The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has urged Nigerian leaders to shun every act of corruption and embrace uprightness in all their activities.
ICPC made this call at the “Do the Right Thing Summit 2023, themed “Being the Right Leader” which held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Conference Centre FCT, recently.
The Spokesperson of the ICPC, Mrs. Azuka Ogugua who spoke on the Commission’s behalf in her goodwill message, reiterated the commitment of ICPC to its three-pronged mandate of imposing sanctions against corrupt leaders, blocking loopholes in the public system to avert corruption and rallying Nigerians to demand accountability from their leaders.
Mrs. Ogugua remarked that the future, hopes and aspirations of the nation, rested squarely on the shoulders of every leader, and emphasised the importance of having accountable individuals at the helm of affairs.
She commended the resourcefulness and passion of the organizers of the summit for what she described as a “desire to see a new and better Nigeria where discipline is upheld, and integrity is the watchword”. According to her, positive discourses like the summit are meant to inspire present and intending leaders to perform their duties with honesty.
She further noted that the Commission was steadfast in its purpose to work with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and other stake holders at ensuring that children and youths are sensitized on the dangers of corruption to make sure they do the right thing at all times.
The convener of the summit and founder of Do the Right Thing for the Less Privilege and Youth Foundation, Chief Mike Nwadiora, said the discourse was born from a commitment to foster positive change, equity and empowerment. He stated that the responsibility to create a just society, rests on the shoulders of leaders in every sector of the nation and it was important to imbibe the culture of ethical decisions and responsible actions.
Chief Nwadiora went further to say that the summit created a space for experts and change makers from various fields, to inspire transformation via thought provoking conversations.
He urged participants to engage in meaningful conversations that will foster ethical leadership through collective wisdom and a determination to do the right thing, while stressing that the “do the right thing” campaign should not just be a slogan, but a way of life that will help navigate the country in the right direction despite the challenges of present times.
Chief Mike advised participants to embrace diversity, as it is a treasure that promotes innovation. In his words, “when we stand together, the impossible becomes possible”.
The Summit was attended by leaders from various relevant sectors including religious, trade, safety, gender advocacy and transportation groups, as well as students and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members.
INEC adjourns again after commotion at collation centre
The electoral commission, INEC, has adjourned the collation of results of the Bayelsa governorship election by one hour following commotion at the collation centre in Yenagoa, the state capital.
The commotion started when party agents disagreed on the result from Brass Local Government Area, which was adopted at the collation centre Monday afternoon.
Brass and Southern Ijaw LGAs were the only two of the eight local governments in Bayelsa whose results were yet to be declared as of Sunday night. The collation was, on Sunday, adjourned to noon on Monday.
When the collation resumed on Monday, the collation officer for Brass announced the results that showed that the APC won in Brass with 18,431 votes compared to the 12,602 of the PDP.
WAEC migrates from Paper and Pencil Test to Computer Based Examination
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the adoption of the Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode for the conduct of the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
This is contained in a statement signed by the acting head,Public Affairs Unit of WAEC, Moyosola Adesina, and released on Monday.
According to the statement, the new innovation would kick off with the conduct of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for private candidates in February 2024.
The statement reads in part: “In line with global best practices, the Nigeria National Office of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) wishes to inform the general public, and all its stakeholders, that it has concluded plans to migrate its WASSCE for Private Candidates Examination Diets from Paper and Pencil Test to Computer Based Examination (CBE).”
NEITI, seeks EFCC support in enforcing transparency and accountability in the extractive industries
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to back it up more in its quest for transparency and accountability in the extractive industries in Nigeria.
This call was made in Abuja on Friday, November 10, 2023 by the Executive Secretary of the Initiative, Dr. Orji Ognonaya Orji when he led his team on a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede at the corporate headquarters of the EFCC, in Jabi, Abuja.
Orji stated that the mission of NEITI was to make the extractive industry open and accountable and solicited for the support of the EFCC to enforce compliance of industries falling short of its standards on disclosure of information and data.
“ We need strong support of the EFCC to enforce compliance with disclosure of information and data by companies”, he said. In a presentation made to the management staff of the Commission, Orji disclosed that, 28 out of the 36 states of the federation are sourcing 84% of their revenue from allocation from the federation accounts.
He explained that, “NEITI findings and recommendations are leading reforms in the oil, gas and mining industries” and for the Initiative to deliver more optimal results to the nation, he called for stronger collaboration and synergy with the EFCC. “Our allies in this industry are few but with an ally like the EFCC, we feel strong and confident”, he said. He also called for joint training, capacity building and manpower development for staff of the EFCC and NEITI .
In his response, the EFCC’s boss noted that every anti-corruption effort should always stand on the pillar of transparency. He particularly stressed that lessons learnt as a result of fraud investigation should be a guiding principle for individuals, organizations and nations. “Corruption investigation is not just for investigation’s sake. Lessons learnt should always be applied, he said.
He assured NEITI of enhanced collaboration. “We will renew our collaboration and mutual support. We will allow NEITI desks in our Zonal offices”, he said.
Media & Publicity
November 10, 2023
PRESS STATEMENT
NOVEMBER 12 GUBERNATORIAL ELECTIONS: A TRIUMPH FOR DEMOCRACY AND FOCUSED LEADERSHIP
I extend heartfelt congratulations to the winners of the last Saturday’s off-cycle governorship elections in Kogi and Imo States, Governor-elect Usman Ododo and the re-elected incumbent, Sen. Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress (APC). These victories signify the people’s endorsement of their leadership, and entrusting them with the responsibility of steering their respective states towards prosperity and progress.
These elections underscore the increasing trust in our electoral processes. These processes affirm the democratic gains and highlighted the ongoing improvements in our electoral system. The peaceful conduct of the elections reflects our political maturity and determination to eliminate violence throughout the electoral process.
Acknowledging the complexities of our democratic journey, it is gratifying to note that, despite isolated disturbances, these elections uphold the core tenets of our democratic values.
In applauding the winners, I commend the diligent efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). INEC’s unwavering commitment to improvement was evident in the commendable performance during the Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa elections. We anticipate the commission sustaining this impressive trajectory as we strive to meet the aspirations of our people for enhanced progress.
Special commendation is due to our security agencies for their crucial role in ensuring the observed peace. Their dedication inspires confidence in citizens that their lives and property are secure during elections. This marked a notable advancement in our electoral system.
I express gratitude to Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for fostering a level playing field for all political parties. These elections, being the first under Mr. President’s current term, showcased a commitment to decent governance and credible electoral processes, representing a remarkable improvement.
Appreciation is also extended to the youth corps members (NYSC) who served as ad hoc staff and electoral officers. Their integrity and accountability in fulfilling this national duty exemplify true patriotism.
I congratulate our great party, the APC. The national leadership’s dedication to reinforcing and promoting our political ideologies, particularly under President Tinubu, has strengthened the party’s acceptability and resilience. Let these victories propel us forward in upcoming elections. We must also be ready to ensure that the people benefit from the gains of democracy.
These recent elections should serve as catalysts for further improvement. We remain united in nurturing our electoral process toward perfection. Democracy has triumphed once again.
I rejoice with our great party, the APC, once again.
Signed:
Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, CON
Governor, Ondo State.
November 13, 2023.
CSR NEWS: JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA PLC AGAIN PARTNERS FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTER ABUJA FOR CARDIAC MEDICAL INTERVENTION TO SAVE CHILDREN
Nigeria’s leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, within the company’s corporate social responsibility policy, has in a compassionate intervention for the second time, partnered with the Federal Medical Centre Abuja for a Cardiac Surgery Mission to provide care to patients who could not otherwise afford the sensitive medical procedure.
In an earlier intervention and assistance by Julius Berger in June of this year, the company funded the same cardiac surgical procedure for five patients; children whose ages ranged from 10 months, 18 months, 2 years to 12 years.
Financial expenditure per patient in the Julius Berger sponsored operations last June included hospital admission and investigations, operation consumables and anaesthesia drugs, intensive care unit fee, and post-operation drugs.
For the second tranche of the Julius Berger sponsored cardiac surgical interventions to save children’s lives at the Federal Medical Centre Abuja, a list of seven children aged between 12 months, 15 months, 17 months, 18 months, 2 years, 4years, and 6 years with a diagnosis of perimembranous VSD has been made.
The Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Abuja said the high cost for the surgical procedure per patient derives from the recent increase in the cost of cardiac surgery consumables. Thus, there was the need for collaboration with Julius Berger to help the children with financial assistance to save and preserve their lives.
According to a statement by the Management of the Federal Medical Centre Abuja, “…we will like to use this opportunity to appreciate this partnership gesture (from Julius Berger Nigeria Plc), while we look forward to more partnerships and collaboration as we still have a large number of pediatric cases with heart conditions who cannot afford it.”
The Chief Risk Officer of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Mrs Mustapha Shakira said the company “places great premium on life and would remain proactive in its CSR initiatives, particularly to sustainably protect and preserve lives in our operational communities. Children, we also recognize, are the future of our society. Therefore, within our sustainability policy at Julius Berger, we are privileged and feel honoured to partner with the FMC to save the lives of the children.”