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  • Nigeria maintains very low score on Transparency corruption index – CISLAC

    Nigeria maintains very low score on Transparency corruption index – CISLAC

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    As Transparency international, TI, released the 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index CPI, today, the Corruption rating reveals that Nigeria still maintains a very low score of 24 out of 100 points in 2021/ 2022.

    The CPI launched today in Abuja by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, revealed that from 2021- 2022 Nigeria has not improved in it’s fight against corruption, in 11 years.

    Execurive Secretary of CISLAC, Auwal Ibrahim Musa ( Rasfsanjani) who launched the CPI published by CISLAC lamented that despite the claim by the Federal Government of Nigeria to fight corruption sadly it is a problem in the country.
    Rasfsanjani said,” There has been no change in the country scoring between 2021 and 2922, adding that in comparison Nigeria ranks 150 out of 154 on CPI results.

    According to CISLAC and TI Nigeria notes that while Nigeria moved 4 places up on the country ranking , the nation has maintained its previous score of 24 which is the lowest score on the CPI since 2021, in the last 11 years.

    He said,” To fight corruption, the Federal, State and Local Government must be on the same page but sadly it is left to the Presidency alone.”

    He further noted that apart from corruption in the private and public sectors corruption is also the security sector, adding that recruitment of personal is often enmeshed in corruption while arms are brought into the country from porous boarders.

    CISLAC further listed the key weakness which will need to be improved is pardon of convicted high profile individuals by current administration in Nigeria is a major setback in efforts to address corruption in Nigeria.
    Prevalence of high profile corruption as another major challenge , citing the recovery of 30 billion naira from the former Accountant General if the federation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
    ” Increase in oil theft with continuous occurrence happening despite presence of security agencies, and judicial challenges among others.

    CISLAC however commended the efforts of agencies like ICPC and EFCC in their fight against corruption, adding that such Agencies should be giving the enabling tools to enhance their job.
    Other factors challenging fight against.corruption Rasfsanjani is political manipulation and control by politicians is undermining efforts of these security
    agencies.

    Meanwhile, CISLAC has called on the Nigerian Government to fight corruption , the Presidency, INEC , political parties , security actors and other stakeholders should ensure a free, fair and credible elections.
    ” Ensure adequate consultation with stakeholders like citizens, media, CSOs before Presidential pardons are granted.

    Transparency in the petroleum subsidy process by investigating and prosecution of those found wanting, adding that judiciary should ensure justice is delivered as the elections is fast approaching.

    CISLAC spokesman, Samuel Asimi while presenting the corruption perception index methodology explained that the corruption index data was collected from 13 sources and the manifestation of corruption was captured by the CPI using index on bribery , diversification of public funds, prevalence of Officers using public office for private gain without facing consequences, red tape and mediocrity among others.

  • CISLAC calls for enactment of Crime, Legal Assistance Bills

    CISLAC calls for enactment of Crime, Legal Assistance Bills

    …calls fair investigation on Magu

    By Joyce Remi- Babayeju

    The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called for an enactment of the Proceeds of Crime Bill and the Mutual Legal Assistance Bill, which would go a long way in strengthening the anti-corruption fight in Nigeria.

    In a statement signed by CISLAC Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani)Executive Director, enactment of the Bills would take the war against corruption to the doorstep of treasury looters and ensure that repatriated assets are utilized for the benefits of Nigerians and also clarify the roles of ACAs and put an end to inter-agency rivalry and bring more transparency in the utilization of recovered assets.

    The CSO noted that the repeated failure to enact the legal framework, which would once and for all clarify mandates in recoveries of assets, is an ample evidence of political interference in the fight against corruption, where Nigerian politicians seek personal advantages at the expense of the Nigerian public.

    Meanwhile CISLAC has also called on the National Assembly and the Executive work towards amending the EFCC Act, adding that the board of the EFCC has been dormant and non-inclusive of Non-State Actors.

    “ We ask for the arm of government responsible for the oversight of the EFCC, and other ACAs, to ensure that the board is active and that Non-State Actors are included in the board in the amendment of the Act to ensure accountability in the fight against corruption, which is consciously lacking.”

    “In this pandemic era where the utilization of funds repatriated and funds donated to fight COVID-19 are opaque and questioned, it is important that the attention of Nigerians are not just being diverted to cover up sharp practices over the management of donated and recovered funds.”

    Furthermore CISLAC has called for a transparent investigation into the allegation of corruption and insubordination levied against the former Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu made by the Attorney – General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.

    A Presidential Panel has been set up to carry out a transparent and fair investigation into the allegations of corruption and insubordination leveled against Magu.

    The embattled Magu has since being removed from office and is being investigated by a Presidential Panel headed by the former president of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami (Rtd).

    CISLAC has urged the panel to make the results of the investigation public in the interest of the president and in order not to rubbish the progress made in the fight against corruption and undermine the efforts of stakeholders, adding that this incidence if not handled in a transparent manner may hamper the nation’s efforts to fight transnational financial crimes and national scams, which has plunged Nigerians into poverty and deprivation.

    We also ask that sanctions be meted out where necessary to serve as a deterrent for officers saddled with the fight against corruption and political office holders, the Rasanjani said.

  • Disease Bill: CISLAC, 39 others call for Public Hearing

    Disease Bill: CISLAC, 39 others call for Public Hearing

    Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), and 39 other Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have called for a Public Hearing on the proposed Control of Infectious Disease Bill by the National Assembly.

    Mr Auwal Rafsanjani, Executive Director of CISLAC, made the call in a statement co-signed by the 39 groups on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Rafsanjani said that the civil society community was alarmed by the House of Representatives’ attempt to give accelerated passage to a critical legislation without consultation and inputs from relevant stakeholders and the public.

    According to him, the bill has passed first and second reading at plenary under controversial circumstances and was slated for its third reading before it was resisted by some vigilant members of the House.

    “We understand that the House is resolute to pass the bill and it has fixed Tuesday, May 5, for presentation of the report of the Committee of the Whole and clause by clause voting on the bill without public hearing or consultation with relevant stakeholders.

    “This runs contrary to the principles of effective and inclusive lawmaking and also threatens democratic participation, human rights and abuse of power,” he said.

    Rafsanjani said the group was worried that the bill vested overbearing discretionary powers on Director-General of Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC), while making no provision for reviewing and controlling the exercise of such powers.

    He said that the bill empowers the NCDC to restrict fundamental rights and freedoms at will, and abuse constitutionally established institutions and processes without any form of accountability.

    “For instance, Section 10 (3) gives the Director-General express powers to use force to enter any premises without warrant; Section 19 confers the director-general with powers to prohibit or restrict meetings, gatherings and public entertainments.

    “Section 15(3e) also gives powers to the director-general to authorise the destruction and disposal of any structure, goods, water supply, drainage and section 47(1) confers discretionary powers to order any person to undergo vaccination or other prophylaxis.

    “All these powers can be abused for political and economic reasons if not properly checked,” he said.

    Rafsanjani said section 71 of the bill which absolves certain authorised persons of any liability when acting in good faith and with reasonable care is ambiguous and subject to misuse, manipulation, and misinterpretation for personal gain.

    He said that while the threat of infectious diseases might be apparent, measures deployed for their prevention must be within the ambits of the law and must protect citizens from willful abuse of rights.

    He said it was important to note that the legislative and policy measures currently being implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic were inadequate to respond to and manage the challenge of infectious diseases with grave implications on the country.

    He however, said that any intervention seeking to provide a comprehensive legal and policy framework that would ensure the effective management of circumstances involving infectious diseases would be a positive development.

    “Policies on streamlining of public health response and preparedness; involvement of all tiers of government; and transparency in the management of infectious diseases bill would be a positive development.

    “However, the 1999 Constitution as amended, validating laws that may restrict the exercise of certain human rights requires that such laws must be reasonably justifiable in a democratic society and also, must be subjected to judicial review.

    “But this bill in its proposed form, fails to meet this standard, as it is not reasonably justifiable in a democratic society,” he said.

    He said that the bill violates key principles of simple, clear and unambiguous legislative drafting, leaving significant amount of discretion on the implementing authorities and limiting the rights of citizens and relevant institutions.

  • COVID-19: CISLAC lauds donation, urges transparency, accountability

    COVID-19: CISLAC lauds donation, urges transparency, accountability

    Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Transparency International in Nigeria, has applauded the donations by individuals and indigenous groups to the campaign against COVID-19 pandemic.

    Mr Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director, CISLAC made the commendation in a statement on Monday in Abuja, while demanding for transparency and accountability from the Federal Government and its Presidential Task Force on the pandemic.

    Rafsanjani noted that the donations and contributions would go a long way to contain Coronavirus pandemic and its socio-economic impacts, however, total accountability of the utilisation and distribution of the funds were necessary.

    “As we welcome the recent constitution of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 response with specific responsibility to coordinate donations for efficient and impactful spending.

    “We are, however surprised that selection and appointment into the committee did not take cognisance of representatives from the media and other credible governmental and non-governmental organisations.

    “Especially those working on anti-corruption, transparency and accountability in governance and public financial management.

    “In times of global public emergency, proactive measures to ensure judicious utilisation and distribution of these funds are needed more than ever.

    “Inclusion of media and other accountability entities in the committee would compel transparency and accountability in the utilisation and dissemination of managed funds.

    “So at this critical junction of tackling the pandemic, Nigeria cannot afford mismanagement and misappropriation of public and donated funds,” he said.

    Rafsanjani said that diversion or misappropriation of the funds would be tantamount to total betrayal, unpatriotic, unsympathetic and selfishness in the management of the nation’s treasury which are punishable under relevant laws.

    He called for strict monitoring with keen interest of various authorities to the commitment of the government efforts towards alleviating the impacts of the lockdown in some states.

    The director urged the government, relevant authorities and anti-graft institutions to ensure proper accountability in the utilisation and distribution of the donated funds.

    He also said that all distributed funds need to be recorded and pro-actively published so that impartial and objective verification is enabled.

    “We call on the civil societies, media and all well-meaning citizens to constructively monitor and report progress as events unfold.

    “We plea for a sincere effort to ensure relief materials and other financial and material assistance are deployed accordingly to citizens irrespective of the social and economic status,” he said.

    He advocated for a holistic and transparent strategy to adequately appropriate relief packages to citizens especially to those at the grassroots level.

    Rafsanjani, however, expressed worries over the governments poor national storage capacity for food and other basic needs to respond adequately.

    He said that the lockdown maybe meaningless in Nigeria if Nigerians do not have access to electricity and other provisions of basic amenities.

    “Such as sufficient food supplies, access to water and regular power supply to genuinely address the plights and agitations of common citizens, whose daily means of income would be largely affected.

    “Any lockdown must take into consideration these underlying infrastructure deficits,” he said.