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VOL. 11 No. 10, OCTOBER. 2017A PUBLICATION OF CISLAC
Continued on page 4
www.facebook.com/cislacnigeria@cislacnigeria website: www.cislacnigeria.net
Cont. on page 4
Collective Resolution to Enhance Transparency in Humanitarian Aid
By Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani) aid had informed a new report by
Transparency International (TI),
i n t e r r o g a t i n g c o r r u p t i o n ,
mismanagement and diversion of
humanitarian aid across four
different countries, launched by the
he fast-eroding culture of
integrity, transparency and Ta c c o u n t a b i l i t y i n t h e
management of global humanitarian
Civil Society Legislative Advocacy
Centre (CISLAC) also the National
Contact of TI in Abuja.
Although the Report entitled
'Collective Resolution to Enhance
Group Urges Effective Delivery ofFree MNCH Services - P. 11
CISLAC Cautions FG Against Dangersof Long Term Corporate Tax .. - P. 13
CSOs Bemoan Growing Inequalitiesin the Fight Against Corruption - P. 15
From L-R: Abraham Misoi, Transparency International (TI), Kenya; Larissa Schuurman, Global Initiatives, TI-S; Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), Executive Director, CISLAC; Chantal Uwimana, International Consultant on Anti-corruption at dissemination workshop of Synthesis Report of the “Analysis of Integrity Risks in Complex Humanitarian Crises” organised by CISLAC in collaboration with TI in Abuja. Photo: Onyekachi Eke|CISLAC
ivil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) is a non-governmental, non-profit, advocacy, Cinformation sharing, research, and capacity building organisation. Its mission is to strengthen the link between civil society and the legislature through advocacy and capacity building for civil society groups and policy makers on legislative processes and governance issues.
CISLAC was integrated as a corporate body (CAC/IT/NO22738) with the Nigeria's Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on the 28th December 2006. Prior to this incorporation, however, CISLAC had actively been engaged in legislative advocacy work since 2005. The organisation is also compliant with the Anti-Money Laundering Act 2007. The Organisation reports to SCUML, any transaction that is above One thousand dollars, detailing the payee, purpose and the other KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements. This is done on a weekly or monthly basis depending on the volume of transactions and to ensure appropriate compliance with anti-money laundering laws. Also, CISLAC is registered organisation under the National Planning Commission.
As indicated above, the organisation emerged from the need to address the gaps in legislative advocacy work of civil society and government access to civil society groups. CISLAC's engagement with Federal Ministries, National and State Assemblies, Local Government Administrations, private sector interests, and non-government organisations, has opened a window through which the public and policy officials can interact and collaborate.
CISLAC through its engagement of the governance processes in Nigeria has facilitated the enactment of several primary legislations such as the Fiscal Responsibility Act, Public Procurement Act, and Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative Act which promotes transparency and accountability in governance as well as the domestication of international conventions at the Federal and state levels in Nigeria. CISLAC also supported the passage of the Freedom of Information Act. Other pieces of legislations such the National Tobacco Control Bill, National Health Bill, Disability Bill, Gender and Equal Opportunity Bill, Violence and Persons Prohibition Bill, Whistleblower Protection Bill, Prison Reform Bill, etc. are also supported by CISLAC.
As a renowned CSO in Legislative advocacy in the region, CISLAC has on several occasions shared its experience on best practises for legislative advocacy on invitation from its international partners such as the World Bank Parliamentary Forum and the United Nations Millennium Campaign in African countries such as Kenya and Zimbabwe. Similarly, Ghana, Kenya, and Democratic Republic of Congo have also requested support from CISLAC for replication of their work in Legislative advocacy. In many West African countries such as Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Cameroon, Niger, Togo and Benin Republic, CISLAC has carried out experience sharing and advocacy exercises on the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative processes through supporting the passage of extractive industry initiative laws in these countries. CISLAC has also undertaken capacity building for legislators, CSOs and Media on policy engagements in the above countries.
CISLAC's sub-granting experience includes grants to national organisations. With skilled, committed, experienced and proactive leadership and employees, particularly in the areas of coalition building, tenacious advocacy, community mobilization and the clout needed to engage lawmakers at all levels, the organization proven capacity to attract international solidarity, engage policy makers and mobilize local civil society groups and communities into action.
GOAL
“To make legislature accessible and responsive to all”.
VISION
“A Nigeria in which citizens are participating in governance; the government is safeguarding the rights and welfare of the people; and non-state actors are providing space for citizens to demand accountability”.
MISSION
“To increase the legislature and CSOs' impact in the legislative process”.
ADVOCACY VISITS
CISLAC has successfully engaged key members of the National Assembly in order to wield their influence in ensuring that civil society positions are accommodated. In 2006, for instance, CISLAC targeted key players and created public awareness on draft legislation and questionable provisions incorporated by the National Assembly. Such efforts improved the levels of discipline, transparency, and accountability in the management and openness of fiscal responsibility, public procurement, and the nation's extractive Industry sector in Nigeria.
Through such efforts, CISLAC has empowered communities mostly affected by the extractive industry sector, improved the levels of information dissemination, and ensure due process and transparency in the payments made by extractive industry companies to the Federal Government and its agencies. It has also educated State and Federal legislators, their advisory staff, CSOs, the media, and key stakeholders on their oversight roles in legislation and has reviewed their commitment in implementation.
PUBLICATION OF MONTHLY NEWSLETTERS
CISLAC has strengthened civil society intervention by the publication of a monthly newsletter Legislative Digest and Tobacco Control Update which have been in circulation for both public and legislative consumption since October 2006 and June 2013 respectively. It has been a central medium of accountability, as it monitors the performance of Legislators, and a channel for advocacy on critical issues that need legislation. Also, CISLAC has a wide range of publications such as Textbooks and Policy Briefs.
CISLAC'S MAJOR DONORS
1. Oxfam Novib
2. Oxfam International
3. Oxfam GB
4. Ford Foundation
5. Mac Arthur Foundation
6. PACT Nigeria/USAID
7. United Nations Millennium Campaign (UNMC)
8. Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA)
9. Heinrich Boll Foundation (HBF)
10. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
11. Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (CTFK)
12. Friedrich Ebert Stiftung
13. The Federal Public Administration Reform (FEPAR)/DFID
14. T.Y. Danjuma Foundation
15. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF)
16. Voice for Change (V4C)
17. National Endowment for Democracy
18. Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme (NSRP)
19. USAID/Strengthening Advocacy and Civic Engagement (SACE)
20. International Organisation for Migration (IOM)
21. African Capacity Building Foundation
22. Australian Government
23. North East Regional Initiative (NERI)
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEE
This is the policy-making organ of the organisation. It approves the budget of the organisation, provides contacts for operational funds and supports the operation of the secretariat.
1. Mr. Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani)
2. Mr. Adesina Oke
3. Mr. Y.Z Y'au
4. Ms. Nkoyo Toyo
5. Ms. Hadiza Kangiwa
6. Mr. Adagbo Onoja
ADVISORY COUNCIL
The Advisory Council is an advisory organ consisting of people with vast experience and knowledge of socio-economic and political dynamics in the country and across the world. 1. Hon. Uche Onyeaguocha
2. Prof. Okey Ibeanu
3. Prof. Sam Egwu
4. Chom Bagu
5. Gen. Ishola Williams (rtd)
6. Dr. Afia Zakiya (Ms)
7. Prof. Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan
8. Halima Ben Umar (Ms.)
9. Bukhari Bello
THE SECRETARIAT
The Secretariat is vested with the day-to-day running of the organization. It implements the decisions of the Board of Trustees. It is headed by an Executive Director who oversees the day-to-day running of the organisation while a Senior Program Officer oversees programmes implementation along with other programme staff.
Head Office, Abuja:
Mr. Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani) - Executive Director
Mr. Kolawole Banwo - Senior Program Officer (Extractive,
Environment and Security)
Mr. Okeke Anya - Senior Program Officer (ECOWAS & AU)
Ms. Chioma Blessing Kanu - Snr. Program Officer (MDGs, Gender, Reproductive Health and Anti-corruption)
Mr. Salaudeen Hashimu Nurani - Program Officer (Human Rights/Migration, Agriculture/ Livelihood)
Mr. Abubakar Jimoh - Head, Communication and Information
Mr. Chinedu Bassey - Program Officer (Tax Justice)
Mrs. Hauwa'u Bin Abdallah - Admin Officer
Mr. Gonji Dadoh Timbut - Assistant Finance Officer
Mr. Ibrahim Idris - Asst. Finance Officer
Mrs. Abimbola S. Okoilu- Miró - Secretary/Assistant Program OfficerMr. Augustine Erameh - Assistant Program OfficerMs. Lovelyn Agbor - Monitoring and Evaluation OfficerMs. Onyekachi Eke - Media OfficerMr. Muhammed Murtala Muhammed - Asst. Program OfficerMs. Abiodun Oladipupo - Office AssistantMs. Fatima Shaibu - Office AssistantMr. Vaclav Prusa - Integrated ExpertMr. Bathsheba Tagwai - Legal officer
Regional Office: Kano
Mr. Nura Maaji - Program Officer
About us
Legislative Digest Vol. 11 No. 10, October, 20172
EDITORIAL
he Civil Society Legislative Advocacy
Centre (CISLAC) commends the recent
well deserved appointment of the Timmediate past Country Representative of
Nigeria at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation,
Dr. Mairo Mandara as a member of the Advisory
Group of the Central Emergency Response
Fund (CERF) by the United Nations Secretary-
General, António Guterres.
While we applaud the Secretary General for the
appointment well deserved, we are convinced
that the appointment is an appreciation of Dr.
Mandara's wealth of experience and
demonstration of the confidence Nigeria and
international community repose in her and the
remarkable legacy lived by her leadership as
the Senior Country Adviser in Nigeria to the
David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Nigeria-
based Health Systems Adviser for the Earth
Institute at New York's Columbia University, and
Country Representative of Nigeria at the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation.
We also consider the appointment as an
endorsement of her competence and
commitment to contribution to human and
Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani)
Editor-in-Chief
Abubakar JimohEditor
Chioma Kanu
Abimbola S. Okoilu-Miró
REGIONAL OFFICE: KANO
3rd Floor, NISTF Building
No. 1A, Social Insurance Road Behind Trade Fair Complex
Zaria Road, Kano
P.O. Box 10210
Kano State
REGIONAL OFFICE: ADAMAWA
Government Lodge Area
Off Main Drive
Dougerei Layout
Jimeta, Yola
Adamawa State
REGIONAL OFFICE: YOBE
Suite 5, Bugon Plaza
Opposite Eco Bank
Along Maiduguri Road
Damaturu
Yobe State
CONTACT ADDRESS:
Flat 3, No. 16 P.O.W. Mafemi Crescent
Off Solomon Lar Way
Behind Chida Hotel
Near Daily Trust Newspapers Office
Utako District, Abuja - Nigeria
Tel: 234-08033844646
Website: www.cislacnigeria.netEmail: cislac@
cislacnigeria.net
CISLAC Lauds Appointment of Dr. Mandara as Member of UN Advisory Group
A Publication of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)
Legislative Digest Vol. 11 No. 10, October, 2017 3
national development which was proven in her
decades of priceless service in the private
sector.
We recall and commend Dr. Mandara's
profound interest and patriotic involvement
hitherto in enhanced mutual interaction among
the government, electorate and development
partners on issues affecting the nation's social
sector investment and good governance.
We are hopeful that her appointment will
enhance transparency and accountability in the
global humanitarian aid management,
especially at this moment when humanitarian
crisis has been amplified by massive
corruption and reported diversion of aid across
the globe.
Dr. Mandara stands out as a great mentor to
young women in Nigeria, as she provides hope
to thousands through dedicated charitable
educational and empowerment programmes
for young girls and vulnerable women.
We are hence, convinced that she will bring her
experience, values and excellent qualities to
bear in the new responsibilities.
COVER STORY
Legislative Digest Vol. 11 No. 10, October, 20174
s t r a t e g i e s a n d a l l o c a t e
responsibilities to all stakeholders to
achieve the economic resurgence.
In order to achieve its vision, the
Federal Government initiated a 5-
year special intervention package to
q u i c k e n t h e s o c i o - e c o n o m i c
development of the states in the Zone
by building functional partnership
involving the Federal Government,
state and local governments.
The establishing objectives of the
Fund include to identify sources and
ways of raising sustainable funding
to support victims of Boko Haram
terror activities; manage, disburse
and/or administer support to the
victims as appropriate; address
related challenges as may be
appropriate; advise Government;
develop appropriate strategies for
the fund raising; ascertain the
persons, communities, facilities and
economic assets affected by Boko
Haram terror activities; assess and
determine the appropriate support
Collective Resolution to Enhance Transparency in Humanitarian Aid Continued from page 1
Accountability and Transparency in
Emergencies' focuses specifically on
Afghanistan, the response to Ebola in
Guinea, southern Somalia, and
operations to assist Syrian refugees
in Lebanon, it would not be a surprise
to see fact - f indings there in
corresponding with the unforgiveable
monumenta l corrupt ion and
diversion of humanitarian assistance
rocking Nigeria's emergency spheres.
In recent times, the worsening
humanitarian crisis has been
amplified by massive corruption and
reported diversion of aids for
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
and other victims of terrorism
allegedly perpetrated by officials or
organisations saddled with the
management of humanitarian crisis.
This practice which continued
unchecked for years had not only
exacerbated the crisis but also eroded
citizens' confidence in humanitarian
aid, especially in the North-Eastern
part of Nigeria where nearly 100,000
lives and $5.9 billion property were
lost to various insurgent attacks with
2,114,000 Internally Displaced
Persons.
It is noteworthy that lack of
transparency and accountability in
the management of humanitarian aid
in Nigeria had in August 2017
triggered violence and undesirable
reactions by Internally Displaced
P e r s o n s w h o d e s c e n d e d o n
humanitarian workers, destroyed
property, and inflicted varying
degrees of injury on many in
Maiduguri, Borno state.
Taking a lead role in the peace,
rehabilitation and reintegration
process in the region, the Federal
Government consul ted s tate
governments in the region to define a
shared vision, develop workable
How Corruption Marred
Previous Interventions
COVER STORY
Legislative Digest Vol. 11 No. 10, October, 2017
Nigeria's overall framework for
humanitarian response.
As explains by the new report by
Transparency International (TI),
“when aid money is channelled
through public institutions, weak
f i n a n c i a l m a n a g e m e n t a n d
accounting systems, resulting from
limited capacities including human
resources, hardware, software and
electricity, create an enabling
environment for malpractices
leading to the erosion of aid
integrity”.
For instance, on July 24, 2016 in a
report titled “Disturbing Reports
About Diversion of IDPs Funds and
Materials” published by This Day
Newspapers, revealed the growing
but unchecked diversion of items and
funds meant for internally displaced
persons in various parts of the
country, calling on the authorities to
rise to the occasion, and proactively
save the IDPs from those who were
out to profiteer from their situation.
By October 2016, the House of
Representatives Committees on
Emergency and Disaster Prepared-
ness; Loans, Aids and Debt
Management; and IDPs, refugees
and initiatives on North-east
… when aid money is channelled through
public institutions, weak financial
management and accounting systems…create
an enabling environment for malpractices
leading to the erosion of aid integrity.
While the primary goal of humanitarian
assistance is to provide support to the most
vulnerable,…attempts to improve the
government's response like Victims Support
Fund have been marred by corruption,
mismanagement, and diversion.
investigating alleged diversion of
funds and materials meant for
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs),
raised alarm over the alleged use of
N270million merely to clear grass by
the office of the Secretary to
Government of the Federation (SGF).
The joint Committee was
mandated by the House to
investigate the allegation and had
invited SGF to explain, Babachir
Lawal to explain how his office spent
about N12 billion allocated for the
IDPs' challenges.
It was also charged to investigate
the expenditure of purported
allocation of N188.69million for
Nigerian refugees living in Minawao,
Republic of Cameroon? by the
Presidential Initiative on the North-
East (PINE) es tab l i shed to
c o o r d i n a t e d o m e s t i c a n d
international humanitarian efforts.
The House expressed worry over
series of allegations of diversion of
the donated funds meant for the
wellbeing and welfare of IDPs,
stating that “despite all the
donations, a large number of these
IDPs are living in hunger, very
d e p l o r a b l e a n d u n h y g i e n i c
c o n d i t i o n s w i t h o u t a n y
rehabilitation in sight”.
Consequently, in response to
continued neglect and to ensure a
more cohesive push for government
attention, some of the victims of
various explosions had united under
the aegis of Bomb Blast Victims
Association of Nigeria, BVAN.
I n S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 6 , t h e
Chairman of the association, Kayode
Olatunji, was quoted in a report by
5
required in each case.
Through the listed objectives, the
initiative aimed at promoting
economic empowerment for victims of
terrorism (women), providing
educational and psychosocial
supports for terror-affected and
displaced children; facilitate foster
programming for children orphaned
by terrorism; providing financial
assistance for over-stretched
hospitals on free treatment to victims
of terrorism; carry out critical
assessment of state of insurgency
including socio–economic analysis of
the impact of insurgency on the
victims.
At inception, N2billion was
earmarked in the 2014 budget to
alleviate the challenges of the worst
hit states - Borno, Yobe and
Adamawa in addition to the Victims
Support Fund as a complement from
the Private Sector for the same
purpose.
However, these interventions
have not achieved their stated
objectives of restoring peace, stability
and prosperity to the Zone. Hence,
there exists a need to change our
strategies and approach in order to
create lasting peace within the Zone.
While the primary goal of
humanitarian assistance is to
provide support to the most
vulnerable, implying strong efforts
on assessment, targeting, specific
modalities in delivering assistance
and services, as well as post
distribution monitoring, attempts to
improve the government's response
like Victims Support Fund have been
m a r r e d b y c o r r u p t i o n ,
mismanagement, and diversion of
funds as well as lack of clarity in
COVER STORY
Legislative Digest Vol. 11 No. 10, October, 20176
initially mistaken by local health
officials for an outbreak of epidemic.
Consequently, hundreds of people
in communities like Ossissa, Isele-
Egwu, Olor and Onu-Aboh were left
looking gaunt with bloated tummies
and sunken eyes, forcing families
who could afford it to rush their sick
members to hospitals while others
resorted to prayer houses. The
development had exposed diversion
of cash, food and relief materials
meant for disaster victims and other
illegal activities of the Flood Disaster
M a n a g e m e n t a n d V i c t i m s '
Rehabilitation Committees set up by
the state.
Similarly, in a recent flood
disaster that displaced thousands in
Benue State, Internally Displaced
Persons (IDPs) were reportedly
engaged in physical battle and
overpowered the security guards at
International Market, Makurdi in an
attempt to prevent diversion of relief
Premium Times lamenting that “the
most fortunate of those affected by
the bomb blasts were only assisted by
government during the early stages
of the incidents”.
“Every member of the BVAN will
tell you, like it was the case with me,
that they only got help for a while at
the hospital,” said Mr. Olatunji.
Mr. Olatunji who was affected by
the April 8, 2011 bomb explosion at
the Independent National Electoral
Commission, INEC, office in Suleja
explained that he still has some
treatments pending for his eyes, ears
and bones.
Also, following the dreadful flood
disasters that that sacked Nigeria's
30 out of 26 states with resultant
d e a t h s o f 4 3 1 p e o p l e a n d
displacement of over 2.1 million
people in 2012, diversion, lack of
transparency and accountability in
the administration of relief funds and
m a t e r i a l s h a d r e p o r t e d l y
exacerbated the suffering and misery
of affected people and communities
who were abandoned by their
governments.
In several communities of Delta
State, a report by Centre for
Investigative Reporting exposed how
hundreds of hunger-torn flood
victims denied basic relief materials.
The situation which dragged the
victims into eating corn seedlings,
which unknown to them were already
treated with pesticides. Women,
children and the elderly were hit in a
mass food poisoning that was
Following the dreadful flood disasters that
sacked Nigeria's 30 out of 36 states with resultant
deaths of 431 people and displacement of over 2.1
million people in 2012, diversion, lack of
transparency and accountability in the
administration of relief funds and materials had
reportedly exacerbated the suffering and misery
of affected people and communities who were
abandoned by their governments.
In a recent flood disaster that displaced
thousands in Benue State, Internally Displaced
Persons (IDPs) were reportedly engaged in
physical battle and overpowered the security
guards at International Market, Makurdi in an
attempt to prevent diversion of relief materials
by camp officials.
materials by camp officials.
A l t h o u g h t h e N a t i o n a l
Emergency Management Agency
was established via Act 12 as
amended by Act 50 of 1999, to
coordinate resource towards efficient
and effective disaster prevention,
preparedness, mitigation and
response in Nigeria, however, the
A g e n c y a n d i t s s t a t e - l e v e l
counterparts lack the funds or the
capacity and experience to manage a
prolonged, large-scale humanitarian
operation.
In Aug 2016, a report by Internal
Crisis Group, a Non-governmental
Organization based in Belgium,
published on ReliefWeb observed
that the Nigerian government's
response had been hampered by
constrained resources and multiple
pressing security problems such as
resurgent rebellion in the Niger
Delta, separatist agitation in the
south east, and increasing violence in
the Middle Belt, recent clashes
between pastoralists and farmers
over land and water, as well as a
severe economic and budgetary
crisis.
In order to prevent the current
humanitarian emergency from
claiming more lives, prolonging the
conflict and fuelling longer term
Weak National Emergency
institutional capacity
Reactive National Response
COVER STORY
Legislative Digest Vol. 11 No. 10, October, 2017 7
address the root cause of the
insurgency in the North East a well-
structured, holistic and integrated
approach is required. The solution
must be driven and coordinated by an
institution with relevant statutory
mandate.”
T h e C o m m i s s i o n w i l l b e
responsible for the coordination of all
e f f o r t s t o w a r d s p e a c e a n d
socioeconomic empowerment of the
Zone; and interface with the Civil-
Military Cooperation Directorate
(CMCD) established by the Office of
the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and
other soft security initiatives in order
to synchronize civil and military
efforts in an integrated manner.
“These responsibilities are
important to note because the key to
winning any counter-insurgency war
is to win the hearts and minds of the
civilian population. Hence, it goes
without saying that when there is
cooperation between the civil
populace and the military, it would be
just a matter of time before the
insurgents are defeated militarily
and peace restored in the Zone,” Sen.
Nyako explained.
The modes of operation of the
Commission must be unambiguous
and transparent to ensure greater
The modes of operation of the Commission
must be unambiguous and transparent to
ensure greater accountability to the
concerned citizens in order to foster a sense of
ownership and build confidence in citizens.
insecurity in the region, the Group
recommended that the government
must match its military campaign
against insurgents with strong
commitment to addressing the
immediate humanitarian needs and
longer-term development and
reconstruction assistance to rebuild
the north east.
The lost accountability and
oversight in the management of
humanitarian aid led to a resolution
by the Nigeria Senate to establish a
Senate Ad hoc Committee on the
Humanitarian Crisis in the North-
East as well as the introduction of
N o r t h E a s t D e v e l o p m e n t
Commission (Establishment) Bill,
2017 which was recently assented to
by the President Muhammadu
Buhari.
The commission has the mandate
to receive and manage funds
allocated by the Federal Government
and international donor agencies for
the resettlement, rehabilitation,
integration and reconstruction of
roads, houses and business premises
of victims of insurgency.
Senator Abdul-Aziz M. Nyako
representing Adamawa Central,
Adamawa State noted that the scope
of the Commission will include all
activities that promote the economic
growth and wellbeing of citizens
through regional development.
He said: “The Commission's
intervention will largely focus on
strategic priorities of the North East
Zone, which include: security,
infrastructure, education and
agriculture.
“To foster a sustainable solution
to the problem of insecurity and
The Commission will be responsible for the
coordination of all efforts towards peace and
socioeconomic empowerment of the Zone…
accountability to the concerned
citizens in order to foster a sense of
ownership and build confidence in
the Commission.
More importantly, strategies and
solutions to be proffered by the
Commission must not only address
issues of physical insecurity but more
fundamentally the socio-economic
ones that will ultimately restore
citizens' trust and commitments to
their Nation and vice versa.
The report pro f fers good
governance, existence of legal
frameworks on corruption, engaging
multiple sub-contracted partners
procurements and suppl ies ,
development of sophisticated
methodology for the selection of
possible partners, proper Monitoring
a n d e v a l u a t i o n a c t i v i t i e s ,
m a i n t a i n i n g a p p r o p r i a t e
communication channel with
communities, recruitment based on
reference and integrity rather than
mere ly paper qua l i f i ca t i on ,
persistent auditing and reporting,
solidified procurement process, as
important factors in combating
g l o b a l d i v e r s i o n a n d
mismanagement of humanitarian
aid.
It is hopeful that the report will
open critical discussions around
transparency and accountability in
the global humanitarian aid
management and provoke holistic
reactions and oversight activities on
humanitarian aid process at country
level.
Holistic recommendations by
Transparency International
(TI)
Legislative Digest Vol. 11 No. 10, October, 20178
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
he Senate Committee on Land
Transport has held a public Thearing to deliberate on a bill
focusing on the compulsory
provision of transport by employers
for their workers.
Chairman of the committee,
Senator Gbenga Ashafa, said the bill
would ensure protection and
enforcement of safety and dignity of
Nigerian workers.
The bill sponsored by Senator
Babajide Omoworare, if passed will
necessitate employers to make
provision for “safe and convenient
means of transport” for their
workers.
Ashafa said: “I believe that the
focus of this bill is the plight of the
Nigerian workers and the fact that
that it draws inspiration from the
constitutional provision of the right
to the dignity of the human person is
genuinely commendable.
“It is important to note that this
piece of legislation is a novel foray
into the development of our labour
laws in Nigeria. We have to look into
the manner in which employers
convey their workers, from one
point to the other and in this regard,
the safety and dignity of our labour
force must come first.
“This would have a direct effect
on the productivity of the average
worker and in essence, translate to
a more vibrant economy.”
he Senate President, Abubakar
Bukola Saraki has assured that Tthe National Assembly and the
executive would work together to
ensure the passage of the 2018
Appropriation Bill in December.
But speaking to journalists after
an interactive dinner hosted by
President Muhammadu Buhari in
honour of principal officers of the
National Assembly in Abuja, Saraki
he House of Representatives
has passed for second reading, Ta bill which seeks to establish a
foreign exchange market and to
provide for the regulat ion,
monitoring and supervision of the
transactions conducted in the
market.
The bill sponsored by Jones
Onyerer i , chairman, House
Committee on Banking and
Currency, also seeks to repeal the
Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and
Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, Cap.
P34, Laws of the Federation of
Nigeria, 2004.
According to Onyereri, the bill
seeks to “promote the effective
regulation of the Nigerian financial
industry with a view to promoting
financial system stability under the
CBN Act, 2007, and entrenching the
deepening of financial markets,
stated that its presentation lay in
the hands of the executive but the
Assembly would receive it upon
readiness by the executive.
He also promised cooperation of
the National Assembly with the
execut ive to ensure better
administration of the country.
“We assure Mr. President that
we will continue to cooperate with
the executive,” he added.
which requires the necessary legal
framework to ensure that the goals
of stability and growth are
achieved.
“The cultural nature of the
economy has exposed the financial
system to risks associated with the
vagaries of movements in the
foreign exchange rate and the
nation's reserves that may quickly
results in systematic failure. This
has made a review of this area of law
imperative in light of the dynamic
nature of the foreign exchange
system.”
The Bill seeks to convict “any
person who either with the intent to
defraud, forges, mutilated, utters or
defaces any foreign currency, or
other instrument of exchange in the
market to 5 years imprisonment or
a fine of five times the amount of
foreign currency involved.”
he Senate has charged the
Finance Ministry to prioritise Trelease of funds to the Ministry of
Health to revitalise Federal
Government-owned hospitals.
This resolution followed a motion
sponsored by Monsurat Sumonu,
seeking to improve the condition of
Federa l Government - owned
hospitals across the country.
Presenting the motion, Mrs.
Sumonu, noted that despite
Nigeria's strategic position in
Africa, the country's health sector is
great ly under -s ized due to
inadequate health facilities and
incessant strikes by health workers.
She observed that despite a
N308, 464, 276.782 allocation to the
sector in the 2017 budget,
government-owned hospitals are
unable to provide basic medicine
w h i l e m e d i c a l e q u i p m e n t
malfunction due to lack of
electricity.
She said that “renovation or even
constructions (of government-
owned hospitals) are baseless if
hospitals are not well-equipped with
basic facilities to save lives.”
“Every senator should ensure
that the law we passed and was
assented to by the executive is
properly implemented.”
Adopting the resolutions, the
Senate charged the Ministries of
Finance and Budget to prioritise the
Ministry of Health in the release of
annual budgetary allocation.
NASS Assures Passage of 2018 Budget in December
House Passes Bill to Regulate Foreign Exchange Market for Fecond Reading
Senate Proposes Compulsory Transport For Workers
Senate Laments Poor State of Govt-owned Hospitals
Legislative Digest Vol. 11 No. 10, October, 2017 9
STATE ASSEMBLY
he Akwa Ibom House of Assembly Th a s c o n f i r m e d t w o
nominees—Ibanga Akpabio from
Essien Udim Local Government Area
and Prof. Victor Bassey from Oruk
Anam Local Government Area for the
position of commissioners in the state
executive council.
The confirmation followed the
consideration and adoption of the
report of House Committee on
Judiciary, Justice, Human Rights and
Public Petitions.
The Chairman of the committee,
Aniefiok Akpan, said that the
committee cleared the nominees
having found that there was no
petition or adverse report against
he Lagos State House of TAssembly has sworn-in Hon.
Noheem Adams to replace Hon.
Ademola Alimi Kazeem from Eti-Osa
Constituency 1, who died on July 18,
2017.
Adams was elected after a bye-
e l e c t i o n c o n d u c t e d b y t h e
Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC), on Saturday,
September 30, 2017, to fill the vacant
position.
Speaking after the swearing-in,
which was held at recent plenary in
the House, the Speaker of the
Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru
Obasa, prayed that the tenure of the
lawmaker would bring development
to the state and the country in general,
adding that the incident that led the
bye-election in the first place would
not be experienced again.
“The event that brought you here
will not occur again. We pray you
abide by the oath of office you have
taken today,” Obasa said.
On another development, the
ollowing a request by the State
Governor, Seriake Dickson, FBayelsa House of Assembly has
approved N40 billion loan for the state
government to complete ongoing
projects.
The request for the facility was
contained in a later dated Oct. 30 and
addressed to the Speaker of Bayelsa
House of Assembly, Hon. Kombowei
Benson.
The letter sought among others,
permission to restructure existing
bank loans to enable the state channel
more funds to projects.
Assembly has passed the Bill for a
Law to Establish the Lagos State
College of Nursing (Schools of
Nursing, Midwifery and Public
Health Nursing) and Other Connected
Matters.
The college is expected to make
these facilities available on proper
terms to such persons as are eligible to
benefit from them. It shall “provide
courses of instruction on Nursing,
midwifery and Public Health as the
College may consider fit. “It shall
conduct examination award degree
programmes, National Diploma,
Certificates and Higher National
Diploma in Nursing, Midwifery and
other related courses”.
The bill had earlier scaled through
the Third Reading before it was
passed through a voice vote led by the
Speaker, Mr Mudashiru Obasa.
The Speaker of the House directed
the Clerk of the House, Mr Azeez
Sanni, to forward a clean copy of the
bill to Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode for
assent.
Also, the State Commissioner for
Works and Infrastructure, Lawrence
Ewhrudjakpor said the loan would be
useful in the enhancement of speedy
completion of ongoing projects in the
three senatorial zones in the state
such as the Sagbama/Ekeremor Road,
Isaac Boro Road with street lights and
the Bayelsa International Airport.
Other uses include the Senate
Building inside the Niger Delta
University; internal roads, especially
in Ogbia local government; and ? the
bridge leading to the Tourist Island,
among others.
he Nasarawa State House of
Assembly has received the Tnomination of 11 local government
Interim Management Committee
(IMC) Chairmen from Governor
Umaru Tanko Al-Makura for
screening and confirmation.
The speaker of the House, Alhaji
Ibrahim Balarabe made this
announcement in Lafia, after the
majority leader of the house, Tanko
Tunga read the letter of the governor
at the floor of the house.
According to him, “we have
rece ived a le t ter f rom His
Excellency, Tanko Al-Makura
through the majority leader and we
slated tomorrow October 24 for the
screening of the 11 local government
a r e a I n t e r i m M a n a g e m e n t
Committee (IMC) chairmen and
their IMC members in order to boost
grassroots development.
“We hereby direct the clerk of the
h o u s e t o c o m m u n i c a t e t h e
appointees and ask them to submit
30 copies of their credentials before
9am tomorrow, October 24,” he said.
While presenting the governor's
letter at the floor of the house, the
Majority Leader, Alhaji Tanko
Tunga, said that their appointment
was based on their track records.
Nasarawa Assembly Receives List of 11 LGA IMC Nominees
Akwa Ibom Assembly Confirms Commissioner Nominees
Lagos Assembly Swears in NewMember to Replace Dead Lawmaker
Bayelsa Assembly Approves N40b Loan for Existing Projects
them.
He said the nominees had met the
constitutional requirements for
appointment as commissioners as
outlined in sections 106 and 107 of the
1999 Constitution as amended,
urging the House to confirm their
appointment.
The Speaker of the House, Onofiok
Luke, said the nominees' had the
needed credentials to occupy the
office, advising them to work
diligently and add value to the
executive council to improve on the
wellbeing of Akwa Ibom people.
MATERNAL HEALTH
Legislative Digest Vol. 11 No. 10, October, 201710
here are indications that poor
Primary Healthcare service Tand poor communication
channel on health services to the
communities are major contributory
factors to maternal deaths in Kaduna
state.
This was made known by a group of
state and non-state actors working on
maternal health accountability in a
communiqué issued at the end of
Executive, Legislative, CSOs and
Media Dialogue on Maternal Health
Accountability organized by CISLAC
with support from MacArthur
Foundation in the state.
The group said: “Kaduna State
Government had in recent times
recruited additional health personnel
and refurbished some existing but
dilapidated Primary Healthcare
facilities, primarily to enhance
effective healthcare service in the
state. “Systemic corruption remains
an inherited challenge impeding
efforts of the State Government in
Kaduna: Stakeholders Urge Proper Information Dissemination on Maternal Health Services
By Chioma B. Kanu effective maternal health service
provision and delivery.
“Delay in the implementation of
existing legislation on health
hampers maternal healthcare
delivery at all levels.
“Accountability for maternal
health is determined by effectiveness
of relevant stakeholders in the
performance of their respective
mandates, value for money in the
provision of maternal health services,
confidence in governance and
responsiveness to demanding
community.
“Inadequate information sharing
on policy performance hinders civil
society and the media efforts at
tracking and reporting maternal
health budget.”
To achieve adequate, accessible,
affordable and effective maternal
healthcare system in the state, it
recommended persistent policy and
legislative advocacy by civil society to
the executive and legislative arms to
galvanize issues on maternal and
child health; full involvement of civil
To achieve adequate, accessible, affordable
and effective maternal healthcare system in
the state, it recommended persistent policy
and legislative advocacy by civil society to the
executive and legislative arms to galvanize
issues on maternal and child health…
Participants in a group photo at “Legislative, Executive, CSOs and Media Dialogue on Maternal Health Accountability” organised by CISLAC in Kaduna State.
MATERNAL HEALTH
Legislative Digest Vol. 11 No. 10, October, 2017 11
group of state and non-
state actors working on Am a t e r n a l h e a l t h
accountability in Jigawa state have
urged appropriate monitoring of
the implementation of Free
Maternal Newborn and Child
Health (FMNCH) services by
relevant authorities to ensure
greater accountability and effective
delivery of the services in the state.
The group made this call in a
communiqué issued at the end of
'Executive, Legislative, CSOs and
Media Dialogue on Maternal
Health Accountability' organized
by Civil Society Leislative
Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) with
s u p p o r t f r o m M a c A r t h u r
Foundation in Dutse, Jigawa
state's capital.
According to the group, with
N180million allocated to Free
Maternal Newborn and Child
Health services in 2017, the service
was accessible only in 24 out of 686
Health facilities in the state.
“ P e r s i s t e n t m i s u s e a n d
commerc ia l izat ion o f drugs
(provided by the State Government)
by healthcare receivers in the
remains a serious challenge to
achieving effective maternal
healthcare services in the state.
“Overstretched healthcare
system, especially by healthcare
receivers from neighbouring states
is an inherent challenge to
accessible healthcare service in the
state.
“Inherent delays in accessing
maternal health and individuals'
over-reliance on free maternal
healthcare services contribute
largely to maternal deaths in the
state,” it noted.
The g roup re commended
m a s s i v e s e n s i t i z a t i o n a n d
awareness at individual level on the
precarious effects of diversion and
commercialization of drugs meant
for personal use.
It endorsed the establishment of
a Committee by the State
Government to critically screen and
prioritize the state's healthcare
receivers over neighbouring
communities to ensure accessible
Jigawa: Group Urges Effective Delivery of Free MNCH Services
By Abubakar Jimoh healthcare services in the state.
“We recommend appropriate
monitoring of the implementation
of Free-MNCH services by relevant
authorities in state; increased civil
society advocacy for the effective
and efficient delivery of F-MNCH
services, and public sensitization
on the existing Free-MNCH
services; appropriate political will
by the executive and legislative
arms in discharging their
respective mandates towards
maternal accountability in the
state,” the group added.
The meeting which aimed at
bringing the state's executive,
legislative, CSOs and the Media
under one roof to brainstorm and
proffer holistic recommendations
on adequate, accessible, affordable
and effective maternal health
within their respective mandates
drew about 20 participants from
the State House of Assembly,
Ministries of Health, Budget and
P lanning , Women Af fa i r s ,
Education, State Primary Health
Care Development Agency, Civil
Society and the Media.
society groups in governance process
to ensure appropriate dissemination
of maternal health information to
inform policy and legislative process.
The group endorsed increased
media involvement in investigative
journalism, dedicated programmes
and activities to raise public and
policy consciousness on maternal
health, giving cognizance of the
emerging social media.
It noted: “We recommend effective
p o l i c y f o r m u l a t i o n a n d
implementation, and policy transition
into legislation to ensure sustainable
intervention in maternal and child
health; accessibility to reliable data on
maternal health across the line
Ministr ies , Departments and
Agencies to complement civil society
engagement, investigative journalism
and reportage on maternal health.”
They canvassed creation of Civil
Society Desk Office in the State House
of Assembly to encourage constructive
relationship among the legislature,
civil society and media relation;
appropriate channels and timing by
civil society and the media for
maternal health data collation to
inform policy and legislative process;
and proper information dissemination
by NOA at community level with the
involvement of all stakeholders.
The group pledged to engage:
individual re-orientation by civil
society groups and the media to
ensure appropriate articulation of
maternal health policy objectives;
proper monitoring and evaluation of
projects and programmes to ensure
a c countab i l i t y and e f f e c t i ve
implementation, especially at
grassroots level; development of
legislative framework on maternal
health to aid legislative process and
susta inable maternal heal th
interventions; create synergy
between media and civil society for
complementary information sharing
on maternal health; and create a
platform for information sharing
among the executives, legislative,
media and civil society.
The meeting drew about 20
participants from the State House of
Assembly, Ministries of Health,
Women Affairs, Education, Budget
and Planning, Civil Society and the
Media.
PHOTO SPEAK
Legislative Digest Vol. 11 No. 10, October, 201712
Participants in a group photo at “One-day Legislative, Executive, CSOs and Media Dialogue on Maternal Health Accountability” organised by CISLAC in Kano state. Caption the 2nd picture as: Participants in a group photo at sensitization for women groups and citizens to educate them on their rights organised by CISLAC in Asaba, Delta state. Caption the 3rd picture as: Participants in a group photo at “One-day CSOs/Legislative Stakeholders' Round Table Meeting on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) organised by CISLAC with support from Facility for Oil Sector Transparency and Reform (FOSTER).
Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), with support from Facility for Oil Sector Transparency and Reform (FOSTER), held a one-day CSO / Legislative Stakeholders' Round Table Meeting on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) on the 25th of October, 2017. The meeting was to provide an opportunity to interact with stakeholders in the Petroleum sector and dialogue on how to forge collaboration in support of the Bill and also contribute to its successful and historical passage.
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), national contact for Transparency International (TI) in N i g e r i a , c o n d u c t e d o n e - d a y sensitization for women groups and citizens to educate them on their rights. The sensitization took place at Best Western Plus Elomaz Hotel. Plot 22A/B-27 Core Area, DBS Road GRA, Asaba, Delta State on 16th October, 2017
As part of the activities under the “Integrity, Mobilization, Participation, Accountability, Anticorruption and Transparency in Nigeria (IMPACT N i g e r i a ) p r o j e c t , C I S L A C , i n collaboration with Transparency International, Berlin, held a one-day training on Corruption Risk Assessment (CRA) and Compliance for partner organizations in Kano recently.
TAX JUSTICE
Legislative Digest Vol. 11 No. 10, October, 2017 13
he Civil Society Legislative
Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has Tc a u t i o n e d t h e F e d e r a l
Government against institutionalizing
a policy of granting long-term tax
incentives to corporate businesses to
achieve project implementation.
While giving this warning in a press
statement, the Executive Director of
CISLAC, Auwal Ibrahim Musa
(Rafsanjani) said the position was
necessitated by tendency of the
proposed decision by the
Federal Government to
create a distorted fiscal
picture essential for
sustainable revenue and
expenditure planning.
He said: “It is also
susceptible to abuse and
creation of complex tax
a d m i n i s t r a t i o n
frameworks that would
result in long term
revenue loss to the nation.
“We are worried that
the failure of government
to deliver on its promise to
N i g e r i a n s o n
infrastructure development, after over
two years in office, due to the financial
challenges because of dwindling
revenues from oil is driving her into
panic mode and making her resort to
desperate measures, including falling
back on discredited and obsolete
approach of handing out tax incentives
to show results, probably for
electioneering campaign prelude to
2019. This must however not be done at
the expense of long term national
interest and development.
“CISLAC finds it disturbing that a
country that is posting a debt to GDP
Ratio of 16 percent and a budget deficit
of about 31 per cent of her annual
budget in 2017, planning to borrow
another $5 Billion (about 1.9 Trillion
Naira) to fund the 2017 budget, while
already spending about 36 percent of
scarce revenues to service debts and is
in danger of losing international
funding to provide social services, still
finds it convenient to concede revenues
through the use of incentives. That this
is done in exchange for road
construction is quite embarrassing and
an indictment of the government.”
The Executive Director advised the
Federal Government to rather embrace
alternative source of fund mobilization
t h r o u g h d o m e s t i c r e s o u r c e
mobilisation for infrastructural
development.
“We remind the Government that in
the era of falling prices of commodities,
including oil, dipping national oil
reserves and waning demand for fossil
fuels, countries are seeking alternative
sources of revenues through domestic
resource mobilization with emphasis of
maximizing tax revenues to finance
development and meet SDG goals.
They are blocking tax loopholes,
addressing illicit financial flows,
tackling tax evasion and avoidance, re-
negotiating fiscal regimes in contracts
and doing away with granting of tax
incentives.
“CISLAC understands that the
arrangement reached with the Dangote
Group to offer tax incentive in exchange
for road construction falls within the
CISLAC Cautions FG Against Dangers of Long Term Corporate Tax Incentive
purview of the CITA (Exemption of
Profits Order 2012). However, the new
National Tax Policy envisages that tax
incentives are sector based and not
directed at entities or persons, provide
a net benefit to the country, are
available equally to all persons in the
same class and be very clear and avoid
ambiguity.
“We find no evidence that these
principles have been followed in this
case. The fact that the design and cost
of the proposed road project is
unknown, reveal the quality of
thinking that went into
this decision. We also
find the review of the
Order to extend from five
years to ten curious.
“We are aware that
this tendency for hasty
and discretionary award
of tax incentives is what
makes it prone to abuse
and corruption as has
been with previous
arrangements such as
the Pioneer Status
Incentives which this
administration have had
to cancel and review.
“CISLAC observes that the process
leading up to this has lacked clarity
and transparency as a cost-benefit
analysis and report has not been
publicly disclosed, there are no
indications that similar corporate
e n t i t i e s w e r e o f f e r e d e q u a l
opportunity. We find the very idea of
offering firm tax incentives to build a
road from which it directly benefits
undesirable,” he explained.
The CISLAC's boss called on the
Minister of Finance to review this
decision and shun the proposed
practice to avoid setting a dangerous
trend that would hurt the nation in the
long run, urging the National
Assembly Committees on Finance to
interrogate the decision to ensure
transparency and equity.
CISLAC observes that the process
leading up to this has lacked clarity
and transparency as a cost-benefit
analysis and report has not been
publicly disclosed, there are no
indications that similar corporate
entities were offered equal
opportunity.
By Kolawole Banwo
Legislative Digest Vol. 11 No. 10, October, 201714
ANTI-CORRUPTION
he Civil Society Legislative
Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), TN a t i o n a l C o n t a c t o f
Transparency International (TI) in
N i g e r i a , h a s c o n d u c t e d
sensitization training for women
groups and citizens in Delta state on
their rights in exposing and
combating corruption in all
ramifications.
The training was organized
under the aegis of a project entitled
“ I n t e g r i t y , M o b i l i z a t i o n ,
Participation, Accountability, Anti-
corruption and Transparency in
Nigeria” in collaboration with the
TI-International Secretariat, Berlin
and with support from Global
Affairs Canada.
Speaking at the training, the
Executive Director of CISLAC,
Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani)
represented by Barr. Adeshina Oke,
Member Board of Trustees of
CISLAC, highlighted the effects of
corruption on citizenry and the
country at large, adding that the
training was organized to inform the
p a r t i c i p a n t s o n t h e i r
responsibilities in fighting corrupt
practices.
Also, Program Officer, IMPACT
Project, Barr. Bathsheba Tagwai
said the sensitization was also
organised under the Advocacy and
Legal Advice Center (ALAC) project,
which sought to empower and
encourage citizens to participate in
governance and the fight against
corruption in Nigeria by providing
citizens with legal advice and
forwarding the reports to relevant
authorizes while following up to
ensure the victims receive redress.
She said: “The Center raises
awareness of the existing forms of
corruption; informs and educate
citizens on their rights; receives and
handles citizen's reports about
corruption through a toll-free
Anti-corruption: CISLAC Sensitizes Women Groups in Delta
By Bathsheba Tagwai hotline and social media platforms;
co l laborates with MDAs of
government as well as private
organizations.”
In a paper titled “Your Rights
and Responsibilities as a Nigerian”,
the Director, Delta State National
Orientation Agency, Mr. Okoro Ivan
explained that citizens' ignorance of
their constitutional rights hinders
t h e i r f r e e d o m t o d e m a n d
accountability.
Similarly, a representative of
Independent Corrupt and other
related Practices Commission
(ICPC), Mr. Jimoh Sulaiman said
for the country to achieve success in
the fight against corruption there
was a need for collective effort
among the government, CSOs,
NGOs and citizens.
The training was third in a series
of four planned to be held in
different geo-political zones of the
country including the FCT.
Barr. Adeshina Oke addressing the women group at the workshop.
Legislative Digest Vol. 11 No. 10, October, 2017 15
ANTI-CORRUPTION
Babachir Lawal, by the vice president
led investigation panel. The report
was submitted to the president, but
the details have also remained
hidden. Babachir Lawal was accused
by the senate for scamming the
g o v e r n m e n t o f a w h o o p i n g
N270million in the guise of cutting
grass at the Internal Displaced
Persons' camp, in the north-east
region of Nigeria. What remains
unclear is why the president
instituted an investigation panel to
conduct the investigation, and why
the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission was not directed to
handle the cases from the very
beginning.
“Regardless of these anomalies,
the president maintains an alarming
silence. Justice remains delayed and
the credibility of the anticorruption
fight, led by the president himself, is
in jeopardy.”
The group continued: “In the same
vein, the Inspector General of Police,
Ibrahim Idris, has been accused by a
serving senator of embezzling police
funds to the tune of N10billion
monthly, being income accruing from
paid services rendered to private
citizens. Rather than the IGP being
investigated and being suspended
group of Civi l Soc iety
Organisations (CSOs) under Athe aegis “Say No Campaign”
h a s e x p r e s s e d c o n c e r n o v e r
u n p e r t u r b e d m a n n e r a n d
lackadaisical attitude of the chief
executive in handling corruption cases
against certain public officials in
recent times.
The group made this known at a
press conference held recently to
address contentious issues bothering
the nation.
It said: “The reality of seemingly
protecting sacred cows stares us right
in the face and thus has become
difficult to ignore. It is increasingly
difficult to dismiss the albeit self-
serving criticism of the corrupt
opposition that the anti-corruption
fight of this regime is selective and or
targeted only at the opposition.
“For a president, reputed for
having zero tolerance for corruption
and famously stating explicitly that 'if
we do not kill corruption, corruption
will kill us', there has been very
disturbing silence over allegations of
corruption in critical positions that
should have never been overlooked.
“The report of the outcome of the
investigation headed by the vice
president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and
submit ted t o the pres ident ,
Muhammadu Buhari, on allegations
of fraud against the Director General
of National Intelligence Agency, Ayo
Oke, has remained a secret despite the
humongous amount of $43million
involved in the scam. There has been
no word uttered from the presidency
on the outcome of the investigation,
neither a cause of action initiated,
except that Ayo Oke remains
suspended, and presumably still
earning a salary.
“Similar investigation was carried
out on the Secretary to the
Government of the Federation, David
CSOs Bemoan Growing Inequalities in the Fight Against Corruption
By Gloria Chinyere Okwu
p e n d i n g t h e o u t c o m e o f a n
investigation, the government
decided to take the whistle blower to
court.
“What is even more worrisome
about all of these is that the Attorney
General of the Federation (AGF)
would take on the task of suing on
behalf of an individual against
another individual.”
In the interest of transparency,
accountability and justice, the group
called for immediate publication of
the result of investigation of fraud
against the SGF and the DG NIA with
expedite action by the EFCC and
other relevant institutions to ensure
justice for all. It further called for
instant suspension of the Inspector
General of Police, Ibrahim Idris to
enable appropriate investigation by
the EFCC.
“The president should desist from
interfering in corruption cases but
rather provide support to strengthen
the existing institutions that will
sustain the fight against corruption.
EFCC, ICPC and police should take
up their constitutional role of
investigating offenses and cases of
corruption regardless of the position
of the public official involved,” it
demanded.
Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), Executive Director of CISLAC (first from left) with other activist at the press conference.
COMMUNIQUE
16 Legislative Digest Vol. 11 No. 10, October, 2017
Preamble:
ISLAC with support from MacArthur Foundation organized One-
Day Executive, Legislative, CSOs and Media Dialogue on
Maternal Accountability in Katsina state. The meeting aimed at Cbringing the state's executive, legislative, CSOs and the Media under
one roof to brainstorm and proffer holistic recommendations on
adequate, accessible, affordable and effective maternal and child
health accountability in the state, within their respective mandates.
The meeting drew about 20 participants from the State House of
Assembly, Ministries of Women Affairs, Education, Civil Society and
the Media. After exhaustive deliberations on various thematic issues,
the following observations and recommendations were made:
Observations:
1. The significant priority of maternal and child health remains the
fundamental objectives of democratic leadership and has prompted
the presence and contribution by various development and local
partners towards reducing the rising maternal mortality and
morbidity in the state.
2. High level poverty remains a major contributory factor impeding
effort at reducing maternal mortality and morbidity in the state.
3. Existing restrictive measures institutionalized against media delay
investigative journalism and reportage on maternal health.
4. Accountability for maternal health is a collective obligation or
willingness to accept responsibility for actions, activities and
appropriate disclosure of results including money and other valuables
entrusted.
5. Maternal accountability indicators include Input indicators—what
goes into a project or process; Output Indicators—Visible measurable
aspects of the project/process; Process Indicators—Steps, procedures,
processes involved in the making of the project; and impact
Indicators—Overall results of the project/process on the beneficiaries
over time.
6. As related to maternal health, the salient focal areas include resource
utilization, program or project execution, value for money, benefits
delivery and impact.
7. The State House of Assembly appropriated N12billion (an increase of
N2billion from 2016 Appropriation Act) in 2017 Appropriation Act for
health sector with potential for improvement.
Recommendations:
1. Relating maternal health budget target with performance is
paramount to ensure judicious utilization and appropriate delivery on
maternal and child healthcare services in the state.
2. Developing a holistic synergy among the policy makers and civil
society groups to ensure connectivity between the citizens and
maternal health service provision and delivery.
3. Developing an accurate maternal health data bank by Ministry of
Health and other line ministries to ensure easy accessibility and use of
maternal health fact-findings to inform appropriate policy decision in
maternal and child health service provision.
4. Appropriate and persistent constituents' consultation on maternal
and child health related issues to identify priority and connectivity in
maternal health service provision and delivery in the state.
5. Continued provision of delivery kits to pregnant women to reduce the
monetary burden and encourage attendance for maternal health
services.
6. Persistent budgetary performance review by legislative and executive
arms to drive desired improvement in maternal health provision and
delivery in the state.
7. Appropriate performance supervision across facilities by the relevant
ministries through monthly report submission and review to ensure
compliance in service delivery by healthcare workers in the
state.
8. Increased curiosity by the media for maternal accountability
through investigative journalism, targeted report and
programmes to raise public and policy consciousness on
maternal health.
Action points:
Formation of a health education committee comprising civil
society and the media to monitor and engage massive
community sensitization and awareness on maternal and child
health.
Community driven effort in budget tracking and monitoring,
project supervision and reporting.
Introducing nutrition as a compulsory subject in the state's
primary, secondary and tertiary education curriculum by
Ministry of Education.
Making food technology and nutrition inclusive of men in the
state's educational system by the relevant ministries.
Institutionalizing professional nutritionists across facilities in
the grassroots to render services giving cognizance of their
professional mandates.
Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with Ministries of
Health and Information should champion the training and
retraining programmes for Traditional Birth Attendance
(TBA) in the state to encourage referral and promote
sustainability.
Office of Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on
Development Partners and Donor Agencies should monitor
capital receipts to avoid duplication of activities in maternal
healthcare by development partners
Civil society groups to monitor development partners'
programmes that align with state government's programmes
to avoid duplication and wastage of resources and corrupt
tendencies.
Entrance examination and admission process to state owned
health institutions for nurses and midwives should be done
with fairness.
Re-engaging retired community health workers to train
Nursing students and fill existing manpower shortage in
healthcare service delivery.
Sustaining the recruitment of the best three students from
Nursing School with further training and mainstream them
into the state's health sector.
The media to cascade sensitization of male folks across the
communities.
Noticed absence of Ministry of Health representative.
Having CSOs involvement and participation in legislative
oversight visits to facilities.
Signed:
1. Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanajani)Executive Director, CISLAC
2. Hon. Murtala Ado KaitaKatsina State House of Assembly
3. Muhammad Auwal Ibrahim TVC, Katsina state
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COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF ONE-DAY EXECUTIVE, LEGISLATIVE, CSOs AND MEDIA DIALOGUE ON MATERNAL ACCOUNTABILITY ORGANISED BY CIVIL SOCIETY LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY CENTRE (CISLAC) WITH SUPPORT FROM MACARTHUR FOUNDATION HELD AT MAKERA HOTEL, KATSINA STATE ON 19TH OCTOBER, 2017
COMMUNIQUE
Legislative Digest Vol. 11 No. 10, October, 2017 17
4. Creation of well researched civil society score card on maternal health as a baseline to inform policy focus and performance on maternal and child health.
5. Full involvement and participation of civil society groups and the media in the overall budgetary process to identify role and responsibilities in tracking and reporting maternal health budgetary allocation, release and utilisation.
6. Ensuring accessibility to reliable data on maternal health to aid civil society engagement, investigative journalism and reportage on maternal health.
7. Mainstreaming the informal sector—Market Association and Business Communities,
8. in maternal health policy formulation and development programmes for greater connectivity with diverse expectations.
Action Points
Strengthening Ministry of Health and civil society engagement through a quarterly meeting to present current trend and situation to inform policy focus and direction on maternal health in the state.
Leveraging the quarterly meeting to brainstorm on existing commitments by the Ministry of Health on Maternal Health.
Strengthening monitoring system by the Ministry of Women Affairs on the existing women empowerment scheme across the 44 local governments in the state to address financial gaps in maternal health accessibility and attendance.
Full operationalization of Freedom of Information (FOI) Act by civil society and media to enhance accessibility to maternal health information and data in the line ministries.
Immediate oversight activities by the State House of Assembly on the existing laws and resource allocation to maternal health to ensure compliance and full implementation.
Formation of a Maternal Health media platform and development of a media strategy on maternal and child health
Signed:
1. Alhaji Haladu Musa, Kano State House of Assembly
2. Dr. Tijjani Hussaini, Kano State Ministry of Health
3. Ibrahim Yahaya Yakasai, Kano State Ministry of Education
4. Hadiza Bala Fagge, WWODI
5. Kubra Ibrahim, Ministry of Women Affairs
6. Hauwa Umar Ibrahim, Ministry of Planning and Budget
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Preamble:
ISLAC with support from MacArthur Foundation organized One-Day Executive, Legislative, CSOs Cand Media Dialogue on Maternal Accountability in
Kano state. The meeting aimed at bringing the state's executive, legislative, CSOs and the Media under one roof to brainstorm and proffer holistic recommendations on adequate, accessible, affordable and effective maternal and child health accountability in the state, within their respective mandates. The meeting drew about 20 participants from the State House of Assembly, Ministries of Women Affairs, Health, Education, Budget and Planning, Civil Society and the Media. After exhaustive deliberations on various thematic issues, the following observations and recommendations were made:
Observations:
1. Accountability for maternal health is a collective obligation or willingness to accept responsibility for actions, activities and appropriate disclosure of results including money and other valuables entrusted.
2. Maternal health accountability indicators include Input indicators—what goes into a project or process; Output Indicators—Visible measurable aspects of the project/process; Process Indicators—Steps, procedures, processes involved in the making of the project; and impact Indicators—Overall results of the project/process on the beneficiaries over time.
3. As part of the efforts to deliver on maternal and child healthcare services, Kano State Government has keyed into various policies and initiatives like tripartite agreement, Save 1million Lives Initiative, and Free Maternity policy with potential for improvement.
4. Competing priorities in budgetary allocation and existing low skilled birth attendance are systemic challenges to adequate budgetary provision and delivery on maternal and child health service in the state.
5. The existing sensitization, policies and laws on maternal health have not made expected impact owing to implementation neglect and poor maintenance culture of health facilities, especially in the grassroots.
6. Lack of openness and poor accessibility to budgetary data on maternal health backpedal civil society and media engagements on maternal and child health in the state.
Recommendations:
1. Persistent evidence based advocacy by civil society groups to raise policy and public consciousness on maternal and child health accountability.
2. Bottom-up approach to maternal health accountability to ensure connectivity and community involvement in maternal health policy planning and implementation.
3. Provision of more medical schools to increase enrolment of female students to bridge personnel gaps and enhance maternal and child healthcare service delivery in the state.
COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF ONE-DAY EXECUTIVE, LEGISLATIVE, CSOs AND MEDIA DIALOGUE ON MATERNAL HEALTH ACCOUNTABILITY ORGANISED BY CIVIL SOCIETY LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY CENTRE (CISLAC) WITH SUPPORT FROM MACARTHUR FOUNDATION HELD AT NASARAWA GUEST, KANO STATE ON 26TH OCTOBER, 2017
Legislative Digest Vol. 11 No. 10, October, 201718
COMMUNIQUE
implemented to block leakages that currently exist, and provide enabling environment for citizens to demand accountability.
Signed:
Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Kano
Haj. Fatima Ibrahim Badamasi Gender Support and Youth Empowerment Initiative, Kano
Peace Initiative, Kano, Kano State.
Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement, Kano.
Aminu Umar Ahmad, Chairperson (NLC) Sokoto State
National Union of Journalist (NUJ), Sokoto state.
Educational Empowerment Initiative, Sokoto State
Nigerian Bar Association, Sokoto State
Community Mobilization and Development Initiative, Sokoto State
Every Girl, Every Woman Initiative, Sokoto
Alh. M. Ibrahim of Center for project development and grassroots empowerment Kebbi.
Aliyu Jajirma, Chairman, National Union of Journalist (NUJ) Kebbi state council.
Kebbi Youth Vanguard, Birnin-Kebbi
Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Kebbi state
Coalition of Civil Society in Nigeria, Kebbi state.
Mindset Initiative, Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi state
Umar Sani Audi, Women for Peace in Nigeria, Katsina State.
Community Information and advocacy initiative, Katsina state
National Union of Journalists (NUJ), Katsina
Pan African Development Education and Advocacy Programme, Katsina
Basirka Community Development Initiative, Jigawa state
Partnership for Development Action, Jigawa state
Haruna Adamu Hadejia, Knowledge and Community Development Awareness Initiative (KCOMAI), Jigawa
Abdul Yusuf, Campaign For Democracy (CD) North West Zone Office, Kaduna.
Trade Union Congress, Kaduna
Connecting Voices/Know your budget, Kaduna
Nura Garba Dauran, Help the Poor Foundation, Zamfara State.
Community Based Development Centre, Zamfara
Nigerian Bar Association, Zamfara State
Trade Union Congress, Zamfara State
Millenium Development Centre, Gusau, Zamfara State
Voluntary Aid Initiative, Zamfara State
· Nigeria Labour Congress Gusau, Zamfara State.
. National Union of Journalist (NUJ), Zamfara State.
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Preamble
ivil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), in collaboration with the Tax Justice Network-Africa, C(TJN-A) and with support from the Open Society
Foundation (OSF) held a two-day Stakeholder Interface session on the New National Tax Policy in Nigeria. The session, which was held in Kano state on 30 – 31st October, 2017 was attended by 38 participants drawn from seven states of the North-West geo-political zone of Nigeria. These included representatives of tax authorities, private sector, professional bodies, civil society organizations, Organised Labour and the Media.
The objective of the interface was to popularise the content National Tax Policy (NTP), assess the new Tax Policy against the yardsticks of fairness, equity, progress and effect on investments, inequality, transparency and accountability.
The session was participatory with presentations on the tax situation in Nigeria and an overview of the National Tax Policy recently approved by the Federal Executive Council. After robust state specific discussions and presentations, the participants made the following observations and recommendations:
Observations
1. The new policy is a great improvement on the old one as it is all inclusive and takes care of key sectors of the Nigerian economy.
2. The Policy has identified key actors in its implementation.
3. Multiple-taxation has created apathy among citizens in the area of tax compliance.
4. Provision of tax holiday in the policy is not clearly defined, as such it creates avenue for tax evasion and avoidance.
5. The provision of automated tax payment system in the policy is laudable it will reduce leakages in the tax system.
6. The observance of tax Thursday by the federal government immediately after the approval of the National Tax Policy (NTP) is equally laudable as it creates awareness on the policy.
7. Implementation of the National Tax Policy (NTP) becomes more complicated in view of vested interests and interference by people in power.
Recommendations
1. All levels of governments are enjoined to fully comply with the provisions of the National Tax Policy.
2. Relevant stakeholders should create awareness on the provisions of the new tax policy.
3. Government should involve citizens in policy initiation and implementation of tax system.
4. There should be harmonisation of all taxes and streamline tax agencies in the states
5. CSOs, Professional Bodies and pressure groups should work together to track budget implementation at all levels.
6. Automated tax payment system should be properly
COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF A TWO DAY STAKEHOLDERS' INTERFACE ON THE NATIONAL TAX POLICY ORGANISED BY CIVIL SOCIETY LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY CENTRE (CISLAC) HELD ON THE 30TH – 31ST OCTOBER 2017 AT CHILLA LUXURY SUITES, KANO STATE, NIGERIA.
Legislative Digest Vol. 11 No. 10, October, 2017 19
PEACE BUILDING
hile ethnic diversity and
shape sectarian divides Walways had potential to
provoke communal strife, the
persistent violence in plateau state in
recent times has defied containment
which in absence of proactive and
holistic action by relevant authorities
may exacerbate unwary situation in
form of reprisal attacks preached by
unscrupulous elements. In this report,
SALAUDEEN HASHIM examines
the situation in the state with holistic
recommendations.
The relative peace which Plateau
State has been enjoying in recent
times was suddenly shattered by the
gruesome killings in separate attacks
on vi l lagers in Bassa Local
Government Area where thirty five
people were killed recently. The first
attack happened in the afternoon
that faithful Sunday around Baju
village where six Fulani people were
allegedly killed. The second attack
took place at the Internally Displaced
Persons camp inside a primary school
at Nkiedonwhro village where
twenty nine people were allegedly
killed in the early hours on Monday.
Plateau, which was a dreamlike
place to be by both foreigners and
Nigerians because of its weather and
landscape, suffered major inter-
ethnic and inter-religious conflicts
from 2001 to 2004. The conflicts
consumed hundreds of lives, maimed
many and displaced others, while
many people relocated to other states
to escape the carnage. Millions of
naira in businesses and houses were
also destroyed. The killings in
Yelwan Shendam in 2004 where 600
people were killed made the then
president, Olusegun Obasanjo to
declare a state of emergency in the
state.
During the tenure of two-term
governor Jonah Jang (2007-2015),
Plateau State again erupted in crises
following the local government
election of November 20, 2008.
Notable among the crises was the one
in Kuru Karama in January 2010
where many people were killed and
thrown into wells. Buildings,
mosques and a police station were
burnt. According to Human Rights
Watch, one hundred and fifty people
were killed in that village. Another
one was a “reprisal attack” that took
place in Dogo Nahawa village, where
hundreds of Christians were killed in
March 2010.
By Salaudeen Hashim
However, with the coming of
Governor Simon Lalong in 2015 the
peace that has eluded Plateau in
spite of the Joint Task Force's special
presence soon became a reality.
Unlike Jang who was roundly
accused of being a party to the
conflicts, Lalong sees everybody
living in the state as a Nigerian
citizen worthy of protection, hence
his relative success in maintaining
the peace.
The recent upsurge in violence
must therefore be nipped in the bud
before it spirals out of control and
engulfs the whole state once again.
These kinds of conflicts between
farmers and herders almost always
occur either because herders' cattle
ate farmers' crops or herders accuse
local communities of cattle rustling
or killing their folk. So-called
reprisal attacks soon follow, followed
by counter-reprisal attacks. It is up
to the Plateau State government
headed by the level headed Governor
Lalong to break the vicious cycle of
attacks and reprisal attacks and get
to the root of the latest outbreak of
killings. All those who had a hand in
the sordid affair should be made to
face the music.
Looking back at the responses to
attacks in Plateau and other parts of
the Middle Belt, one would be
tempted to assume that some lives
are more precious than others. In a
gory scenario that has become all too
familiar, gunmen crept up on
villagers at Nkiedonwhro in Bassa
Plateau State: Mitigating the Terrific Communal Crisis
Looking back at the responses to attacks in
Plateau and other parts of the Middle Belt,
one would be tempted to assume that some
lives are more precious than others.
This mindless loss of lives cannot be allowed to
continue. Significantly, most of the massacres took
place at a time of full curfew, prompting women of the
state to take to the street on several occasions to
protest alleged soldiers' biased handling of security in
the area.
Continued on page 21
Legislative Digest Vol. 11 No. 10, October, 201720
OPINION
n recent times, corruption
remains a remarkable issue Iparticularly in Nigeria's
political arena.
I n N i g e r i a , b r i b e ry a nd
corruption carpets all three arms of
government including the private
sector which must be tackled
otherwise will hamper the nation's
development.
M e a n w h i l e , P r e s i d e n t
M u h a m m a d u B u h a r i l e d
Administration has launched the
anti-graft war though suffers
setback from the other two arms
including the executive arm itself as
well as some other unpatriotic
citizens within the country coupled
with poor participation by the
general people.
However, the achievement of any
policy requires full support of all the
three arms of government including
the citizens but for Nigeria the case
is different. The Transparency
International, a leading anti-
corruption organization in the world
defined corruption as involving
behaviour on the part of official in
the public and private sectors, in
which way improperly or unlawfully
enrich themselves and/or those close
to them or include others to do so by
misusing the position in which they
are placed.
Bribery is a form of corruption. A
bribe is a gift bestowed to influence
the recipient's conduct. Bribery
around the world is estimated over
S1trillion. It undermines the rule of
law and damages economic
d e v e l o p m e n t . B r i b e r y a n d
corruption result in conflict of
interest between a person's interest
and person's duty to perform a task.
Corruption constitutes a major
obstacle to democracy and the rule of
law. Offices and institutions lose
their legitimacy when they are
misused for private advantage.
Accountable political leadership
cannot develop in a corrupt climate.
Corruption can lead to the depletion
of natural wealth when national
resources are placed in control of a
small number of individuals for less
than their true value. Corruption
undermines people's trust in the
political system and breeds
frustration of the population.
On March 14th, 2015, the EFCC
Head of legal prosecution, Lagos
Zone, Iliyasu Kwarbai said that
$182 billion was siphoned and
laundered from the country in 9
years, compiled by the United State
Global Financial integrity relaying
on data from World Bank and
International Monetary Fund
(IMF). Nigeria ranked 8th of the
20th of the notorious financial
outflows. And that the proceed of
money laundered are infused into
financial system and transferred to
other locations and or financial
institutions followed by litigation.
In January 2016, president
Muhammadu Buhari has signed an
agreement on stolen funds with the
U n i t e d A r a b E m i r a t e o n
repatriation of stolen fund and
extradition of culpable officials. At
least $200 billion allegedly stolen
from the country's treasury by
former government officials is
believed to have been stashed in
banks and invested in properties in
Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Since 1999, at least 14 audit
reports sent to the Public Account
Commit tees (PAC) o f bo th
chambers of the National Assembly
by the office of Auditor- General of
the Federation (OAUGF) have been
gathering dust without being
presented to the plenary for
consideration and action. The audit
reports exposed fraudulent
practices in federal Ministries,
Department and Agencies (MDAs)
which prevented the reports from
being handed over to the executive
a r m o f g o v e r n m e n t f o r
implementation, thus robbing
Nigerians of the economic gains
that would have occurred if the
report were implemented. The
Auditor-General of the Federation
insisted that the anti-corruption
campaign of this government would
only be succeeded if the National
Assembly treats with passion, audit
reports.
From the aforementioned
statement, it is evident that the
country is highly involved in bribery
and corruption which demands all
three arms of government to
collectively take urgent action to
By Usman A. Aliyu
Nigeria: Anti-graft war, the role of three arms, the people (1)
Corruption constitutes a major obstacle to
democracy and the rule of law. Offices and
institutions lose their legitimacy when
they are misused for private advantage.
Legislative Digest Vol. 11 No. 10, October, 2017 21
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP
and support from the general public.
T h e a g e n c i e s c o m b a t i n g
corruption in Nigeria include;
Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC), Independent
Corrupt Practices Commission
(ICPC), Department of State
Security (DSS), Nigerian Police
Force (NPF), Court of Conduct
Bureau (CCB) and Court of Conduct
Tribunal (CCT), Nigeria Extractive
Industries Transparency Initiative
(NEITI), Office of the Auditor
General of the Federation (OAGF),
Bureau of Public Procurement
(BPP) and the office of the Attorney-
General and Minister of Justice.
These agencies should be
strengthened by giving them free
hand, equipping them and trained
personnel to discharge their
functions through reviewing laws
that established them. For instance,
the EFCC has power to prosecute
directly without recourse to the
Attorney-General Office while the
ICPC can only prosecute through
the Attorney- General Office.
EFCC is also primarily charged
with responsibility of enforcing law
relating to banking, money
laundering, Advance feed fraud
(419), miscellaneous offences and
other related offences applicable to
both public and private services
while the ICPC is to enforce laws
relating to fraud, corruption and
embezzlement of fund applicable to
public service only.
Local Government Area of the state
in the early hours of October 16,
when some of them were probably
still sleeping. It was reportedly the
third of such visitation by the
bloodthirsty hounds in just a matter
of days.
This is unbelievable for a
military upon which lies the
responsibility of defending the
territorial integrity of the country if
ever she comes under attack by
invading foreign forces. Perhaps the
security approach should come
under critical review; it is now
getting to a point when villagers
shou ld be a l l owed t o a rm
themselves to effectively fend off
any attack as the Nigerian state has
so miserably failed to guarantee
their security over the years. This is
already working well in the North-
East, with the invaluable role of the
Civilian Joint Task Force in the
ongoing war against Boko Haram.
History cannot just continue to
repeat itself in Plateau, while
everybody looks on in utter
helplessness. The Nkiedonwhro
a t t a c k s b e a r a n u n c a n n y
resemblance to what happened in
2012 when some hoodlums believed
to be herdsmen killed 60 people,
mostly women, children and the
elderly, from Barkin Ladi and Riyom
LGAs, right inside a church, where
they had sought refuge.
As if the massacre was not
repuls ive enough, when the
communities gathered the following
day to bury their dead, the killers,
this time in military kits, descended
on them again and slaughtered
scores more, bringing the number of
souls lost in the two days to over 100.
Among those killed were a serving
senator, Gyang Dantong, and the
Majority Leader of the State House of
Assembly, Gyang Fulani. A member
of the House of Representatives,
Simon Nwadkom, owed his survival
to a timely intervention of a medical
team that revived him after he
fainted.
By a conservative estimate, about
3,000 lives were lost between 2001
and 2010 in internecine warfare in
Plateau State, starting with 1,000
persons confirmed dead in 2001 and
the 500 of 2005. By 2008, when the
crisis erupted again, 700 were
reported killed, followed by 750 in
2010. This mindless loss of lives
cannot be allowed to continue.
Significantly, most of the massacres
took place at a time of full curfew,
prompting women of the state to
take to the street on several
occasions to protest alleged soldiers'
biased handling of security in the
area.
Besides, there have been several
reports by panels and commissions
of enquiry that have yet to be
implemented. They include the late
Solomon Lar, Emmanuel Abisoye
and Niki Tobi reports. Others were
also carried out by both the state
assembly and the National
Assembly. Buhari has to dust down
these reports and implement them
and hope that they would be
sufficient to guarantee a peaceful
coexistence.
Finally, media houses should
avoid sensationalism and undue
stereotyping in these conflicts.
Experience has shown that
criminals on all sides ignite these
conflicts for their own nefarious ends
which end up consuming the
innocent including women, children
and the elderly.
End The Killing Spree On The PlateauContinued from page 19
reduce it to a minimal level,
including effort of every citizen.
Firstly, the executive arm of
government which is responsible for
implementing government policies
is the first to be considered when
tackling corruption, followed by
others. In the first place, the
executive arm must provide an
environment that will make bribery
and corruption di f f icult by
s t r e n g t h e n i n g f i n a n c i a l
regulations, empowering law
enforcement agencies in combating
c r i m e s , c o l l a b o r a t i n g w i t h
s t a k e h o l d e r s i n c l u d i n g
international anti-graft agencies,
The Executive
Legislative Digest Vol. 11 No. 10, October, 201722
BILLS UPDATE
Nigeria and for Related Matters reading Mohammed Tahir Munguno
17 HB 1087 A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Establishment of FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and to formulate Policies and Guidelines Relating to the Management of Disasters in the FCT and for Related Matters
2017 Second reading
Hon. Sergius Ogun Oseasochie
18 HB 1078 A Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal University, Asaba and to make Comprehensive Provisions for its Due Management and Administration, to ensure Equity and Access to Tertiary Education in the country and for Related Matters
2017 Second reading
Hon. Joan Onyemaechi Mrakpor
19
HB 1086
A Bill for an Act to Further Amend Section 143 (2) of t he Electoral Act, 2010 by inserting a new Sub-section (3) to Address Issues Relating to Remuneration, Salaries, Allowances and Emolument of Honorables
Members of the National
Assembly and for Related Matters
2017 Second reading
Hon. Albert Abiodun Adeogun
20
HB 1072
A Bill for an Act to Establish the Institute of Chartered Sales Professionals of Nigeria to regulate the Standards of Practice of Salesmanship in Nigeria and for Related Matters
2017 Second reading
Hon. Sylvester Ogbada
21
HB 1083
A Bill for an Act to Amend the assets Management Corporation act to among other things Empower the Corporation to obtain Access to any Computer System Component, Electronic or Mechanical device of any debtor with
a view to Establishing the
Location of funds belonging to the debtor and to obtain Information on the Debtor’s Private Account; and for Related Matters.
2017 Second reading
Hon. Jones Chukwudi Onyereri
22
HB 301
A bill for an Act to repeal the public officers’ protection Act, Cap. P41, laws of the federal republic of Nigeria,2004; and for related matters
2017
Second reading
Hon. Shehu Shagari
23
HB 958
A Bill for an Act to amend the national Universities Commission Act, Cap.N81, laws of the federation of Nigeria,2004 to expressly give the commission power to regulate the condition of service and procedure for the engagement of academic staff(other than Non Academic staff members) on a part time basis or visiting lectureship; and for related matters
2017
Second reading
Hon. Abbas Tajudeen
24
HB 1091
A Bill to for an Act to amend the National Film and Video Censors Board Act,Cap.N40,Laws of the Federation of Nigeria,2004 to Expand the Functions and Membership of the Board to include Representatives of Associations of Theatre Arts Indigenous Languages Film
Producers and practitioners respectively ,for the purposes of Promoting and Protecting Indigenous Nigerian Languages and Culture from Disservice by Certain Direct-to Home-pay-Television Schemes; and for Related Matters
2017
Second reading
Hon.Oladipupo Adebutu
25
HB 941
A Bill for an Act to Establish the Nigerian Institute of Steel Development to provide for its detailed Identification of management Training Manufacturing Programmes to meet the Needs of Managers in the Steel Sector of the Economy; and for Related Matters
2017
Second Reading
Hon. Ahmed Tijani
26
HB 1158
A Bill for an Act to establish the Regional Centre for Oral Health Research and Training Initiative to among other things, be responsible for Advising, Implementing, Training and Coordination of Collaborative Research and Training in Consultation with the World Health Organization and other National ad International Allied Agencies; and for Related Matters
2017
Second Reading
Hon.Gyang Istifanus
27
HB 1153
A Bill for an Act for the Politi cal and Administrative Structure of the Federal Capital Territory; and for Related Matters
2017
Second Reading
Hon. Timothy Golu, Hon. Jonathan G.Gaza, Hon. Jisalo B. Zaphania
Continued from Back page
Legislative Digest Vol. 11 No. 10, October, 2017 23
BILLS UPDATE
28 HB 1100 A Bill for an Act to Amend the University of Abuja Act,Cap.U12, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria,2004 to specify the Minimum Qualification for the Chairman of the Governing Council, Ownership of Intellectual Property for Pre-cation Notice to the University Authority; and for related matters
2017 Second Reading
Hon. Zaphaniah B. Jisalo
29 HB 1102 A Bill for an Act to Amend the University of Calabar Act,Cap.U5, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to specify the minimum Qualification for the Chairman of the Governing Council Ownership of Intellectual Property and to Provide for Pre-action Notice the University Authority; and for Related Matters
2017 Second reading
Hon. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe
30 HB 1103 A Bill for an Act to Amend the University of Ibadan Act, Cap U6,Laws of the federation of Nigeria,2004 to specify the Minimum Qualification for the Chairman of the Governing Council Ownership of Intellectual Property and to Provide for Pre-cation Notice to the University Authority; and for Related Matters
2017 Second reading
Hon. Saheed Fijabi
31 HB 13 A Bill for an Ac to Amend the Nigerian Institute of Management Act No14 2003 and for other matters thereto
2017 Second reading
Hon. Mao Ohuabunwa
32 SB 260 A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Establishment of National Institute of Credit Administration and for other Matters
Connected Therewith
2017 Second reading
Hon. Ben Murray Bruce
33 SB 92 A Bill for an Act to provide for the Establishment of the Nigerian Council for food Science and Technology and for Allied matters connected therewith
2017 Second reading
Hon. Ajayi Borrofice
34 HB 573 A Bill for an Act to Establish the National institute for Arid Research and Desertification Control and to make comprehensive Provisions for its Due Management and Administration and for related matters
2017 Second reading
Hon. Ahmed Babba Kaita
35
HB 1084
A Bill for an Act to Amend the Provisions of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act,Cap.M8,Laws of the Federation of Nigeria,2004 to increase the Penalties for Offences under the Act and for Related Matters
2017 Second Reading
Hon.
Dozie
Ferdinand Nwankwo
36
HB 1069
A Bill for an Act to Establish the Niger Delta Institute of Technology and Skills Acquisition, Egbema, Imo state, and to make comprehensive Provisions for its due Management and Administration, Provide for detailed Identification of Areas in Technology and Skills Acquisition and for Relate matters
2017 Second reading
Hon. Goodluck Opiah
37
HB 711
A Bill to Amend the Central Bank of Nigeria Act,Cap.C4,Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Enhance Transparency, Entrenchment of Parliamentary Accountability and Enhancement of The Banks Efficiency in the discharge of its duties to provide for Appointment of a person other than the Governor as the Chairman of the Board, Divest the Board of the Powers of Determining and Fixing its own Salaries and allowances and the Powers of Considering and Approving the Annual Budget of the Bank and for Related Matters
2017 Second reading
Hon. Binta Bello and two others
38
HB 1055
A Bill for an Act to Provide for Farmer’s Registration Act that will Create a Database of Farmers in Nigeria to Professionalize Farming and Diversify the Economy with a view to Boosting Food Production and Economic Activities in Nigeria and for other Related Matters
2017 Second reading
Hon. Michael Adeniyi Omomgbehin
39
HB 1085
A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Provisions of the Export Prohibition Act,Cap.E22 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004; and Related Matters
2017 Second reading
Hon. Dozie Ferdinand
Nwankwo
40
HB 1090
A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Regulation of Manufacture, Sale, Installation and General use of Elevators and lifts and for Related Matters
2017
Second reading
Hon. Mohammed Jafaru Ibrahim
BILLS UPDATE
BILLS UPDATE (OCTOBER, 2017) Compiled by CISLAC
S/N BILL NO BILL NAME YEAR STAGE SPONSORS
1 SB 424 A bill for an Act to Establish the \Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria to serve as a regulatory body for persons serving as Directors in both Public and Private sectors, to ensure professionalism and promote corporate governance values by Directors and related matters
2017 Second reading
Sen. Ike Ekweremadu
2
SB 340
A Bill for an Act to establish the Council for Facility Management of Nigeria charged with the responsibilities to among other things register persons seeking to be facilities as well as regulate and control the practice of Facilities Profession and related matters
2017 Second reading
Sen. Ahmad Abubakar
3
SB 194
A Bill for an Act to establish the Chartered Institute of Facilities Managers, set regulations and standards, inspect facilities as well as regulate and regulate and control the practice of Facilities Profession and related matters
2017
Second reading
Sen. Baba Kaka Bashir Garbai
4
SB 395
A Bill for an Act to Establish the Ecological Fund for the purpose of funding certain Federal Agencies dealing with environment and ecological problems and for related matters
2017
Second reading
Sen. Mohammed Hassan
5
SB 330
A Bill for an act to establish the Nigerian Tax Academy in order to provide training, develop standard curriculum for continue education of tax administrators and collectors to facilitate effective service delivery and for other related matters
2017
Second reading
Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi
6
SB 325
A Bill for an Act to provide for the regulation and supervision of Assisted Reproductive Technology and for matters connected therewith
2017
Second reading
Sen. Lanre Tejuoso
7
HB 980
A Bill for an Act to Amend the Standard Organization of Nigeria Act,No.14,2015 to Empower the Organization to carry out Inspection of all goods to be imported into Nigeria at all Nigerian Borders, Sea and Air Ports to Ensure Quality Control of all Imported Goods; and for Related Matters
2017
Second reading
Hon. Emmanuel Akpan
8
HB 921
A Bill for an to Amend the Niger Delta Development Commission (Establishment, etc.) Act,Cap.N86,Laws of the Federation of Nigeria,2004 to clarify the Appointment into certain positions in the Commission for Proper Representation, Equity, Fairness, Justice among Member States; and for Related Matters
2017
Second reading
Hon. Victor Akinjo
9
SB 435
A Bill for an Act to amend the Legal Practitioners Act CAP C11 LFN 2004 and other connected matters
2017
Second reading
Hon. Godswill Akpabio
10
SB 333
A Bill for an Act to amend the National Orientation Agency Ac t, CAP N100 and for other connected matters
2017
Second reading
Hon. Dino Melaye
11
SB 462
A Bill for an act to establish the National Tea and Coffee Development Council of Nigeria and for other matters connected therewith
2017
Second reading
Hon. YusufA. Yusuf
12
SB 385
A Bill for an Act to establish the National Youth Development Commission and for other matters connected therewith
2017
Second reading
Hon. Ogba Obinna
13
SB 449
A Bill for an Act to provide for the establishment of Federal Task Force on Revenue Defaulters Privacy and National Heritage Protection and other related matters
2017
Second reading
Hon. Samuel Anyanwu
14
HB 221
A Bill for an Act to repeal the Recovery of Public property (Special Provisions) Act, Cap. R4, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and for related matters
2017
Third reading
Hon. Mohammed Tahir Munguno
15
HB 827
A Bill for an Act to amend the National Institute for Legislative Studies Act, 2011 to, among Other Things, Change the Name of the Institute from National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies in order to Empower the Institute to provide Training and Research Services in Legislative and Democratic Studies and for Related Matters
2017
Third reading
Hon. Mohammed Tahir Munguno
16
HB 41
A Bill
for an Act to Establish the Forest Research Institute for 2017
Third Hon.
Continued on page 22