The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) and its international partners have set an agenda for President Bola Tinubu on anti-corruption in Nigeria. The call was made by the foremost anti-corruption group, and its local and international partners at a two-day National Anti-Corruption conference held in Abuja, where President Bola Tinubu has been tasked with the immediate need to decisively fight corruption to halt the country’s possible drift into a major economic crisis amidst reports that Nigeria loses about $60billion every year to corruption. The conference with the theme; ‘Nigeria and the Fight against Corruption: Reviewing the Buhari Regime and Setting Agenda for the Tinubu Administration” organized by HEDA Resource Centre and Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch (CFTI) had participants from across the country, foreign countries and institutional bodies representatives. HEDA observed that Nigeria with a debt portfolio of N77trillion, an inflation rate of 23 percent, GDP of 2.35 percent coupled with unrelenting zeal for graft by public officials, a bold step needed to be taken by the new government to block waste, stop corruption and recreate a new public confidence to save the country from social crisis. Some of the agenda set for the new Government at the conference is to fast track the whistleblower law, payment of backlog of royalties by oil companies, anti-corruption courts for speedy prosecution of corruption cases, firm implementation of the public procurement law, accountability on the part of political actors among others. The conference also charged the National Assembly to affirm Nigeria’s readiness to join the international Special Task Force on Corruption, SATF to enable efficient recovery of illicit funds. Participants also listed the retrieval of billions of funds paid to phantom oil subsidies in the past years, oil theft, public funds stolen by political actors, and a significant cut in the cost of governance as some of the critical steps that Tinubu needed to take to save the country. Femi Falana, a legal practitioner while speaking at the conference said that Nigeria said Nigeria loses billions of dollars to oil theft and the refusal of oil companies to pay the total expected tax amounting to billions over the past years without sanctions. He said Nigeria has failed to put a mechanism in place to determine how many liters of oil are taken from the country’s onshore and offshore. However, Gbenga Komolafe, Managing Director of Nigeria Upstream Regulatory Commission, (NURC) said that new equipment has been acquired by the commission that would monitor every liter of oil taken from Nigeria adding that the new initiative will create a paradigm shift in oil-related revenue generation in the country. Olanrewaju Suraju, HEDA Chairman, noted that there have been no reasons to believe that there was going to be any serious fight against corruption given the experiences in the past years. He said Nigeria’s hope is rekindled by the iron cast will of Nigerians and the irresistible wind of change blowing against corruption across the world of which Nigeria cannot be an exception. Suraju further stressed the need to set an agenda for constructive CSO engagement with the new regime to develop the framework for good governance. The National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu expressed the commitment of the Tinubu-led administration to build the capacity of investigators, as part of efforts to enhance the war against corruption in the civil service and Nigeria as a whole. Ribadu who was represented by the Special Adviser, Legal Department, NSA, Anthony Oluborode maintained that a cap will be placed on fiscal expenditures for the construction of government buildings and salaries related to compensation, and packages of elected officials, adding that such spending will have a low priority in the Tinubu-led administration and transparent.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), a renowned civil society organization dedicated to championing justice, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria, has expressed deep concern over recent developments surrounding the alleged removal of the Rector at Osun State Polytechnic (OSPOLY), Iree. In the light of these concerns, HEDA emphatically calls upon the Osun State Government, led by Sen. Ademola Adeleke, to abstain from continuing with  actions that defy court orders and undermine the rule of law. The recent order issued by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, seated in Lagos, in response to an Ex-parte Motion filed by Dr. Tajudeen Odetayo, the allegedly suspended Rector of OSPOLY, has brought the matter into the spotlight. Dr. Odetayo contended that his suspension is unjust and grounded in baseless allegations aimed at tarnishing his reputation and casting him in disrepute. In a statement endorsed by HEDA Resource Centre’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society group firmly urges the state government to immediately halt any further actions associated with the appointment of a new acting Rector for Osun State Polytechnic (OSPOLY), Iree, in strict adherence to the court’s order. “We call on the Osun State Government to demonstrate unwavering commitment to the independence and integrity of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria by refraining from any form of interference. “The rule of law is the cornerstone of any thriving democracy, and it is imperative that government actions, especially those carrying significant implications by those who benefitted from protection of the courts to be in power, are conducted within the confines of the law.” Suraju said. HEDA thereby called on the Governor and relevant authorities to adhere to established legal procedures when selecting candidates for pivotal positions, stating that rule of law and merit-based selection are fundamental to the efficient operation of institutions and the advancement of society. Suraju noted that HEDA Resource Centre remains resolute in its commitment to the monitoring and advocacy for good governance, accountability, and the safeguarding of citizens’ rights. He thereby pledges to closely monitor developments surrounding the alleged suspension of the OSPOLY Rector and resolution of the conflicts arising from it. HEDA also implored all stakeholders to prioritize the principles of the rule of law, justice, and transparency in the critical matter.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission is investigating allegations of corruption and abuse of office against  immediate-past Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami. This was revealed in a memo dated July 19, 2023, signed by the Petition Registrar, ICPC, H.S. Folaranmi, on behalf of the ICPC Chairman, Prof Bolaji Owasanoye The memo was in response to a petition filed by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda, accusing the former AGF of corruption and high-handedness. “I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your petition on the above subject and to inform you that necessary action is being taken on the matter,” the memo read. HEDA, writing the ICPC through its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, in its July 10, 2023 petition sighted by our correspondence, had said, referenced a number of allegations against Malami. It said, “Below are but a few of several corruption allegations against Mr. Abubakar Malami: On the 2nd day of May 2022, it was widely reported by various news outlets that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice; Abubakar Malami SAN distributed 30 car gifts worth over N1,000,000,000 to his supporters in Kebbi State. “The car gifts included 14 Mercedes Benz, eight  Prado SUVs, four Toyota Hilux and four Lexus LX. Beneficiaries of the car gifts, as reported by PremiumTimes, were social media influencers, executive members of Mr Malami’s foundation and women support groups. “Two, illegal auctioning of sea vessels holding crude oil seized by the Federal Government, violating Section 31(2) and (4) of the EFCC Act 2004 and assuming the role conferred on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as reported by TheCable Newspaper on the 13th July, 2020. The AGF also authorised the sale of these vessels by companies under EFCC prosecution for similar offence of illegal bunkering and this action was admitted by the AGF through his Media Assistant pleading presumption of innocence on the part of the accused, in a case being prosecuted by the Federal Government through the EFCC.” The group also referenced “alleged duplicity of payment of $16.9m fees to two friends as new lawyers for the recovery of the loot traced to a former Nigerian Head of State, Sani Abacha, after a Swiss lawyer, Enrico Monfrini, hired and fully paid by the previous government, to help in the recovery had completed his brief as reported by PremiumTimes on the 10th of April, 2018.”

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) has raised serious concerns regarding the negative effects of inter-agency rivalry on Nigeria’s fight against insecurity. Consequently, urged the Federal Government to address this issue promptly in order to foster synergy and success in combating insecurity. During a recent television program in Lagos, HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, highlighted the challenges experienced during the previous administration. He pointed out that insufficient control over institutions, individuals, and government agencies resulted in recklessness among appointed officials and elected representatives. However, Suraju expressed optimism about the current government, especially with the appointment of National Security Advisor (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who possesses commendable character and credentials. Suraju believes that this appointment can lead to improved coordination among law enforcement agencies, anti-corruption bodies, and security agencies. Emphasizing the need for accountability and responsibility, Suraju advocated for imposing penalties on individuals involved in any wrongdoing. He cited a recent incident involving the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Correctional Services (NCS) in the case of the suspended Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele. Suraju criticized the uncivil and condemnable actions of the DSS, which he deemed detrimental to the accountability process. Suraju further explained that accountability often diminishes when high-profile individuals are involved, citing the case involving Senator Stella Oduah that took years for arraignment to reach the court, only for the judge to give an order outside his jurisdiction. He attributed the delays in prosecution to conflicts and rivalries among agencies striving to achieve their respective goals. He urged the National Security Adviser and the President to address such conflicts and stress the importance of adhering to appropriate procedures in a civilian regime. The HEDA Chairman stressed the significance of allowing government institutions to function without external interference and called for the judiciary’s understanding of the challenges faced in prosecuting high-profile individuals. He warned that undermining the administration of criminal justice would exacerbate insecurity in the country. Expressing his concerns, Suraju pointed out that high-profile suspects often escape accountability through legal loopholes, such as the bail process and frustrating prosecution efforts. He called on all stakeholders, including lawyers, to prioritize the nation’s well-being and not merely seek the release of suspects without following due process. This interview shed light on the crucial issue of inter-agency rivalry and its detrimental impact on Nigeria’s fight against insecurity. It underscores the urgent need for measures to enhance cooperation among security and law enforcement agencies, ultimately fostering a safer and more accountable society.

Foremost Anti-corrupt group, Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on its appeal of the recent judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja judicial division. The Court discharged former Governor of Jigawa State, Alh. Sule Lamido, and his two sons, Aminu and Mustapha Lamido, of corruption and money laundering charges on the grounds that the prosecution had filed the charge at the wrong judicial division of the Federal High Court. Earlier, the EFCC had charged the former Governor and his two sons with money laundering offenses at the Abuja judicial division. After presenting six witnesses, the anti-graft agency closed its case, and the defendants subsequently filed a no-case submission. However, Justice Ojukwu of the Federal High Court dismissed the no-case submission, ruling that the defendants had a case to answer. Dissatisfied with the ruling, the defendants decided to appeal to the Court of Appeal. A panel of three jurists, led by Hon. Justice Adamu Waziri, reviewed the case and concluded that the money laundering charge should have been filed in Jigawa State, where the alleged offenses were committed. Based on this finding, the Court of Appeal discharged the defendants. In response to the judgment, HEDA Resource Centre’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, expressed concerns, citing a precedent set by the Supreme Court in the case of Dele Belgore. In the Belgore case, the Supreme Court also overturned a no-case submission ruling by the Federal High Court. However, unlike the Lamido case, the Supreme Court ordered the case to be re-filed and prosecuted in the appropriate judicial division, which was Kwara State. Suraju also highlighted another relevant case, that of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu & Ors, wherein the Supreme Court overturned the judgment of the Federal High Court due to jurisdictional issues. In that case, the Supreme Court ordered a re-trial of the defendants, instead of discharging them. He stressed that an appellant whose appeal is based on an application or an interlocutory appeal, and not on the final judgment of the trial court, should not be discharged by the appellate court. Such discharges could set a wrong precedent, suggesting that technical errors may lead to acquittal. Suraju therefore called on the EFCC, as the prosecutor, to pursue further appeal at the Supreme Court. He emphasized that Nigerians cannot afford a precedent that fails to ensure consequences for money laundering, corruption, and misappropriation of public funds. The EFCC’s response and the potential implications of further appeal will be closely watched, as the case involves high-profile individuals and raises important questions about the judicial process surrounding corruption cases in Nigeria.

A coalition of five civil society organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria has demanded unwavering professionalism and integrity from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) in the alleged investigation of the Chairman of Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Muhyi Rimingado. Development Diaries reports that the EFCC and the CCB are probing the period Rimingado served under former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje. Rimingado, it is understood, is probing Ganduje, now the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for alleged corruption over a viral video showing the ex-governor allegedly receiving bribe in dollars from a contractor. In a statement to Development Diaries, the coalition made up of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), and Procurement Observation and Advocacy Initiative (PRADIN) demanded that the agencies carry out their duties with unwavering professionalism and integrity, free from any form of political interference. ‘The coalition expresses concern as the probe is coming on the heels of the PCACC’s enquiry into the alleged financial misconduct of the previous administration led by Abdullahi Ganduje, who currently serves as the National Chairman of the ruling party, the All-Progressives Congress (APC)’, it read. The coalition also called on the PCACC, the EFCC, and the CCB to foster a spirit of collaboration in their individual anti-corruption pursuits.