There has been some discussion regarding the relationship between the Attorney General's office with EFCC, so also the Finance Ministry and the Central Bank of Nigeria.
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Friday, October 5, 2007

READER'S REACT: THE FEUD BETWEEN AG AND EFCC; FINANCE MINSTER AND CENTRAL BANK (PART II)
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he Big questions in the mind of most Nigerians today (October 2007) is when would "Mr. Servant Leader" make a policy statement about the Attorney General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who has been working on dismantling the EFCC works in cleansing Nigeria of the deftly corrupt public officials?

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Since Nigerians have been rated as the happiest and most religious human beings on earth, let them sing to one of King Sunny Ade's lyrics, "No sinner would go unpunished. We should be very careful, because the return of Jesus is nearer". I hope Dr. Omoruyi would still dance to that tune as an Owambe fan of this writer.
More comments from our readers:
Ola: Dr. Ajayi, I am sure you have read this article in the Guardian Newspapers. Is this real ? ? President should replace this guy immediately for writing such letter to the British police. Sincerely, Ola.
Femi: Thanks Ola, That's what we read on the pages of some of the Nigerian Dailies. Nigerians are awaiting the action of the President on the Attorney General of the Federation.
SACAL: Nigerian Punch published the article below on October 4 stating that Nigeria's Attorney General's letter freed thief Ibori, former governor of Delta State from a London court. I now begin to wonder if Mr. Michael Aondoakaa is there to represent the interest of Nigeria or the interest of Nigeria's looters. If he actually wrote a letter that freed a thief who left the good people of his state without water, electricity, housing, education, and other basic needs while he stuff their money in London bank, then this man does not represent the interest of Nigeria and therefore he should go. I guess this is why he wants the EFCC to report to him so he can free all the past loathers of Nigeria and put Nigeria back to how it has always been. Fellow Nigerians around the world, this is not the kind of Attorney General Nigeria needs. Nigeria has the resources to take care of all her citizens, but for thieves who convert public funds to private and selfish gains. At 47, this is the time for all Nigerians to be involved in the affairs of their country no matter where and how they live. Nigeria needs people like Ribadu as AG. I therefore call all Nigerians to demand for the removal of Mr. Michael Aondoakaa as Nigeria's Attorney General if it is proven that he wrote the letter that freed thief Ibori from facing money laundering charges in London. Sam James. USA.
The AGF, has been confusing the world with his statements and actions on the Nigerian corrupt public officials especially with the former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, with the EFCC and the Southwalk Crown Court in London over Ibori's assets in London. AG requested for Ibori's case file from EFCC on September 20, 2007; EFCC responded on October 2, 2007; Southwalk Crown Court in London vacated its order freezing Ibori's accounts October 1, 2007; AGF wrote a letter to Ibori's counsel, Ian Timlin and Julie Thrower, August 7, 2007, that Ibori was not under investigations in Nigeria. Here is a copy of the letter.
Femi: Nigerians need to speak out and very loud for that matter. Dr. Femi Ajayi.
Emma: Hello Femi, Your recent article clearly addresses each anomaly in the current political system in Nigeria. The Finance Minister's quests to borrow money to build infrastructures are simply frivolous. This is one thing that I agree with Prof. Chukwuma Soludo of the CBN on. Nigeria should not borrow any more money rather, the Yar'Adua administration needs to focus largely on making graft very undesirable and pursue any known stolen public funds aggressively to recover such funds and put it into good use in Nigeria. Also, I have said this so many times that the President must sack the current Attorney General of the Federation if he is to be credible in the war on corruption. The AGF has not been in the forefront of persecuting any known criminals in Nigeria. The case of Patricia Olubunmi Etteh is still lingering there and the AGF has not made attempts to work with the panel investigating madam speaker. What a shame. Worst of all, he appears to be an obstacle to performance with respect to the EFCC's war on corruption. I think Nigerians appreciate Mallam Nuhu Ribadu very much. Every Nigerian that resides overseas should be a very strong pillar of support to his organization. We have a new organization that is emerging out of Georgia. That organization will be solidly behind the EFCC and will mount heavy pressure on the Yar'Adua's administration to remove the AGF from office without further delays. What is now disturbing is the current situation with the providers of the rigs used for drilling oil in the Niger Delta areas. The companies will not be renewing their equipment lease after the natural expiration of the lease. This means that Nigeria will have a drastic oil revenue reduction due to lack of these rigs being in place. Nigeria runs the risk of slipping from the 8th position as the world oil producer. Furthermore, the joblessness situation in Nigeria is likely to jump through the roof as these rigs and the companies that use them will dump a lot of workers after the end of the lease. They blame this situation on corruption in government specifically with the Nigerian Customs not responding to their requests for issuing permits to the rig owners without demanding kickbacks. I'm not sure what the Yar'Adua government is doing about this crisis but I can tell you that this crisis will have a ripple effect on our economy. Summarily, Nigeria in her 47th year does not need anymore financial setback. We just got through paying out the Paris Club, and other debts were forgiven. It does not make sense to go in circle again. We need to focus on getting the loot wherever they are back to Nigeria for use in building infrastructure. Thank goodness UK took the lead to return 29.3 million stolen Naira to the Nigerian government. That is one money to do a pretty good job with. Femi, please ensure that this article is published on the internet as usual. I would like to suggest continuing to hammer on the war on corruption because that is the only major obstacle that Nigeria needs to overcome to be able to attract the right investors in Nigeria.
Femi: Thanks for your contribution. No one has the monopoly of information. It takes two to tangle, if I may say that. Nigerians in all faces of life should speak out against the devilish practices of Nigerian so-called leaders. The time is ripe and it is NOW. Thanks. Femi.
Emma: As you know, NigerPoliGroup is a new organization that will be based in Atlanta, Georgia. At present time, the organization is forming and aggressively looking to engage the skills or expertise of well-known editors/writers, professionals in finance, marketing, public relations and law -related areas. The NigerPoliGroup essentially will work closely with the EFCC from outside of Nigeria and will link with several government agencies globally to help make graft very undesirable for every government and non-government officials in Nigeria. I'd like for us to meet along with four or five fellows as soon as I get back from Abuja around the middle of the month to discuss largely the role of this organization, and the recruitment process to get the expertise needed for the organization. During my trip, I will be checking on my emails and will respond as soon as possible. Until then, have a pleasant week. Cheers! Emman.
Femi: Emman, This is a welcomed development for Nigerians Abroad to work on. This is needed at this time to get rid of Nigerians Thieving Public officials. I have some credible Nigerians across all professions that could team up on this subject and assist EFCC. Awaiting your return my friend. Wishing you journey mercies. Femi.
Akin: My Dr., Let me quickly ask you this question are you a medical doctor or a doctorate degree holder? I know you might be asking why this question, don't blame me is just this people who believes that getting a degree abroad is better than our Soludo who graduated from University of Nigeria with first class and turn around the banking system of Nigeria within 2 years. Sorry my brother that I have to be telling you this story you already know. Is just because of this our minister of finance that supposed to be proactive that he is still thinking in the past with the so called doctorate he got abroad, Nigeria expect rapid and focus minded person, but what do we get nonentity who was appointed through the power of god father or the notion that a northerner must be and if you ask how does this man get into banking to an extent of being in CBN as a deputy Governor ask me is godfather too. Anyway, Dr. if you have the opportunity of meeting the acclaimed servant leader let him give us somebody that is proactive, that has vision not somebody who want to throw Nigeria into another Debt slavery and go behind to be collecting commission. This is my view. Akin.
Femi: Akin, Unfortunately, my Biology Teacher told me that I would only safe life through other means but not in Medicine. My Doctor of Philosophy is in Political Science. Nigerians might take the lion share of the blame in what is happening to Nigeria and Nigerians. Most Nigerians fold their arms while watching the bad policies of the Nigerian leaders and say nothing about it. I believe the time is ripe for all Nigerians to speak out against bad policies for the sake of their children. The "Servant leader" is for all Nigerians wherever they may be. Borrowing money AGAIN, or 'killing' EFCC, NO, OTI O, MBA. Thanks. Femi.
Akin: My dear Femo, oh sorry Dr Femi, Don't mind me I am an Ondo man who grew up at Isale Eko, thanks for my personal & childhood friend Tunde the Governor of Lagos state who is reforming the area boys now. Dr., the question I ask you was your degree status and I thank you for not disappointing me for using question to answer question you are a true Nigerian. Anyway, thanks for creating this medium for people like us to be able to express our views to the outside world. Akin
Femi: Thanks Akin. No problem. I appreciate your comments always. Femi.
Peter: There is nothing wrong with the AG and EFCC working together to fight corruption in Nigeria. To say that the AG is a political appointee and therefore, may not be able to discharge his constitutional duties faithfully is incorrect and bad-mouthing Nigeria. The Constitution said they can work together and that is what the President is asking for. Nigeria has one Constitution. The EFCC is within the frame work of the Constitution. Nigerians cannot have it both ways. We either follow the constitution or not. If we don't follow the Constitutional mandate, we are calling for anarchy and disrespect for the rule of law and due process of law. Again, the President wants EFCC and the AG to work together and perform the duty of fighting corruption in Nigeria. The President of Nigeria has stated that no body is above the law. He asked EFCC to go after all corrupts politicians. There is no evidence that the AG is corrupt or that the AG will not discharge his duty under the Constitution, because he was a political appointee. Everybody in the government is a political appointee one way or the other. The Chairman of EFCC was appointed by President Obasanjo. he too is a political appointee and he is doing his work to the best of his ability. Not too long ago, many Nigerians accused President Obasanjo that the President established EFCC as his tool to go after his political opponents. There is no evidence of that, yet. The problem of corruption in Nigeria is widespread. There is corruption and injustice everywhere in the world, I will argue. We cannot bad-mouth Nigeria, because of the problem of corruption. Nigeria can learn how to fight corruption, if the rest of the outside world can assist Nigeria in doing so. After all, where are the Nigerians keeping the stolen money, I think is in the overseas. Going about saying that everything wrong with Nigeria is corruption is unnecessary bad mouthing the country that brought us into this world. What is wrong today is injustice, perpetuated by the outside world. These outside world take resources out-of-Nigeria without adequate compensation to the owners of the land. Injustice on poor people and outright oppression of people by the outsider world. Nigeria has no choice, since they have no technical resources to embark on most of the resource development without the help of outside world. We have shooting in Port Harcourt in the last several days, because of people are tired of injustice and poverty. Recently, the Shell Dutch sued Nigeria in the world bank court over oil well concessions in Nigeria. Shell may be claiming that it owns all deep sea hydrocarbons in Nigeria, therefore, Nigeria has already sold the deep sea hydrocarbons to Shell. That will be the day for Nigeria. Let us be careful, and avoid bad-mouthing our own country. There is corruption and injustice everywhere in the world and Nigeria is not the worst by any imagination. Don't fall into the trap of bad-mouthing Nigeria because of the corruption problems in Nigeria. I will argue any time, anywhere in the world. And I will defend Nigeria on this matter. I do not support corruption, but, I believe that AG & EFCC should fight corruption within the frame work of the Constitution of Nigeria. Peter Chinedu Nwogu, Concerned Nigerian American, USA, Opinion.
Femi: AG has stated clearly that he could be consulted at some 'deadlocked' cases, and EFCC is free to continue with what it's doing. I doubt if EFCC has been acting alone. It also has its legal section that consults with AG's office on a regular basis. Remember that he who pays the piper, dictates the tune. God bless. Dr. Femi Ajayi.
Peter: No, the President is simply redirecting chain-of-command to the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of the Country, the Attorney General of Nigeria. The President is absolutely right under the Constitution of Nigeria. The Executive Branch of the Government is the President. His Attorney General executes all laws on behalf of the Country. In this action, the President of Nigeria is simply reminding EFCC and other investigatory agencies to report their investigatory activities to the Attorney General under the Constitution. Apparently, this chain-of-command was not followed during the last administration. Actually, the job of EFCC or any investigatory agency under the Nigerian Corruption Act is simply to investigate allegations of wrong doing and present its findings to the Attorney General. The office of Attorney General prosecutes all allegations. That office has the authority to present the matter to the Court for trial. EFCC is still independent, but, EFCC has a boss and that is the Attorney General of Nigeria. I support the President in terms of check and balances of Constitutional three branches of Government. Peter Chinedu Nwogu. Only opinion and not a legal advice.
Femi: I believe that EFCC should be truly INDEPENDENT if Nigeria wants to get rid of the public looters called Nigerian Public officials. EFCC could seek for legal advise, which it has in its staff anyway. It is wrong for EFCC to report to AG who is a political appointee. Thanks. Dr. Femi Ajayi.
Bode: Dr. Ajayi, Thanks for the post. Honestly, I still wonder how you get the energy to accomplish so much. I think that it's high time we give a serious consideration to how your ideas and recommendation could be realized or implemented. In my opinion, this is the main task that needs to be solved now. Keep up the good job. MORE WISDOM TO YOUR PEN! Bode.
Femi: Thanks Bode, That task is for every Nigerian both at home and abroad to team up against the deadly 'Lions' at the helms of Nigerian affairs. God bless. Femi.
Uzoma: Dr. Ajayi, I must admit, this is a nicely written & enlightening piece. Keep up the good work. Sincerely, Uzoma Obi, Esq.
Femi: Thanks my enlightened Attorney. God bless.
Ade Alli: I am glad to know that the "Nigeria First Investment opportunity" was a success. I did disperse your notice to several individual on my mailing list. With yourself as a bridge between the so called Diasporas and the Nigeria at large, you will remain the ambassador extraordinary. I am in complete agreement with you in asserting the sense and nonsense in attaching the term "Diaspora" to Nigeria who came to Americas at own free will rather than deviating from the original anthropological contextual meaning of the word "Diaspora" as coined by the Greek. This conference might leads to a good program that may work, if it could be free from obstructionist thinking of few others .Younger Nigerians abroad could find fortune in the program if proper security could be put in place to protect the assets of the innocent investors. I am still praying to recoup personal savings in the Nigerian banks when the Banks were looted by the owners, I was told yesterday that Transcorp which was organized and started functioning just before OBJ departure, has started having problem paying its note to lenders. I know a lot of friends and enemies who invested in this company. My suggestion may be too much bourgeoisie and conservative if I have emphasized the need for individual or group to find business to develop by themselves until things get better in Nigeria .There are just too many businesses that can make huge comfortable income. Obasanjo made a lot of sacrifices to the extend of bringing a decent Nigeria to replace him as a President. This is the best that can happen to Nigeria, a complete departure from the politic of the past. Nigeria is in a good hand now despite the enemies who are still pulling the country to a brake. Keep good work and thank you. Dr. B. Ade Alli
Femi: Thanks Dr. Ali for your contribution. I feel very uncomfortable with that word "Diaspora". While I was in Abuja recently, late July and early August this year, any offices I went, it was the Diasporan, even BHP Bank has an advertised poster that says, "Diaspora Account" to entice Nigerians Abroad to open account with the Bank. In Atlanta I suggested to Mr. Atuche, to change that name when he gets back to Nigeria. We need to start doing something positive to encourage our children not to get lost in 'foreign' land. If and when we continue referring to our generation as "Diaspora", what are we going to call our children and grand children? Thanks again for your contribution. Femi.
Kaye: Hello, I just read your paper to the Egbe Omo Yoruba: The National association of Yoruba in North America, Baltimore, Maryland. I have my own views which differ from yours to some degree. I think the issue of corruption should have been widened to include other dishonest practices in Nigeria. This would include not fulfilling public contractual obligations, "dealings" that are not for the benefit of Nigerians or "public good". I came back from Nigeria last week and was struck by the honesty and integrity of the everyday Nigerian seeking to achieve a meager living. Additionally, there is a growing business/entrepreneurial class conducting business legally and honestly. In my view, corrupt practices need to be eradicated from the top down. Public officials and public bodies need to satisfy themselves that programmes taken on are for the benefit of Nigerians - if this benefit is missing, such programmes of initiatives should be discounted. There is also adequate information, advice, and practices to follow. Nigerians have the intellectual ability to implement proper and accountable practices but do not do so because (i)there isn't the realisation that there are economic, social, and political benefits attributable to public good requirements, and (ii) even if there was, there are enough Nigerians to put this into meaningful effect. Once the penny drops, Nigeria will become an incredible success story. Until then, " ...na suffer suffer ..." Regards, Kaye Adeniran-Olule(London)
Femi: Kaye, Your view does not differ from mine at all. If you read in between lines, and I think I mentioned in the paper that corruption comes in many faces. I only narrowed it down to one aspect of it. We are saying the same thing in different ways. I appreciate your comments. Femi.
Sheun: My Dear Dr., I read individual comment on your articles which gladden my heart. Apparently no average Nigerian would not appreciate to read from your didactic write up, which is highly educative; sometimes a source of research for our young student of politics. The issue raised by one of the commentator that your article must find a place in our National dailies is most welcomed. Sir we don't have to contact anybody before this is done, it will only amount to waste of time. Nigerians need such enlightenment to elucidate their mind on National issue. Dr. you are a blessing to your generation. Please keep up the good work.
Femi: Sheun, Thanks so much for your kind words on my contributions to the events in Nigeria. I'll continue to work as God directs. Be good. God bless. Dr. Femi Ajayi.
Thanks you all for your comments. We'll be back again next time.

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