Corruption: Atiku, Tinubu, Kalu Top EFCC List
- Post 07 February 2007
- Last Updated on 23 April 2008
- By Thisday
Corruption: Atiku, Tinubu, Kalu Top EFCC List
Nnamani, Turaki, Yerima too
By Kola Ologbondiyan, Deji Elumoye in Lagos and Oke Epia in Abuja, 02.07.2007
Action Congress (AC) presidential candidate and Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and his Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) counterpart, Abia State governor Orji Kalu, topped the list of 130 candidates considered unfit to hold public offices over alleged corrupt practices which the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) forwarded to political parties Monday. The list, which also has Governor Bola Tinubu of Lagos State, cuts across six parties and features two governors of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano and Ali Modu Sheriff of Borno State respectively who are both seeking re-election, among seven others on the party’s platform.
Aside Tinubu who dropped his senatorial interest yesterday, other governors seeking to contest the senatorial election but were featured in the EFCC list are; Enugu State Governor, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani; his Jigawa State counterpart, Alhaji Saminu Turaki in the PDP, as well as Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Sani Yerima.
But the Vice President, in a swift response last night, said the Mallam Nuhu Ribadu’s commission is only scandalising the names of innocent persons stressing that the list made available to the parties is of no consequence.
THISDAY had yesterday exclusively reported that EFCC had written to chairmen of the affected parties, on an advisory basis, to prevent the sudden shock of disqualification.
But the copy of the letter to the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmadu Ali, which was delivered Monday night, is already causing a fresh wave of disquiet among candidates in the party’s platform.
A total of 52 candidates of the PDP are on the EFCC list which is composed mostly of flag bearers of the parties for the State Houses of Assembly elections.
A break down of the cases involving the PDP indicates that four governorship and a deputy governorship candidate are affected, viz- Danladi Baido (Taraba), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Rabiu Kwakwanso (Kano), Jibril Alhasan (Niger) and Ejiofor Ebenezer (deputy governor, Enugu).
Five senatorial candidates, 14 in the House of Representatives and 26 in the state houses of assembly categories were also affected in the ruling party.
The other ANPP governorship candidates are Abubakar Audu (Kogi), Usman Albishir (Yobe), Mohammed Aruwa (Kaduna), Isa Yuguda (Bauchi), Ibrahim Hadeja (Jigawa) and Abdul Aziz Yari Abubakar, deputy governorship candidate in Zamfara State. Nine senatorial, five House of Representatives, and 13 state assembly candidates of the ANPP were mentioned in the list.
In the case of the AC, Atiku led the pack of those considered unfit to hold public offices by the commission while the governorship candidates of the party, which featured on the list include Ibrahim Bapetel (Adamawa), Ahmed Yusuf (Taraba), Abubakar Hashidu (Gombe), Chris Ngige (Anambra), Peter Okocha (Delta) and Musa Bello (Kaduna).
Four senatorial candidates including Governor Tinubu of Lagos State, Silas Janfa (Plateau), Adekunle Muse (Lagos) were named while seven and nine House of Reps and state assembly candidates respectively, were implicated.
For the PPA, the governorship candidate of Abia State and his running mate, Orji Ahamefule and Alizie Akomas, joined the list of the party’s presidential candidate, Governor Kalu, in the blacklist.
The Alliance for Democracy (AD) has one candidate in the state assembly election in Zamfara state included while the Democratic Peoples Party filled in the gap in Reps and assembly elections in Sokoto State.
The EFCC's letter, a copy of which was dispatched to President Olusegun Obasanjo, according to THISDAY checks, has resulted in a fresh wave of anxiety in the PDP which has been bedevilled by frequent changes of its candidates.
It was gathered that a final list hitherto ready to be dispatched to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had to be tinkered due to the EFCC report.
Meanwhile, in a surprising twist, Tinubu withdrew from contesting the Lagos West Senatorial District seat having picked the AC nomination form last December.
In a letter to AC Lagos state chapter’s chairman, Otunba Henry Ajomale, the governor predicated his decision to withdraw from the race on the need to give other party supporters the opportunity and chance to have enough time to mobilise the party for victory in Lagos State as well as the south west region.
"While withdrawing from the race, I strongly urge the Party to consider the candidature of Ganiu Olanrewaju Solomon for the Lagos West Senatorial District. He is a loyal and committed party member, who has paid his dues by offering credible service at various levels including the Local government and the House of Representatives." Tinubu wrote.
Atiku, who spoke through the spokesperson of his Campaign Organisation, Mallam Garba Shehu, said his lawyers are awaiting the letter accompanying the commission’s list to see “if there’s a ground for defamation. We will sue him (Ribadu).
“But the question we want to ask is; what powers are they exercising by publicising such list and under what laws? As far as we can see, they have no roles in this whole process of screening but they want to come in through the back door.
“This listing is of no consequence, an arbitrary use of power because what the statute says is that it is only a court of law that can disqualify. Ribadu is merely scandalising the names of innocent persons and he will not get away with this,” he said further.
AC, aside from alleging that the EFCC list will only contain the names of Obasanjo’s “enemies” however demanded the yardstick which the commission used to determine the number of corrupt persons.
“It is clear from the beginning that Atiku is the target of this government. This list is nothing but a continuation of the smear campaign which the Presidency has embarked upon in the last two years.
“It is worrisome that EFCC, which itself is a creation of the law, is flouting the law of the land with impunity. This is because the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Report upon which EFCC and the Presidency based their allegations of corruption on the Vice President has been set aside by three different courts.
“It is therefore contempt of the court for EFCC to continue to maintain that Atiku is corrupt based on the same PTDF Report which three separate courts have set aside,” the party said.
Continuing, Mohammed, who spoke for the party, asserted that Obasanjo “has shown beyond doubts that EFCC is not a credible agency and as such its report should be disregarded by all Nigerians.
“In Akure last Saturday, Obasanjo said to the hearing of the entire world that since Olusegun Mimiko (former Housing Minister, now gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party in Ondo State) refused his entreaties to support the governor, Olusegun Agagu, for second term, he will be arrested by the EFCC.
“This has shown clearly that EFCC is nothing but a willing tool in the hands of Obasanjo. Therefore, all those who will appear on the corruption list of EFCC are those who have disagreed politically with Obasanjo,” the AC said further.
When THISDAY contacted the PPA presidential candidate, Kalu, he did not pick his mobile phone nor did he respond to the text messages sent to him but the AC gubernatorial candidate in Delta State, Mr. Peter Okocha, said he will not respond to the allegations stressing that he would await the briefing of his party, AC, since the list was said to have been sent to the party.
But Jigawa State deputy governor, Hadejia, who is running for the governorship ticket on the platform of ANPP while his boss, Saminu Turaki, has joined the PDP, said information available about the list is “tentative because there are no details yet as to the reasons (for disqualification).
“Almost all the credible people are on the list and this is surprising. I have never deputised for the governor (Turaki) since I was appointed, yet I’m on the list. How could I have been on the list when my governor, who has been the only one running the affairs of the state was not there. Are you not suspecting anything?
Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja has refused the prayer of the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, asking the court to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from substituting his name as the PDP gubernatorial candidate for Rivers State.
Justice Binta Murtala Nyako ordered INEC to file its statement of defence to the substantive suit filed by Amaechi and promised to give the matter accelerated hearing in view of its sensitive nature.
List of Candidates Indicted By EFCC
02.07.2007
S/No Name Office Vying For Party
1. Atiku Abubakar President AC
2. Ibrahim Bapetel Adamawa Guber AC
3. Ahmed A. Yusuf. Taraba Guber AC
4. Abubakar Hashidu Gombe Guber AC
5. Dr Chris Ngige Anambra Guber AC
6. Peter Okocha Delta Guber AC
7. Sen. Musa Bello Kaduna Guber AC
8. Orji Uzor Kalu President PPA
9. Orji Ahamefule Abia Guber PPA
10. Christ Akomas Abia Deputy Guber PPA
11. Danladi Baido Taraba Guber PDP
12. Rabiu Kwankwaso Kano Guber PDP
13. Bello Gwandu Kebbi Guber PDP
14. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi Rivers Guber PDP
15. Jubril Bala Alhassan Niger Guber PDP
16. Ejifor S. Ebenezer Enugu Deputy Guber PDP
17. Abubakar Audu Kogi Guber ANPP
18. Sen. Usman Albishir Yobe Guber ANPP
19. Sen. Muktar Aruwa Kaduna Guber ANPP
20. Mahmud Shinkafi Zamfara Guber ANPP
21. Abdul Yari Abubakar Zamfara Dep Guber ANPP
22. Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff Borno Guber ANPP
23. Isah Yuguda Bauchi Guber ANPP
24. Ibrahim Shekarau Kano Guber ANPP
25. Moh. Nur khalil Katsina Guber ANPP
26. Ibrahim Hadeja Jigawa Guber ANPP
27. Bala Johnes Takaya Adamawa Guber DPP
28. Sen. Bola Tinubu Senate, Lagos AC
29. Sen. Suleiman Najib Senate, Bauchi AC
30. Sen. Silas Janfa Senate, Plateau AC
31. Minirudeen Muse Senate, Lagos AC
32. Hon. Nelson Effiong Senate, Akwa-Ibom PDP
33. Chimaroke Nnamani Senate, Enugu PDP
34. Hon. Joel Ikenya Senate, Taraba PDP
35. Ibrahim S. Turaki Senate, Jigawa PDP
36. Nimi Barigha Amange Senate, Bayelsa PDP
37. Abbas Braimoh Senate, Edo PDP
38. Kawu Peto Dukku Senate, Gombe PDP
39. Moh’d Sani Abdul Senate, Bauchi ANPP
40. Mumini Nurain Senate, Lagos ANPP
41. Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya Senate, Kano ANPP
42. Aminu Garo Senate, Kano ANPP
43. Olanrewaju Tejuosho Senate, Ogun ANPP
44. Ahmed Rufai Senate, Zamfara ANPP
45. Bala A. Mohammed Senate, Bauchi ANPP
46. Ibrahim Umar Senate, Yobe ANPP
47. Ahmed Sani Yerima Senate, Zamfara ANPP
48. Hassan Moh’d Gusau Senate, Zamfara ANPP
49. Sahabi Alh. Yau Senate, Zamfara ANPP
50. Yakubu Datti. House of Reps, Plateau AC
51. Jafaru Javan Ahmed. House of Reps, Adamawa AC
52. Tonia Tabansi-Okoye House of Reps, Anambra AC
53. Nwosu B. Chucks House of Reps, Anambra AC
54. Abdullahi Bakari House of Reps, Adamawa AC
55. Bolarinwa O. Bashir House of Reps, Lagos AC
56. Mansuru Owolabi House of Reps, Lagos AC
57. Tom Zakari House of Reps, Kogi PDP
58. Oduwayi Adenuga House of Reps, Ogun PDP
59. Hassan A Shekarau House of Reps, Kaduna PDP
60. Duro Faseyi House of Reps, Ekiti PDP
61. Mohammed Bello House of Reps, Niger PDP
62. Mohammed Sagir House of Reps, Kano PDP
63. Emmanuel Obot House of Reps, A/Ibom PDP
64. Abiodun Adesidi House of Reps, Ondo PDP
65. Omeire Rufus House of Reps, Imo PDP
66. Chile Igbawua House of Reps, Benue PDP
67. Isiaka Moh’d Bawa House of Reps, Taraba PDP
68. Mumini Mafindi House of Reps, Adamawa PDP
69. Emmanuel Bello House of Reps, Adamawa PDP
70. Onyeaguocha Nkiru House of Reps, Abia PDP
71. Nandam Bako House of Reps, Plateau DPP
72. Ali Adamu House of Reps, Bauchi DPP
73. Abdullahi Matori House of Reps, Bauchi DPP
74. Awalu Abdu Gwadabe House of Reps, Bauchi ANPP
75. Adamu Gurai House of Reps, Bauchi ANPP
76. Bello Matawalle House of Reps, Zamfara ANPP
77. Abubakar Bunu House of Reps, Zamfara ANPP
78. Muktar Ahmed Anka House of Reps, Zamfara ANPP
79. Arua Arunsi House of Reps, Abia PPA
80. Emeka Stanley House of Reps, Abia PPA
81. Isaac Ogbonna House of Reps, Abia PPA
82. Paul Chikezie Mba House of Reps, Abia PPA
83. Samuel Ahiwe C. House of Reps, Abia PPA
84. Joel O. Dikanwa Adamawa Assembly AC
85. Idi Garba Yobe Assembly AC
86. Samuel S. Damla Plateau Assembly AC
87. Victor N. Lapang Plateau Assembly AC
88. Abubakar M. Kanam Plateau Assembly AC
89. Pam D. Dong Plateau Assembly AC
90. Adamu Moh’d Fanta Bauchi Assembly AC
91. Ndukwe Ogugua Delta Assembly AC
92. Gidado Sajo Gella Adamawa Assembly AC
93. Bello Ruwan Doruwa Zamfara Assembly ANPP
94. Isah Kasuwar Daji Zamfara Assembly ANPP
95. Peter A. Azi Plateau Assembly ANPP
96. Kabiru Sahabi Liman Zamfara Assembly ANPP
97. Garba Bawa Rawayya Zamfara Assembly ANPP
98. Sani Talata Mafara Zamfara Assembly ANPP
99. Dahiru Salisu Zamfara Assembly ANPP
100. Lawali S. Adafka Zamfara Assembly ANPP
101. Ibrahim Waziri Adamawa Assembly ANPP
102. Moh’d Abdullahi Abba Adamawa Assembly ANPP
103. Abduaziz Mu’azu Kaduna Assembly ANPP
104. Kabiru Dansadau Zamfara Assembly ANPP
105. Ibrahim Adamau Bauchi Assembly ANPP
106. Agbiji M. Agbiji C/River Assembly PDP
107. Marcel Larry Ajiero Imo Assembly PDP
108. Jilantikiri Sinamai Adamawa Assembly PDP
109. Alfa Umar Belel Adamawa Assembly PDP
110. Emmanuel A. Jugul Plateau Assembly PDP
111. Joseph Dimobi Anambra Assembly PDP
112. James S. Barka Adamawa Assembly PDP
113. Jerry Jona Kumdisi Adamawa Assembly PDP
114. Marafa Bashir Taraba Assembly PDP
115. Jacob Otu Enyia C/Rivers Assembly PDP
116. Patricia Ajudua Delta Assembly PDP
117. Patrick C. Mozea Delta Assembly PDP
118. Tanko U. Tamti Taraba Assembly PDP
119. Musa Ahijo Yusuf Taraba Assembly PDP
120. Peter Tuency Diah Taraba Assembly PDP
121. Yusuf Ibrahim Nahwai Taraba Assembly PDP
122. Kassong Santi Nelson Taraba Assembly PDP
123. Haruna Istifanus Bana Taraba Assembly PDP
124. Hassan Abubakar Taraba Assembly PDP
125. Virginia Baba Bambur Taraba Assembly PDP
126. Irmiya Hammanjulde Taraba Assembly PDP
127. Bashir Marafa Abba Taraba Assembly PDP
128. Ahmed Mohammed Adamawa Assembly PDP
129. Thresa Wanu Adamawa Assembly PDP
130. Paul Tairo Abia Assembly PDP
131. Humprey Azubuke Abia Assembly PDP
132. Barr. C. C. Elechi Abia Assembly PPA
133. Barr. Obasi Agu Abia Assembly PPA
134. Moh’d Bunu Yabo Sokoto Assembly DPP
135. Garba Moh’d Kanoma Zamfara Assembly AD
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Finally The Unmasking Of Efcc. Who In His Right Frame Of Mind That Has Been To Nigeria In The Last 4yrs Would Justify This List.the Idea Of Nigeria Is One Big Lie...lies......lies.....nothing More Than Lies.
Na wah.
So according to this list, James Ibori and Lucky Igbinedion are the cleanest dudes in town. Ok maybe na witch hunt for contestants only. But OBJ and EFCC get bottle o. Only in Naija can one man be judge, jury and executioner
NONSENSE!
The LIST is not a who is who of corruption in Nigeria... it is a LIST of those contesting the forth coming elections who should have no business contesting .... because they are corrupt... Igbinedion and Ibori still hide under IMMUNITY as per section 308 of our constitution! Ask yourself whether Igbinedion and Ibori are running for any office right now? Governor Kalu and Mr. Atiku are both PPA and AC presidential candidates repsectively QUOTE:
WHAT ABOUT AKALA, GBENGA DANIELS, ANDY UBA, JUST TO NAME A FEW THAT ARE IN THE RACE RIGHT NOW.THERE IS NO JUSTIFICATION FOR THIS LIST.IF YOU WANT TO PUBLISH ANY LIST......YOU MUST DO IT RIGHT.
Dear Respondents / Villagers
This is the Baba so pe list ... Obviously it had been doctored. As far as I am concerned those on the list are not relevant, it is those names that are conspicuously missing that i know as the big thieves...
Segun Agagu is equally absent from the list.... I also understand that quite a few of those on the list have never been invited or questioned by the EFCC.
And Iyabo Obasanjo's opponent - Lanre Tejuoso was included on this list whereas the fellow has never been a guest of the EFCC nor indicted in any of their investigations. His 'advise' letter to the party was personally signed by Mr Nuhu 'baba's fixer' Ribadu. Whats more, the EFCC chose to leak this list to the public as a way of stirring dissafection within the electorate. The hand of Esau (Ribadu) but the voice of Jacob (Obasanjo) For those who hitherto eulogised this young Adamawa boy as being the 'saint'... one lesson to learn - bad things come in good packages. Carry on Mr Obasanjo. The mileage ahead is shorter than that covered; and long after your time is gone, these 'followers' of yours will tell my grandchildren the crimes they committed against humanity. It is our collective shame indeed!
This latest outburst by the EFCC is typical of its style and direction. Its activities in the political realm are entirely in conflict with the laws which established EFCC and the powers given to it. The EFFC was founded by an act of the National Assembly, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment Act) 2002. It was an “Act to provide for the establishment of a commission for economic and financial which was amended 2004 to an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment Act) 2004.
The EFCC is charged with the responsibility of enforcing the provisions of (a) the Money Laundering Act 2004; 2003 No.7 1995 N0. 13 (b) the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 1995; © the Failed Banks (Recovery of Debts) and Financial Malpractices in Banks Act 1994, as amended; (d) The Banks and other Financial Institutions Act 1991, as amended; and (e) Miscellaneous Offences Act (f) Any other law or regulations relating to economic and financial crimes, including the Criminal code of penal code The Commission has power to – (a) cause investigations to be conducted as to whether any person, corporate body or organization has committed any offence under this Act or other law relating to economic and financial crimes (b) cause investigations to be conducted into the properties of any person if it appears to the commission that the person’s lifestyle and extent of the properties are not justified by his source of income. The power of the EFCC is to investigate, and to prepare for trial, the cases under its jurisdiction. It has no power of enforcement other than the criminal courts. If it feels it has evidence against an individual or groups of individuals it must proceed by instigating criminal proceedings against that person or persons within the framework of the Nigerian Constitution. The Constitution is clear: Article 36. (1) In the determination of his civil rights and obligations, including any question or determination by or against any government or authority, a person shall be entitled to a fair hearing within a reasonable time by a court or other tribunal established by law and constituted in such manner as to secure its independence and impartiality. .. (3) The proceedings of a court or the proceedings of any tribunal relating to the matters mentioned in subsection (1) of this section (including the announcement of the decisions of the court or tribunal) shall be held in public. (4) Whenever any person is charged with a criminal offence, he shall, unless the charge is withdrawn, be entitled to a fair hearing in public within a reasonable time by a court or tribunal. The EFCC has done none of these things. It has made allegations against politicians which is has not used as evidence against them in a court of law as required by the Constitution. There is nothing the Establishment of the EFCC which allows it to intervene, examine or pronounce on the fitness of any candidate for political office. This is a power it has given itself; or at least been given by a President who has regularly demonstrated that the Constitution means nothing to him, despite his oath of office. If the EFCC has a case to make against any of those it excoriates, it is obliged to bring a case before the courts on the evidence it may have and to allow the justice system to pass on the guilt or innocence of the person under the law. The EFCC is not a Star Chamber organisation and, despite Ribadu’s frothing mouth and popping eyes, he is acting well outside his powers. He is Obasanjo’s hunting hyena, not a law enforcement officer. He enforces no law; he acts by leak and rumour; and is a disgrace to his position. Even in those cases where the EFCC has produced clear evidence of criminal behaviour (Bode George for example) it has not acted. Perhaps it is time for the courts to put a leash on the EFCC and to return it to the tasks that the law and the Constitution provide for it.
Some Nigerians are truly amazing: the way they think, speak, write and conjecture things!!! I have said it over and over again; many hardly see or say anything good to any little laudable efforts except to blindly criticize (or pooh-pooh) what could pass commendable acts of patriotism and modesty. God will judge. It is cheap to criticize and blackmail. And when some of those negative thinkers and critics are called upon to serve, in any way or manner, they always make disastrous administrators.
I dont think any forward-looking, progressive and result-oriented person will see this as OBJ list because it does not include all the people they perceive as thieves in their respective states and local governments. Assuming it does, some mindless countrymen/women may also demand for the inclusion of IBB, Abubakar, me, my great-grand mother and others who have never had anything to do with government money. If efforts are made to include some people, my country people will still call it political witch-hunting and all sorts of names. Anyway, its a question of mindset of the road-signs and road-users. If you cant say well-done for a good job, you might do well to just keep quite and stop this needless peevish ranting by criticizing this pace-setting (unprecedented) scrutiny in the history of the country. For sure, the list is not exhaustive, and may never truly be complete with mathematical precision/accuracy. This is a good way to start provided it is subsequently sustained and enhanced.
Ribadu has just confirmed himself to be a tool in the hands of Obasanjo. If he thinks Obasanjo will remain in power forever then he has another think coming up. He will be swept into ignominy as soon as his master is swept out of office. He is as corrupt,probably even more corrupt than Obasanjo. Sowore and co should start looking into the activities of Ribadu and EFCC as a matter of urgency. They are really needed here.
Mr NWA-DIKE,
Welcome to the village square; as Abraxas has not done it himself I will take upon myself to welcome you. You joined the square yesterday and since then your many utterances have being worrying: Yesterday you came to the square as NWA-DIKE to say that: I Am Trying To Figure Out What Pat Utomi Stands For And Who Is His Running-mate. How Is He Going To Solve The Problems That Ordinary Nigerian Faces Like Lack Of Enrgy,water,health E.t.c. How Can... Where have you been NWA-DIKE? On the same day, less than two hours later, you said I Want Him To Go As Far As The Truth Can Carry Him. I Am Proud That The Likes Of Him And Yaradua Are In The Race But The Tragedy Is That Yaradua Is Running Under Pdp I Wish It Could Have Been A Jiont... A joint ticket based on what NWA-DIKE? Today you have come to see Finally The Unmasking Of Efcc. Who In His Right Frame Of Mind That Has Been To Nigeria In The Last 4yrs Would Justify This List.the Idea Of Nigeria Is One Big Lie...lies......lies.....nothing More... Who on that list is can you honestly say should not be there NWA-DIKE? My dear NWA-DIKE please tread carefully in this new land. |
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