Paradise Papers Archives ~ News about Nigeria > 31/01/2018
Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide, the founder of Nigeria’s greatest industrial airline, Arik Air, is perhaps the country’s most prolific user of offshore entities. Mr Arumemi-Ikhide, alongside his wife, Mary, owns and maintains an intricate network of shell providers scattered across notorious tax havens, PREMIUM Instances can report. The revelation was brought to…
Paradise Papers: Investigate, prosecute Saraki now, group says
The Human and Environmental Improvement Agenda, HEDA Resource Centre, a Non-Governmental Organisation, has urged the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, to urgently commence investigation and prosecution of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, for constitutional violation and false declaration of assets. The group said its contact for Mr.
Saraki's investigation and…
Paradise Papers: Zenith Bank’s chair, Jim Ovia, provides to refund £11 million tax he allegedly avoided
The Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, has provided to refund £10,892,166 becoming the total value-added tax payment he allegedly skipped while importing two luxury jets into the European Union. Mr. Ovia and Godwin Emefiele, Nigeria's Central Bank governor, had been named among a quantity of personalities around the world…
Paradise Papers: Jim Ovia alone benefited from our offshore firms — Emefiele
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, has stated that he did not advantage financially from the three providers linked to him and Jim Ovia, the chairman of Zenith Bank, in tax havens. He stated the offshore firms were totally arranged by Mr. Ovia and that it…
How Nigeria’s largest Independent Power Plant is set up to funnel billions to tax haven
Nigeria’s largest independent energy plant (IPP), Azura Edo Power Plant, is a huge suction pipe set up to siphon millions of tax-no cost dollars via a network of Mauritius-incorporated offshore shell providers to a quantity of trusts and private equity firms, an investigation by PREMIUM Occasions and the International Consortium of…
Paradise Papers: Document counters Saraki’s claim that he broke no law
The asset declaration type the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, filed in 2003 immediately after he became governor has countered the politician's claim that he complied with the Code of Conduct and Tribunal law as far as his Cayman Islands firm, Tenia Limited, is concerned. PREMIUM Instances had reported on Monday…
#ParadisePapers: Nigerian govt to investigate users of offshore tax providers — Adeosun
The Nigerian government on Tuesday stated it will investigate customers of offshore tax shelters recently exposed in the ongoing Paradise Papers global investigation. The Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun, mentioned the Federal Ministry of Finance’s information mining project would use data provided on Nigerians from the leaks to crosscheck tax declarations.…
Violating laws, CBN Governor Emefiele illegally operates secret providers in tax havens
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, had stakes in at least 3 providers in offshore tax havens, and, by his personal admission, illegally remained connected to at least one particular of them until July 2017, though also holding on to his prime CBN job, an investigation by…
#ParadisePapers: Saraki claims he violated no law
The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has stated he did not violate any Nigerian law in establishing Tenia Restricted, a firm operating in tax havens. The Senate President in a statement by his Specific Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuf Olaniyonu, stated the business operated 'no bank account ' and 'had been…
#ParadisePapers: Nigeria’s central bank chief, Emefiele, Zenith Bank’s chair, Jim Ovia, in tax avoidance scandal
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, and the Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, have descended into a key tax avoidance scandal in Europe following revelations that they most most likely skipped the payment of about £11million value added tax whilst importing luxury jets into the…
Paradise Papers: Amnesty International calls for sanctions by world governments
Amnesty International has known as on governments at all levels to take urgent measures to crack down on tax evasion and attendant corrupt actions by wealthy individuals, government officials and providers.
This get in touch with is coming barely 24 hours just after Paradise Papers released information from a leak of 13.four million files that…
#ParadisePapers: Britain’s tax authority to look at Queen’s £10 million investment
Britain’s tax authority has asked to look at the leaked offshore investment documents dubbed ‘Paradise Papers’ to examine allegations against the queen, a spokesman for Prime Minister Theresa May perhaps stated on Monday. "It is vital to point out that holding investments offshore is not an automatic sign of wrongdoing, but…
Paradise Papers: Saraki violates Nigerian law once more, linked to a different firm in offshore tax haven
The President of the Nigerian Senate, Bukola Saraki, is in trouble once again. On Sunday his name popped up in the international list of infamy exposing some leading planet politicians for utilising shell providers in tax havens to either conceal assets, evade tax, or launder funds. That revelation, which is capable…
Paradise Papers: Saraki, other world politicians exposed in new offshore leak
The President of the Nigerian Senate, Bukola Saraki, is amongst 40 world politicians whose offshore hideaways had been exposed by a new ICIJ investigations dubbed #Paradise Papers. A review of information obtained by German newspaper, Suddeutsche Zeitung, and ICIJ from two offshore secrecy providers (Appleby and Asiaciti Trust) and 19 secrecy…
Paradise Papers: Offshore Trove Exposes Trump-Russia Links And Piggy Banks Of The Wealthiest 1 %
A trove of 13.four million records exposes ties involving Russia and U.S. President Donald Trump’s billionaire commerce secretary, the secret dealings of the chief fundraiser for Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the offshore interests of the queen of England and more than 120 politicians around the globe.
Police Arrest Driving Instructor For Allegedly Raping, Killing NYSC Member - News from Nigeria -.
The police in Ogun say they have arrested a 29-year-old driving instructor, name withheld, for allegedly raping and killing 1 Ms Modupe Taiyese, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in Abeokuta, Ogun.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Ahmed Iliyasu, told journalists at the scene of the crime in Abule Ayo area on Thursday that the suspect had confessed to the crime.
Iliyasu mentioned prior to the arrest of the suspect, the coordinator of the NYSC in the state, Mr John Okon had complained to the command about a missing corps member in the state.
"We went for a strong technical screening of reality left behind by the final individual she contacted, who is the suspect we are able to arrest him.
"We are capable to uncover this nefarious act and he led us to this place and confessed.
"Technically, the details led to one individual, an indigene of Uromi in Edo, who was teaching this innocent corps member, Taiyese Modupe, how to drive automobile.
"The man tactically and deceitfully convinced her on Saturday evening, that her driving permit was prepared.
"She decided to answer his call and he cleverly and deceitfully apprehended the lady and brought her down to this forest where he had a forceful and unlawful carnal expertise of her. Thereafter, he strangled her to death," he stated.
Expunge The Immunity Clause Now > News about Nigeria > 31/01/2018
Nigeria, right after numerous perfidious years of democracy, nevertheless faces a bleak future mainly for the reason that of the culture of corruption that has permeated the complete society. Amusingly, it is even more difficult to find a less corrupt public official in Abuja or to stumble on an individual who is bold and willing to rattle the center than to discover flailing judiciary or dilapidated roads in the entire country. The judiciary is so corrupt and weak thereby perpetuating the weakness of other democratic institutions.
In contrast, America is unequivocally a sturdy nation. It is not only powerful for the reason that of its military may, it’s strong simply because of its veritable institutions that permit the nation to flex its military energy and at the identical time foster internal durability for democratic institutions.
Therefore, America has robust institutions that have been capable to sustain its democracy for over 200 years. Nowhere is that potency extra evident than in its judicial technique that seriously attempts to make each private and public officials accountable to the individuals. Based on a extremely sturdy legal institution, no a single is above or under the law, regardless of how very placed in the society that individual is. The sharp jaw of the law does not discriminate and that is why some public officials have not been able to escape its lengthy reach. Public officials, such as the President, judges, Senators, House members, and governors, as properly as other individuals are held beyond reproach and are accountable to the public. They are not immune to judicial inquiry or any possible legal prosecution if they are found legally and morally wanting in workplace.
Rod R. Blagojevick, a highly effective two-term former Illinois governor discovered the above to be quite accurate with his individual practical experience with the law. Blagojevich, born on December ten, 1956, was the Cook County Assistant State’s Lawyer and subsequently a member of the US House of Representatives before being elected in 2002 and sworn in as the governor of Illinois on January 13, 2003. Given that his re-election in 2006, he has been marred in legal troubles. Rod R. Blagojevick came below federal investigation for corruption though in workplace. He was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, as well as soliciting bribes. The charges included attempted extortion, and conspiracy to solicit bribes, "personal advantage in exchange for an appointment" and racketeering among other charges.
The scandal resulted in Rod Blagojevich’s impeachment by the Illinois General Assembly and subsequent removal from office in January 2009 by the Illinois Senate. Soon after the ordeal, on April 2, 2009, Rod Blagojevich was indicted by the federal grand jury on the charges filed by Patrick Fitzgerald, a no-nonsense federal prosecutor. On June 27, 2011, Rod Blagojevich was convicted of 17 charges of corruption and sentenced to 14 years in federal penitentiary on December 7, 2011. He is at present serving his 14-year sentence in Colorado. It is clear that in the United States, any allegation of impropriety or graft against a public official—elected or appointed—is totally investigated to either exonerate the alleged or find him/her liable/guilty and consequently removed from office in addition to other legal retributions. The course of action of removing an elected official from office may be a lengthy 1. Having said that, the culprit may possibly elect to resign instead of putting the public via the impeachment method.
Sadly, in Nigeria, corruption among some governors is protected by the immunity clause in the Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which states:
"(1) Notwithstanding something to the contrary in this Constitution, but topic to subsection (2) of this section - (a) No civil or criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against a individual to whom this section applies for the duration of his period of workplace (b) A individual to whom this section applies shall not be arrested or imprisoned in the course of that period either in pursuance of the procedure of any court or otherwise and (c) No approach of any court requiring or compelling the look of a individual to whom this section applies, shall be applied for or issued: Provided that in ascertaining no matter if any period of limitation has expired for the purposes of any proceedings against a individual to whom this section applies, no account shall be taken of his period of office."
Without having expunging the preceding section, Sections 174 and 211(1) would be mute on the sitting governors. Section 211 consists of, "the Attorney Common of a State shall have energy: (a) to institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any individual ahead of any court of law in Nigeria other than a court-martial in respect of offence designed by or below a law of the Residence of Assembly (b) to take over and continue any such criminal proceedings that may well have been instituted by any other authority or individual and (c) to discontinue at any stage prior to judgment is delivered any such criminal proceedings instituted or undertaken by him or any other authority or individual."
There is no cogent argument for preserving the immunity clause for the protection of the sitting governors. Whilst the debate rages, the human toll of immunity-aided corruption in Nigeria continues to be alarming and beyond description at this point. Some argue that it is vital for the governors to delight in the immunity from prosecution so that they will be able to concentrate when discharging their duties. They say that without having the immunity, the governors will be distracted with malicious lawsuits. The advocates for immunity also argue that governors will be ineffective in office without having it. The entire argument of the proponents of immunity for the governors is invalidated by the American expertise, exactly where the absence of immunity aids to guide the conduct and behavior of public officials.
The strident agitation for expunging the immunity clause in the constitution is developing louder with each passing day in the Diaspora. It is believed that if the immunity clause is expunged, Nigerians will start to encounter productive government. Although some governors will go to any length to protect their selfish interest to the detriment of public good, lots of will equally persist that the immunity clause be removed in order to efficiently make a dent on war against corruption. It’s additional correct that individuals charged with the protection of the citizens of their respective states would continue to recklessly usurp and abuse power.
Abuse of power has permeated the fabric of the society that individuals have begun to consider it’s standard. It’s not typical and can no longer be tolerated if Nigeria wants to rebuild its economy.
The consequences of the presence of the immunity clause will continue to permeate the fabric of the nation. Without having expunging it, Nigeria will be bound to practical experience the following at an alarming price: bribery, selective prosecution, boost in abuse of power, corruption, reckless disregard to the demands of the masses, and a host of other ills that have already hamstrung the nation’s financial development.
Hence, expunging the immunity clause in the constitution would assist with the war against the jinx that has plagued the nation for so extended. The notion of expunging the immunity clause in Section 308 of the Nigerian constitution was borne out a theory that the absence of the clause would make the governors far more accountable and less corrupt, thereby strengthening public service.
Immunity clause that protects the sitting governors from prosecution is bad for Nigeria. The rule of law really should apply to everybody regardless of office, gender, ethnicity, wealth and social status. No one particular must be above the law.
The existence of laws and prescribed punishments for violations is to deter individuals from committing crimes in the very first spot. There really should be no immunity for any individual! Immunity clause is just an ill-conceived machination for loot of state treasuries at the expense of the populace!
