus Okoye (Federal Commissioner, INEC), Comrade Ayuba Waba (President, Nigeria Labour Congress), Mr. Femi Falana SAN (Human Rights Lawyer and Activist), representatives of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), CSOs, NGOs and the Media. The 9th ACSR came on the heels of the earlier forum (the 8th ACSR) where collaborating organizations including police and government agencies agreed to work together by way of gathering reports and assembling the reports for the purpose of prosecuting electoral corruption/fraud. Debates, deliberations and report presentations at the forum focused on various incidences of electoral malpractices witnessed during the General Elections especially reported cases of; Vote buying/trading Exchange of food items for votes Exorbitant sales of nomination forms Community collective inducement Organized reward system during the elections Buying and warehousing of voters’ cards before elections Surrendering voters’ card to cartel as precondition for access to social amenities Buying of party agents Teleguiding voters After all deliberations the forum agreed to put together all the reports and with the support of the SAN, Femi Falana SAN come up with a harmonized report with the aim of drawing out list of possible prosecution from the report. The forum agreed that representatives drawn from collaborating organizations including the police and government anticorruption agencies should meet no later than four weeks to put final touches on the prosecution plan. MEDIA LINK HERE DOWNLOAD THE 9TH ANTI-CORRUPTION SITUATION ROOM (ACSR) COMMUNIQUE HERE

8TH ANTI-CORRUPTION SITUATION ROOM Partnership for Monitoring, Documenting, Reporting, and Prosecuting Vote Trading During the February And March General Elections: Partners give commitments for joint observation for prosecution of offenders. HEDA in collaboration with Transition Monitoring Group and other partnering CSOs and NGOs extracted a commitment from the Police Service Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Femi Falana Chambers, National Human Rights Commission(NHRC), Women and Advocacy Research and Documentation Centre (WARD C) and other stakeholders to work together during and after the general elections to ensure that electoral corruption is prosecuted and culprit punished in accordance to the law The commitment was extracted at the 8th ACSR organized by HEDA in conjunction with TMG. The forum which was held on the 12th day of February 2019 had in attendance; Mr. Mohammed Adamu (Acting Inspector General of Police), Femi Falana SAN (Human Rights Lawyer), Dr. Biola Akiyode-Afolabi (Chairperson, TMG), Professor Shehu Abdullahi, Representatives of ICPC and EFCC, and participants drawn from other CSOs and NGOs. The forum among other things unanimously agreed that electoral corruption is the bane of our democratic system and the foundation for other forms of corruption. Therefore, the need to stamp out electoral corruption must be taken seriously if the country is to stamp out corruption. The 8th ACSR which was characterized by paper presentations and debates identifies major areas of electoral corruption which including; Vote buying/trading Exchange of food items for votes Exorbitant sales of nomination forms Community collective inducement Organized reward system during the elections Buying and warehousing of voters’ cards before elections Surrendering voters’ cards to cartel as a precondition for access to social amenities Buying of party agents Teleguiding voters In an open unanimity, the forum agrees to foster an open collaboration during the elections, to observe the process, the police, anti-corruption agencies, INEC and observers group led by TMG, HEDA and other partners all resolved to follow up the process of elections and compile at the end of the electoral exercise to compile list of culprit, suspects as the case may be to ensure that offenders are prosecuted. With this commitment for collaboration by participating organizations, HEDA together with TMG set the ground for a robust partnership aimed at focusing on electoral corruption. RECOMMENDATIONS After the addresses, statements in support and observations the event was resolved as follows: The bringing to the light any Attorney General that attempts to file a nolle prosequi (to discontinue or withdraw) for promoting criminality Deployment of about 4000 observers across Nigeria to cover all the 774 Local government areas across the country to observe the voting process from the booth to the collation centre Toward a credible, transparent election, an Election geared situation room tagged the “Election Observation Platform” to hold in Lagos at Radisson Blu Hotel towards the realization of the mandate of the partnership to support processes that will contribute to the realization of free, fair and credible elections. Referral of incidences that the police need to respond to from the situation room to address the issue to take quick response Working hand in hand with other organizations that created their own situation room particularly Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) working with Nigeria Election Situation Room focusing majorly at the collation centre Deployment of eminent Nigerians to act as opinion leaders to add more credibility to the report that would sprung out of the Election Observation Platform situation room in response to the election process Assembling of a team of young patriotic lawyers in each of the states of the federation to handle the cases almost pro bono in ensuring those who are arrested for committing electoral offences are successfully prosecuted The police collaboration with the public in the implementation of the security strategies put in place to have free, fair and credible elections in the country. Inauguration of the Police Election Monitoring Investigation team to survey and take up cases identified by INEC as compromise or offence for investigation and prosecution of the case Partnership of the police with diverse communities to foster the principles of community policing to identify problems and work with the community to solve the problems. Professionalism of security personnel during and after the election exercise and the deployment of other security personnel to augment the shortage of police officers and the arresting of security personnel’s that serve as VIP escorts to anyone to the polling booth Police officer and other security agents are prohibited from escorting public officers to polling units in uniforms and carrying weapons at the polling units. Anyone found violating the order will be arrested and prosecuted Command PROs are mandated to receive reports of incidences for compilation and appropriate actions. Observers and Citizens are to contact Command PROs or Force PROs to report violence or vote trading before and during elections. Advocacy of peace by spiritual leaders to the politician to convey to their followers to be law abiding citizens before, during and after the elections. Going beyond arresting and prosecuting offenders and Identification by people of party programs and ideologies will help curb the menace of vote trading and give them confidence to the people in the government Elites are to organize and mobilize people, to challenge the government who wins immediately after the election to take up every major problem confronting our country Waging war against security votes and collaboration between INEC and the Nigeria police force to ensure there is a follow up on the successful prosecution of these electoral offenders DOWNLOAD THE 8TH ACSR COMMUNIQUE HERE