News
Whistleblowing: Make Public What Recovered Looted Funds Are Used For, CSOs Tell FG
Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, and officials in the Ministries, Departments and Government Agencies, MDAs, have urged the Federal Government and other policy makers to ensure that all recoveries of looted funds and what they were used for are made public by publishing them on whistleblower portal/website.
The CSOs and other professionals who formed the participants at the Zonal Conference on Whistleblower Policy in Nigeria for the South-South Zone held at Ibom Hall Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital urged the Federal government to go beyond giving financial rewards to whistle blowers and offer them instant job placements, certificate of commendation as well as national honours.
These were contained in a communique issued at the end of the three day conference with the theme”Implementation of the Whistle Blower Policy in Nigeria:Issues, Challenges, and Way Forward.”
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The participants called for adequate protection for whistle blowers in the country,and urged the National Assembly to expedite action on the passage of the whistle blower bill into law.
The communique reads in part, “The policy makers should ensure that the use to which recovered looted funds are put be made public; should incorporate other incentives for the Whistle Blower beyond the financial rewards, such as National Honours, Letter of commendations and automatic jobs; that the Whistle Blower Policy should be reformed, redesigned and reframed to make it more effective;
“That the National Assembly should as a matter of urgency expedite action on the passage of the Whistle Blower Bill into law; that adequate protection should be provided for the Whistle Blowers and Witnesses in other to encourage more disclosures by the public. Special Courts should be established to handle corruption cases; and that the Whistle Blowing Policy should be extended to the organized private sector, banks, aviation and railway industries.”
The participant also recommended “that regular education and enlightenment of the general public on the Whistle Blower Policy should be replicated and intensified at the state and local government levels through both traditional and conventional information dissemination channels such as social media, prints, news media, jingles, road shows, village meetings or squares, market visits etc.
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They, however, recommended that States should consider the creation of a Whistle Blowing Units in the respective states to handle Whistle Blowing issues and that the prosecution of corrupt individuals be concluded in time and made public”.
The participants, however, commended the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning for organizing the Zonal Conference which they described as apt and timely.
They also commended the Akwa State Government in particular and the South-South States in general for their support in making the Conference a huge success.
News
DSS Issues Warning, Arrests Man For Circulating Fake Recruitment Materials
The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed the arrest of one Mr. Eze Ezenwa Benard, who was recently apprehended for circulating fake DSS recruitment past questions and answers on Facebook.
The agency, while warning the public in a statement on Saturday, said the suspect operated through a page known as “Jobs and Education”, where he advertised the fraudulent materials and charged unsuspecting members of the public one thousand naira (N1,000) for access.
“The public is hereby cautioned to disregard any materials, as the DSS does not sell or distribute recruitment questions, answers, or examination guides through private individuals or social media pages. Recruitment into the Service, when necessary, follows specialised procedure in accordance with extant laws and due process,” the statement reads.
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Continuing, DSS said Ezenwa’s arrest underscores the Service’s determination to safeguard Nigerians from the fraudulent schemes of unpatriotic elements. “Citizens are therefore encouraged to remain vigilant, verify information from official sources and report suspicious recruitment adverts or individuals attempting to extort money under false pretense.”
The agency assured that it will continue to protect the integrity of its recruitment process while ensuring that perpetrators of fraud face the full weight of the law.
News
‘Na Only People You Gave Work Love You,’ Singer Speed Darlington Tells Tinubu
Singer Speed Darlington has told President Bola Tinubu that public admiration cannot be bought, warning that only those who received appointments or jobs from the government truly support him.
In a video posted on Saturday, August 23, the singer said, “Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you.”
READ ALSO:Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu
Darlington, an Igbo man, urged Tinubu to focus on police reform and respect for human rights. “The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.
“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate. Please, before you leave office, please speak to your Yoruba brother IGP man,” he added.
News
Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu
Popular controversial singer Speed Darlington has called on President Bola Tinubu to reform the Nigerian Police Force, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ rights alongside economic growth.
In a video posted on Saturday, the entertainer criticised what he described as the police’s systemic human rights violations and oppressive practices.
“Mr President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy!
“There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you,” he said.
READ ALSO:Obi Blames Tinubu For 70% Investment Crash
The singer, who identifies as Igbo, urged Tinubu to engage with the Inspector-General of Police and implement reforms.
“As an Igbo man, the advice I can give you so people will know your name and remember you for something good is to reform the police. Reform the police.
“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.
“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate,” he added.
READ ALSO:Tinubu Subsidises Kidney Dialysis Cost By 76% In Federal Hospitals
Darlington also recounted his personal ordeal with law enforcement, highlighting the system’s abuse of power.
“I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. FID held me for two months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law gives only 28 days for investigation.
“They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,” he said.
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