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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.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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