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You can’t win war against corruption without sanctions, monitoring – Emir Sanusi tells FG
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi 11 has declared that the war against corruption launched by the present administration under President Muhammadu Buhari can never be won unless there are appropriate sanctions for offenders and monitoring of corrupt cases by the forth estate of the realm- the media.
Sanusi specifically highlighted lack of discipline, sanctions, monitoring and evaluation of corrupt cases as the four major problems aiding high level of corruption in Nigeria and other developing countries in Africa and Asia in general.
The monarch who was represented by the Sarkin Shanun Kano, Alhaji Shehu Mohammed made these declarations on Wednesday while speaking at the opening of “International Conference on Tax Havens and the Developing World: The Global Dimension,” organised by Centre for General Studies in conjunction with office of International Programmes, University of Ibadan.
Sanusi who regretted that it is unfortunate that most companies and individuals who are suppose to pay tax in developing countries in Africa and Asia hide under the guise of tax heaven to avoid tax payment, informed that most Nigerians quote laws to disobey the laws at the expense of socio-economic development of the country.
He said “Most Nigerians do want to pay tax, most Nigerians uses laws to disobey the law. Most individuals and companies in Africa and Asia prefer to take their money to tax heaven to avoid payment of taxes.
He however said that corruption is the biggest problem encouraging tax heaven to thrive as he remarked that most companies and individuals hide under the guise of tax heaven to avoid tax payment.
“Corruption is the biggest problem that is encouraging tax heaven.
The monarch then maintained that the war against corruption can be won just within six months if the government can instil discipline among the citizens and provide appropriate sanctions for the offenders.
Sanusi, however, tasked journalists to do follow up to stories of corrupt cases after they have been reported in the media.
He said journalists can do monitoring and evaluate of corrupt cases under the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as ways of taming corruption.
“There are four major problems that is aiding corruption in Nigeria. One is lack of discipline, the second one is lack of sanctions, the third is lack of monitoring and the forth is evaluation.
“Lack of discipline is paramount in this country, if we tell our people to be discipline, it is the first way to discourage corruption
“Lack of sanctions. I know the EFCC man that is here, they are working, they are fine policemen who are good in forensic analysis but if sanctions can be where they should be, I can tell you that six months we can fight corruption.
“Lack of monitoring and evaluation of corrupt cases, the press are not monitoring corrupt cases. I wish the press can keep their diaries and remind the EFCC of all the corruption cases. There is no monitoring of the cases.
“I want to suggest this to the conference and I believe this is what the conference will address”.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Idowu Olayinka who spoke through Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Emilolorun Ayelari maintained that tax payment is a compulsory obligation which all citizens within the reach are expected to pay.
Director General, West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM), Lagos, Professor Akpan Ekpo in his keynote address titled, “Tax Havens: issues of international tax evasion and avoidance – A Global perspective”, identified lack of transparency and sharing of information as a major problem responsible for low tax revenue in the country.
He, however, suggested establishment of public registries of verified ownership of all legal entities.
Ekpo also called on policy makers to compel multinationals and companies to publicly declare their revenues, profits and losses as ways of ensuring that all and sundry key into payment of taxes.
US car giant Ford on Wednesday announced 4,000 more job cuts in Europe, mostly in Germany and Britain, in the latest blow to the continent’s beleaguered car industry.
“The company has incurred significant losses in recent years,” Ford said in a statement, blaming “the industry shift to electrified vehicles and new competition”.
The move will affect 2,900 jobs in Germany, 800 in the UK and 300 in western Europe by the end of 2027, a Ford spokesman told AFP.
“It is critical to take difficult but decisive action to ensure Ford’s future competitiveness in Europe,” said Dave Johnston, Ford’s European vice-president in the statement.
The company also said it was adjusting the production of its Explorer and Capri models, resulting in reduced hours at its Cologne plant in the first quarter of 2025.
Europe’s car industry has been plunged into crisis by high manufacturing costs, a stuttering switch to electric vehicles and increased competition in key market China.
Germany’s Volkswagen has been among those hardest hit, announcing in September that it was considering the unprecedented move of closing some factories in Germany.
“The European automotive industry is in a very demanding and serious situation,” Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume said at the time.
Ford had already announced in February 2023 that it was planning to cut 3,800 jobs in Europe, including 2,300 in Germany and 1,300 in Britain.
The company said then it was planning to reduce the number of models developed for Europe, concentrate on the profitable van segment and speed up the transition to electric vehicles.
Ford currently has around 28,000 employees in Europe with 15,000 in Germany, according to the company’s works council.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike.
The council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, comprised five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
A statement released on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that the council was dissolved following reports of procedural violations in appointing the vice-chancellor.
According to the statement, the council had allegedly appointed an unqualified candidate, disregarding due process, which triggered tensions between the university’s Senate and the council.
The Federal Government expressed dismay over the council’s actions, emphasizing the need for adherence to the university’s governing laws in decision-making.
“The council’s disregard for established rules necessitated the government’s intervention to restore order to the 33-year-old institution,” the statement noted.
In a related development, President Tinubu also approved the dismissal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
Salami was accused of suspending the university’s Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures, a move the Federal Ministry of Education had previously directed him to reverse.
Despite the Ministry’s directives, Salami reportedly refused to comply and resorted to issuing threats and abusive remarks towards the Ministry’s officials, including the Permanent Secretary.
The Federal Government reiterated that the primary role of university councils is to ensure the smooth operation of academic activities, strictly adhering to the laws establishing each institution.
Tinubu warned university councils against engaging in actions that could destabilize their institutions, as his administration remains committed to enhancing the nation’s education system.
The Ekiti State Government has reached an agreement with labour leaders in the state, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
Addressing journalists at a brief ceremony in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the Head of Service (HoS), Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, announced that the payment would commence immediately.
She lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for prioritizing the welfare of workers despite the state’s limited resources.
“This development demonstrates the governor’s commitment to improving the livelihood of our workers,” Dr. Olomojobi stated, highlighting the proactive measures taken by the administration to ensure prompt implementation.
In their remarks, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Comrade Sola Adigun, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Comrade Olatunde Kolapo, expressed their appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for fulfilling his promises to workers.
They confirmed that the new minimum wage would apply to all cadres, including employees in ministries, parastatals, agencies, and pensioners.
The Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC), Comrade Femi Ajoloko, described the implementation as a fair and commendable adjustment.
“This decision reflects the governor’s magnanimity and his dedication to fostering a productive workforce in Ekiti State,” he said.
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