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Petroleum ministers engage staff, seek cooperation

Harrison EDEH
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Petroleum ministers engage staff, seek cooperation

THE Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), and his counterpart, Ekperikpe Ekpo,(Gas), have urged the ministry’s staff to support President Bola Tinubu in realising his vision in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

The duo, at a town hall meeting in Abuja, emphasised the need to reshape the narrative within the oil and gas sector.

Lokpobiri, in statement on August 30,2023 signed by Oluwakemi Ogunmakinwa, Deputy Director/Head, Press and Public Relations Unit, stressed the ministry’s vital role in Nigeria’s economic survival and the need for effective performance to address the nation’s challenges.

He explained that having two ministers in the ministry was a strategic decision to propel change and expand investments in the Oil and Gas sector.

He described the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021) as a facilitating factor, and assured the staff that collaboration between him and his counterpart would lead to the realisation of the president’s directive.

He stated that during their recent visit to the Port Harcourt Refinery, the contractors working on the refinery’s rehabilitation indicated that the initial phase would be completed by December 2023.

Lokpobiri also expressed willingness to engage stakeholders in the creeks to combat oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

Ekpo also underscored the ministry’s significance in Nigeria’s economic growth and urged the staff to contribute their expertise to fulfil their mandates.

“We are here to work alongside you, understand you, and encourage you to bring your skills to bear,” he expressed.

He further outlined their shared objective of expanding domestic gas penetration, including Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), for the betterment of the nation.

Gabriel Aduda, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, expressed confidence in the staff’s capability to achieve the president’s objectives.

He listed initiatives such as providing staff buses to ease transportation and transitioning same to CNG to align with environmental concerns.

Aduda advocated leveraging the ministers’ experience to advance the industry and announced plans for frequent meetings to enhance communication and collaboration within the ministry.

The engaging town hall meeting was attended by directors and staff from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, showcasing the ministry’s dedication to transparency, collaboration and administration’s agenda.

Concerns over NNPC’s $3bn deal with Afrexim, as Naira slides to N920

Harrison EDEH
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Concerns over NNPC’s $3bn deal with Afrexim, as Naira slides to N920

NIGERIA’S currency problems have failed to ebb, with the naira on sustained depreciation against the dollar, despite the $3bn Afrexim Bank deal with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL).

On Wednesday August 16, 2023, NNPCL and Afrexim Bank jointly signed a commitment letter for an emergency $3billion crude oil payment loan expected to ease Nigeria’s foreign exchange volatility.

The ICIR reported earlier that the signing raised unanswered questions about the deal, urging the National Assembly to probe further the details, while ensuring Nigeria does not raise grow its depth further.

The Naira currently exchanges at N920 against the American dollar at the parallel market, while it it exchanges for N738.18 at the I & E window.

This depreciation continues against the dollar, despite assurances from the CBN’s Acting Governor, Folasodun Sonubi, after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu on the issue on August 14,2023, that things would improve.

“Mr.President is very concerned about some of the goings in the foreign exchange market,”he said after the meeting.

The meeting with the President has failed to provide the much needed respite for currency problems, with knowledgeable economists stressing the importance of Nigeria exporting more to strengthen the naira.

“We need to export more and earn more foreign exchange.We are hugely an import dependent country and the pressure keeps up on the naira. In fact, market speculators prefer dollar as a store of value for their currency now than the naira,”an economist and a financial consultant, Kalu Aja, said in an organised Tweeter Space event.

A financial consultant and Economist, Kalu aja

The Chief Executive Officer at Cowry Asset Management Limited, Johnson Chukwu, said Nigeria would have to start exporting processed products to improve the value of the naira and revitalise the country’s refineries to check foreign currencies being expended on importing petroleum products and the attendant inflationary push.

Chukwu also said, “Many global currencies have suffered depreciation against the dollar, but it is worse for Nigeria, which is importing petroleum products even as an oil-producing nation.

Johnson Chukwu, CEO of Cowry Asset Management Limited

“What we should do in the medium-to-long term is that we must be a producing economy. We must be a manufacturing hub. If you don’t have quality things to export, then your policy will come under pressure under any crisis. We are basically still exporting crude and importing refined petroleum products.”

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC), Chizor Malize, corroborated this , saying Nigeria now needs to move from consumerism to production to prevent any form of currency crisis.

To state the least, naira is in free fall once again after a $3 billion loan secured by state-oil company NNPCL that was supposed to inject much-needed dollar liquidity into the foreign exchange market appears to be stalling.

Sources familiar with the $3 billion loan deal say it is now on ice after investors who were supposed to make up the balance of the syndicated loan have now gotten cold feet, leaving only the Afrexim Bank, which can not single-handedly provide all the cash.

The reason for the sudden change of heart has been linked to the country’s worsening finances and apparent desperation to defend the naira.

“Afrexim bank has too much exposure to Nigeria and has reached its single obligor limit & can’t do it alone,” a source familiar with the deal who pleaded anonymity said.

“NNPC is too big a risk so Afrexim bank can’t close the deal without some other investors,” said another source familiar with the deal but not allowed to speak publicly.

It has been two weeks since the deal was first announced and the market has run out of waiting time.

There has been zero accretion to the country’s external reserves since then and, most importantly, the CBN’s dollar supply remains thin.

While the loan deal drags, the naira is taking a beating with the situation threatening to get worse as Nigeria muddles through without a substantive CBN governor to calm the storm.

Max Planck Institute offers 2024 journalists in residence fellowship

Joshua Ovorumu
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Max Planck Institute offers 2024 journalists in residence fellowship

THE Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law is inviting applications for its MPIL Journalist in Residence Fellowship 2024.

This fellowship offers experienced journalists the chance to engage with an international academic community and delve into key questions and current issues in international law, European Union law, and public law.

The MPIL, invites individuals from around the globe Who are both freelance and staff journalists from all media (print, online, television, radio) who report and write on legal and constitutional topics or topics from politics.

The fellowship spans three months between March and November 2024, allowing journalists to work on self-chosen projects without the pressures of daily deadlines.

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Participants will have the opportunity to collaborate with researchers, utilize the institute’s extensive library, and join various discussions.

The fellowship caters to freelance and staff journalists from diverse media platforms and provides a monthly research grant of up to €3,500 based on qualifications and experience.

The deadline for submission of applications is October 6, 2023. Aspiring fellows can apply here

Dangote seals merger deal offers compensation to investors

Ehime ALEX
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Dangote seals merger deal offers compensation to investors

AS an internal restructuring to be executed through a merger scheme, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc said it had reached an agreement with NASCON Allied Industries Plc and Dangote Rice Limited.

The company disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, August 30, signed by its secretary/legal adviser, Temitope Hassan.

It stated, “The Merging Entities have agreed [on] the terms and conditions of the Merger of the Company with NASCON Allied Industries Plc and Dangote Rice Limited, which is an internal restructuring to be executed through a Scheme of Merger, under Section 711 of the Companies & Allied Matters Act, 2020 (as amended) and other applicable rules and regulations.”

The ICIR reports that Section 711 of CAMA 2020 provides for the power of the Court to order separate meetings of companies on the application in summary of any of the companies to be affected, where under a scheme proposed for a compromise, arrangement or reconstruction between two or more companies or the merger of any two or more companies, the whole or any part of the undertaking or the property of any company concerned in the scheme is to be transferred to another company.

According to Dangote Sugar, it will offer scheme consideration, which means cash consideration and share consideration, to shareholders of NASCON and Dangote Rice.

The consideration offered is 11 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each in Dangote Sugar, credited as fully paid-up shares, for every 12 NASCON shares of 50 Kobo each, which totals 2,428,651,847 new ordinary shares of the company (Dangote Sugar).

It also offered 14 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each in Dangote Sugar, credited as fully paid-up shares, for every one ordinary share of N1.00 Kobo each in Dangote Rice share, which totals 2,775,792,508 new ordinary shares of Dangote Sugar.

The terms and conditions of the merger, as agreed by the parties, will be presented to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and, subsequently, the company’s shareholders at a Court-Ordered Meeting.

“The Company will now proceed to apply to the SEC for the approval of the Scheme, and subject to the approval of the SEC, will apply to the Federal High Court for an Order to convene a meeting of its Shareholders to consider the Scheme,” it said.

The company advised shareholders to exercise caution when dealing with its shares until it made a further announcement.

In a recent report on August 27 by The ICIR, shareholders had expressed concern why the SEC is not bordered with withholding investors’ money paid by Olam International Limited to acquire Dangote Flour Mills Plc.

Olam International had on November 1, 2019 completed 100 per cent acquisition of Dangote Flour and offered N120 billion compensation to investors but SEC had held on to the money.

Meanwhile,  on  Wednesday, August 30, the share price of Dangote Sugar rose by 1.48 per cent to close at N58.30 and NASCON by 3.60 per cent to N56.05, respectively.

Further checks showed that Dangote Sugar’s market capitalisation stood at N708.16 billion with shares outstanding of 12,146,878,241 units, while NASCON’s at N148.501 billion and 2,649,438,378 units.

Dangote Sugar is in the business of refining raw sugar into edible sugar and selling refined sugar. NASCON processes raw salt into edible salt and imports tomato paste.

How we achieved uninterrupted grid stability in power sector – TCN

Harrison EDEH
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How we achieved uninterrupted grid stability in power sector – TCN

THE Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), has announced that the Nigerian power grid recorded maximum stability without collapse for 400 consecutive days without disruption.

The company attributed the stability to its focus on network infrastructure expansion focused on configuration and enforcement of Free Governor Control and effective Under-frequency Relay Scheme.

The ICIR has reported cases of incessant grid collapse in the past, but the company said some appreciable interventions by the government have led to improvement on the grid stability.

TCN’s General Manager, Ndidi Mbah, who disclosed the grid stability in a statement issued on August 29, 2023, also attributed the achievement to the company’s investments in network expansion.

According to the company, the milestone signifies a remarkable advancement in the nation’s efforts at strengthening its power infrastructure and ensuring a reliable electricity supply to distribution load centres for onward distribution to electricity customers nationwide.

It said the sustained stability and reliability of the Nigerian power grid could be attributed to a combination of strategic measures and investments in the power system by the Management of the TCN.

She said that “TCN constituted a three-person committee was formed to go round the country for the configuration and activation of Primary Reserve in coordination with power stations and line with the provisions in the Grid code.

“This committee devised a robust monitoring and enforcement mechanism for generating station compliance after activating the unit governor control. This innovative approach, known as the Free Governor Mode of Operation (FGMO), automatically adjusts generation in response to frequency changes, ensuring stability, reliability, and reduced transmission losses.

“Under Frequency Relay Scheme, counters the challenges posed by occasional generation shortfalls and resulting frequency declines, TCN implemented a strategic deployment of under frequency relay scheme. This scheme operates in critical stages to prevent frequency-related disruptions by initiating circuit breaker trips or alerting network operators, thereby averting system collapse”, she said.

According to her, “TCN in-house engineers deployed the IoT/VPN for Enhanced Grid Visibility by creating an interim solution utilizing loT sensors and devices. This real-time monitoring capability aids proactive issue identification, preventing potential disruptions. Efforts are ongoing to expand this visibility by incorporating additional transmission stations through loT integration”.

She further stated that “TCN successfully carried out several Infrastructure Upgrades / N-1 contingency transforming the grid from a radial network to a loop system through massive investment in construction and dualization of critical circuits, Comprehensive modernization of transmission infrastructure, including commissioning new transmission stations and installing power transformers, has reinforced grid resilience and operational flexibility.

“The company equally focussed on putting in place an enhanced maintenance regime with regular inspections, prompt repairs, and proactive preventive maintenance strategies to ensure the integrity of power plants, transmission lines, and substations. This approach sustains infrastructure health, operational reliability, and efficient power flow.

“Regular maintenance has equally ensured less equipment downtime due partly to regular mechanised line trace which has prevented vegetation from fouling transmission lines. This has helped reduce downtime, especially in forest areas where TCN transmission lines transverse”, Mrs Mbah said.

Also, she said that the dedicated teams of trained staff have consistently demonstrated proactive response during emergencies, contributing to swift crisis resolution and minimal disruptions, their collaboration, clear communication, and continuous training underscore their commitment to grid management and resilience.

She said the collaboration between TCN and stakeholders in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) has continued to yield joint initiatives such as Power Purchase Agreements, Service Level Agreements, Power Evacuation Agreements, and NESI situation room reports. Regular evaluations enhance real-time monitoring and adjustment, fostering a resilient power landscape.

“The Nigerian power grid’s achievement of over 400 days of uninterrupted stability showcases the nation’s commitment to advancing its power infrastructure.

“This success is a result of increased efficiency, technologies, dedicated personnel, strategic measures, and collaborative partnerships. This achievement reflects the potential for positive transformation within the energy sector. With unwavering determination, ongoing investments, and collective efforts, the nation is poised for a stronger and dependable power system”, she added.

127 Nigerians awarded UK 2023 Chevening, Commonwealth scholarships

Mustapha USMAN
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127 Nigerians awarded UK 2023 Chevening, Commonwealth scholarships

A TOTAL of 127 Nigerians have been awarded the Chevening and Commonwealth UK scholarships to study a ‘wide range’ of master’s degrees and PhD programmes in 2023 by the British Government. 

This was contained in a statement by the British High Commission in Abuja on Wednesday, August 30.

Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships are granted to individuals who showcase intellectual prowess, leadership potential, and a dedication to the advancement of their home nation.

The Chevening Scholarship, which celebrates its 40th year of existence this year, granted 44 Nigerian students fully-funded scholarships to pursue one-year master’s degrees in the UK.

According to the statement, the recipients were selected from a pool of over 14,000 applications in Nigeria and more than 62,000 applications across the globe.

In the same vein, the Commonwealth Scholarship sends off 83 scholars to study in the UK as part of its annual tradition.

Speaking at a pre-departure reception held in Abuja, the British High Commissioner, Richard Montgomery CMG, congratulated beneficiaries who succeeded in securing a scholarship through the challenging application and interview process.

Montgomery, while wishing the scholars luck said, “Seeing you all here is a great testimony to hard work, perseverance, and resilience through a highly competitive process.

He said: “I challenge each of you to aim for excellence in your studies, to be great ambassadors for Nigeria in the UK, and to take advantage of every opportunity during your scholarship – through growing your knowledge, enriching cultural exchange, and confident networking – and then bringing those experiences back to Nigeria and doing great things for your country while creating a positive change in this country and the world.”

A Commonwealth Scholar Michael Oyedoyin, who will study Family and Child Psychology at the University of Chester, UK, said he chose the scholarship to equip himself and also support his students beyond classroom.

“I have always loved to teach, and my first degree is in Teacher Education. However, while teaching in schools, I observed that family issues were often the underlying cause of students’ poor academic performance and absence from school. Therefore, I chose this master’s to equip me to support my students beyond the classroom.”

Another Chevening Scholar, Odera Akpata, who will study International Business at the University of Warwick, UK, said: “Reflecting on my last two applications, I am assured that great things happen to those who never give up”.

MTN raises N125bn commercial paper as company’s debt financing surged by 161.81%

Ehime ALEX
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MTN raises N125bn commercial paper as company’s debt financing surged by 161.81%

FACED by huge finance costs, MTN Nigeria Communication Plc said it had raised N125 billion via its Series 6 and 7 commercial paper to reduce its cost of debt.

The telecom company disclosed this in a corporate filing released to the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Wednesday, August 30 and signed by its company secretary, Uto Ukpanah.

“The CP Issuance aligns with MTN Nigeria’s strategy to continue diversifying its funding sources and reducing its average cost of debt. The proceeds will be applied towards short-term working capital requirements,” the company stated.

The debt was raised under its upsized N250 billion ‘Commercial Paper Issuance Programme.

The ICIR can recall that the telecom operator had in March this year raised N125 billion series 4 and 5 commercial paper under its N150 billion commercial paper programme.

Giving details of the series 6 and 7, MTN Nigeria hinted that it had sought to raise N100 billion, and after the offer, recorded 146 per cent subscription with N125 billion issued across both series.

It said it issued 181-day commercial paper at a yield of 13 per cent and a 256-day commercial paper at a yield of 13.5 per cent with an issue date of August 23, 2023.

“We are pleased with the support received from the investor community, having recorded 146 per cent subscription. This reflects MTN Nigeria’s robust financial capacity, the brand’s strength, and our leading role in the industry,” the chief executive officer, Karl Toriola, added.

Meanwhile, a commercial paper is an unsecured, short-term debt instrument issued by corporate entities. It is typically used to finance short-term liabilities such as payroll, accounts payable, and inventories.

A look at MTN Nigeria’s financial records in the first half of the year revealed that the company did not have enough capital to pay for its short-term obligations, hence the need to raise funds

Its unaudited financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2023, revealed that current asset of N1.034 trillion was less than its current liabilities of N1.623 trillion.

By implication, the company’s working capital was negative, with over N588 billion, and impacted the business’ day-to-day operations.

The company’s finance costs (interest expenses), also rose by 161.81 per cent to N237.58 billion compared to N90.74 billion in June last year.

Details of the finance costs disclosed that interest expense on leases rose to N49.67 billion from N46.62 billion and interest expense on borrowings to N51.62 billion from N28.014 billion.

In the first half of this year, the company suffered a derivative liabilities loss on a fair valuation of N3.63 billion.

The company also went into a more profound financing cost as its net foreign exchange loss surged by 864.50 per cent to N131.45 billion from N13.63 billion, while its interest expense on banking fees reduced from N1.203 billion to N2.48 billion.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had collapsed all foreign exchange windows into investors and exporters (I&E) windows on June 14 to allow for a free float of the country’s currency against the dollar and other global currencies, The ICIR reported.

“MTN Nigeria’s finance charge was impacted by the devaluation of the Naira from N461.10/$1 in December 2022 to N756.08/$1 in June 2023, which followed the policy change,” the company stated in the report.

MTN Nigeria debuted its issuance of commercial paper in June 2020 and raised N100 billion after its offer was over subscribed by 400 per cent.

In the midst of rising cost of funds, a number of firms have been issuing commercial papers to raise short-term funds.

22 journalists killed in Nigeria Since 1992 – CPJ

Bankole ABE
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22 journalists killed in Nigeria Since 1992 – CPJ

THE Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said about twenty-two journalists and two media workers have been killed in Nigeria since 1992.

The association urged President Bola Tinubu to take intentional steps to enhance the freedom of journalists.

This was disclosed in a statement by CPJ President Jodie Ginsberg on Tuesday, August 29.

In the statement addressed to President Tinubu, Ginsberg said legislation, rules, and changes needed to be implemented to stop the imprisonment and monitoring of journalists.

“CPJ has documented consistent accounts of threats, harassment, and physical attacks by security officers, politicians, and their supporters against journalists on the job, including as they covered protests and elections.

“During this year’s presidential and state election period alone, CPJ documented intimidation attempts, physical attacks, or detentions of over 40 journalists.

“Since 1992, CPJ has documented the killing of at least 22 journalists in Nigeria, as well as two others who are missing and presumed dead.

“At least 12 of these journalists are confirmed to have been killed in connection with their work,” the statement reads.

The CPJ requested Tinubu to ensure that victims of attacks on the press receive justice.

 It also said the President should develop laws and regulations to stop journalists from being jailed.

Additionally, the Journalists group urged Tinubu to provide uninterrupted access to news websites and online platforms.

The CPJ also encouraged President Tinubu to use his three-month anniversary to revitalise press freedom throughout the country.

“We request that you ensure justice is delivered for attacks on the press and that you reform legislation and regulations to prevent the jailing and surveillance of journalists.

“We also urge you to ensure undisrupted access to the internet, online platforms, and news websites,” Ginsberg stated.

The CPJ demanded that Tinubu’s administration take urgent steps to improve the press freedom environment in Nigeria.

The group added that it is prepared to provide assistance or further information that can advance the rights of journalists to work freely and safely in Nigeria.

They also blamed the Buhari administration, who ordered telecom providers to block access to the Peoples Gazette in Nigeria.

The Committee to Protect Journalists is an independent non-governmental organisation defending global press freedom.

Despite serving in opposition govt, Wike dares PDP to suspend him

Ijeoma OPARA
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Despite serving in opposition govt, Wike dares PDP to suspend him

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike has dared his political party to suspend him despite working for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Wike, who is a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and now serves as a Minister in an APC government, said this during an interview with Channels Television on Wednesday, August 30.

“How can anybody talk about expelling me, a state that brought a governor? A state that brought three senators? A state that produced 32 House of Assembly members out of 32? A state that produced 11 out of 13 House of Reps? The person that will suspend me is the one that couldn’t provide a governor, three senators?

“Look, I have not seen that person with all due respect. Nobody will do it. So the issue will not arise. Who will discipline me? I should be the one calling for the discipline of these people who violated the party constitution. Who dares that person that said they will suspend me? Who is that person? I want to dare anybody who will say that,” Wike said.

He stated that he was unapologetic about his role in assisting the APC to win the 2023 elections, adding that his actions were in the interest of equity and justice.

“Governance is not about party. Party is a vehicle that conveys you. I am a PDP member. I never hid my intention. As a PDP member, I came out that I am going to support equity, fairness and justice. I was in PDP, I supported Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yes. Did I hide it?

“I feel at home working with Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He has given me that courage. He is a man who means well for the country. So, he is looking for people who will support him and achieve the renewed hope he has given to Nigerians. I’m not here to support a party. I am here to support the president who has confidence in me to help him deliver the renewed hope. And I owe nobody any apologies at all,” he said.

He also added that relevant authorities at the national, zonal and state levels of the PDP backed his appointment into the cabinet of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, Wike had vowed to fight what he described as injustice in the PDP. He also insisted on the emergence of a presidential candidate for the south despite his party fielding a northerner for the position.

His stance against the party followed the emergence of former Nigerian Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the PDP presidential candidate in the primary elections, contrary to the party’s regulation on rotating the position among regions.

Wike also contested the party primaries in 2022 and lost to Atiku.

He, along with four other governors, formed the G5 group and insisted that Northern Nigeria could not produce both Chairman and presidential candidate of the party at the same time.

Attempt to bribe a judge: What are the implications?

Bankole ABE
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Attempt to bribe a judge: What are the implications?

ACCORDING to Wikipedia, a judge is a person who oversees court proceedings, either alone or as a part of a panel of judges.

The importance of a judge cannot be downplayed because their decisions are seen as law.

Recently, the chairperson of the Panel of the Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Kano, Flora Ngozi Azinge, on Tuesday, August 15, expressed concern over some lawyers trying to influence judges on her team through bribery.

She claimed that this was the second occasion a judge had expressed dissatisfaction with how some lawyers who were prosecuting election cases in front of her attempted to undermine the legal system by offering bribes to her and her colleagues.

“Money is flying; it’s being rumoured that a staff collected N10 million.”

“They keep abusing judges, insulting us every day in the papers, in the media — that we are taking bribes.

“Let me repeat again, that nobody should approach me with money again. I’m contented with what God has given me, and I have a roof over my head,” she was quoted to have said.

This allegation has generated a lot of responses on Social media reasons, with many expressing apprehension on the issue, and this might not be unconnected with the ongoing election disputes before various election tribunals across the country.

What the law says about giving or taking bribe

In Nigeria, section 98 of the Criminal Code Act states that any public official who corruptly requests, receives, or obtains any property or benefit of any kind for himself or another person or who corruptly agrees to receive or attempt to obtain any property or any benefit for himself or another person in relation to any matter related to the functions, affairs, or business of a government department, public body, or other organ is guilty of a criminal offence and is liable to imprisonment for seven years.

Section 98A of the Criminal Code Act in Nigeria states that anyone involved in official corruption, including those who give bribes or otherwise influence the behaviour of public officials, is subject to a seven-year prison sentence.

The Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act (ICPC ACT) also frowns at acts of giving or receiving bribes.

The primary goal of the Act is to outlaw bribery and corrupt behaviour, both of which involve giving or receiving something of value to influence an official decision. The Act defines individuals as including natural persons, juristic persons, any body of persons corporate or incorporated, and corruption as including bribery, fraud, and other connected acts.

Lawyers’ reaction to allegation of bribe

The ICIR contacted some lawyers to seek their reaction concerning the claim that some lawyers tried to bribe several election tribunal judges.

A Lagos-based lawyer, Adefisoye Okunade, called this situation ‘sub judice’. 

He declined to comment on the claim, describing it as a mere allegation. However, he chipped that the senior lawyer should know what to do.  

“This is sub judice. It is unprofessional to respond to these questions without being briefed. The enior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) ought to know what to do,” he stated.

In response to the allegation, another lawyer, Olu Oyeniji, said, “What we should be doing at this time is asking these questions:

“Why is she not naming the SAN? How many SANs have matters before her court? Shouldn’t this be investigated by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Police, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, Body of Benchers, Body of SAN? Is this attempt not a crime in itself, for example, conspiracy to commit a crime?” he asked.

In his contribution, a lawyer, Abiola Kolawole, said that the EFCC should be encouraged to go after the lawyers involved if the allegation is correct.

“There are so many laws that can be used to try the SAN.

“EFCC may try him on a count charge bordering on perverting the course of justice and offering gratification to public officials,” Abiola stated.

Previous case

This is not the first time a judge has disclosed that a lawyer is trying to bribe him.

In 2021, a judge, G. M Kamyal of High Court 9 in West of Mines Jos, announced that a lawyer tried to bribe him.

The judge publicly acknowledged in open court that a lawyer had attempted to solicit his favour in a case with suit number PLD/J602/2021.

The judge accused the Counsel of visiting him in the night.

“I wish to inform the Counsel and parties in court that yesterday night between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., one Barrister B.C. Awang (Mrs) came to my house along with one of the claimants, in this case, to see me in respect of the case.

“They came along with a gift for me. I was seriously disturbed by the said unsolicited visit. I asked why would they pay such a visit to me based on a case before me.

“I am deeply annoyed by the said visit, and this has affected my mind frame with regard to handling this matter,” the judge said.

The judge added that he had returned the case file to the chief judge of the State to re-assign the case to another Judge for trial.

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