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UNCAC: Nigeria Rallies Countries on Repatriation of Stolen Wealth
UNCAC: Nigeria Rallies Countries on Repatriation of Stolen Wealth
By: Our Reporter
Nigeria has rallied countries to propose the first ever draft resolution on, “Enhancing access and use of beneficial ownership information to facilitate the identification, recovery, and return of stolen assets”.
Among the countries rallied are Pakistan, The State of Palestine, Kenya, Peru and Saudi Arabia.
This was the move of Nigeria at the world’s anti-corruption conference which began in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt with 152 countries (including Nigeria) meeting to advance action through the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and strengthen integrity responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A statement on Wednesday by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) revealed that in a bid to addressing the challenge of getting stolen wealth repatriated to their originating countries, Nigeria has rallied a coalition of countries including Pakistan, The State of Palestine, Kenya, Peru and Saudi Arabia to propose the first ever draft resolution on, “Enhancing access and use of beneficial ownership information to facilitate the identification, recovery, and return of stolen assets”.
According to the statement, the draft resolution calls on Member States to establish and populate a register of beneficial owners of assets and make the respective information accessible to other states with a view to aiding corruption and asset recovery related investigations.
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UNODC Consultant and Anticorruption Expert, Mr. Emmanuel Akomaye, who participated in one the more than 60 side events commented that: “There is great wisdom in breaking the opaque shell of corruption. Cross border corruption is greatly facilitated by beneficial ownership arrangement. To break the shell countries must effectively cooperate. The regulations of the professional enablers of beneficial ownership lawyers, accountants, estate agents etc. is largely opaque with very little enhanced due diligence conducted on them. Hidden wealth in whatever guise must be exposed, its perpetrators and conspirators prosecuted, and the assets recovered for the benefit of the citizens.”
According to the statement, seven other draft resolutions and two draft decisions are also being considered at the ninth session of the conference of state parties to UNCAC. They include resolutions addressing issues on prevention, the role of supreme audit institutions, asset recovery, education and law enforcement.
Nigeria has been a State Party to the United Nations Convention against Corruption since 2004. This year Nigeria’s delegation is led by the Attorney General of the Federation and comprises representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Code of Conduct Bureau, the Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-Corruption Reforms, the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, the Corporate Affairs Commission, the Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative, as well as the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes
In his opening statement at the Conference, the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, said: “Proceed of corruption and illicit financial flows constitute a huge chunk of resources needed for sustainable development and their return to their States of origin is a fundamental principle of Article 51 of the Convention”.
The Panama and Pandora Papers by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) are testimony to the use of safe havens, shadow financial systems and shell companies by the corrupt to divert needed resources for development, particularly developing countries like Africa. In addition, secrecy associated with corruption and stolen wealth remains a nagging challenge in holding perpetrators to account.
UNCAC: Nigeria Rallies Countries on Repatriation of Stolen Wealth
FG Declares Public Holiday on June 12 to Mark Democracy Day
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, 12th June, 2025 as Public Holiday to commemorate this year’s democracy day celebration.
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, congratulated Nigerians on this occasion of 26 years of an uninterrupted civil rule.
He said: “June 12 represents our historic journey to building a nation where truth and justice reign and peace is sustained and our future assured.
“The last 26 years tells the story of our resilience, strength and courage and a hope Renewed than ever.”
The Minister while noting that Democracy is sustained with open doors for further improvement, reiterated the commitment of the Renewed Hope government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) to the universal value of democracy that is based on freely-expressed will of the people in determining Nigeria’s political, economic, social and cultural systems.
FG Declares Public Holiday on June 12 to Mark Democracy Day
Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A renewed chieftaincy tussle in Muye village, Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State, has sparked violent confrontations between rival supporters, prompting swift intervention by security operatives.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the crisis began around 6:20 p.m. on Thursday when the deposed village head, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulkadir Maigari II, forcefully returned to Muye and broke into the palace.
The incident provoked tension among residents, especially after supporters of the current Dakachi confronted the deposed monarch. The situation was immediately brought under control by a team of security personnel from Lapai.
However, Zagazola learnt that the situation escalated on Friday morning when supporters of both camps clashed again, leading to a free-for-all fight that disrupted public peace in the community.
Security sources were swiftly deployed to Muye to restore normalcy.
“The combined security teams have brought the situation under control. Monitoring and surveillance operations are ongoing to prevent further breakdown of law and order,” the source said.
No casualties or arrests have been officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger
Eid-el-Kabir: IPCR Calls on Nigerians to Peace, Harmony
By: Michael Mike
Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on Nigerians to promote peace and harmony in their communities, recognizing that peace is essential to national development and progress.
The advice was given by the Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, in his message on Eid-el-Kabir.
The Institute, while extending warm greetings to Nigerians, wished them a joyous and peaceful celebration, marked by love, compassion, and unity.
The Institute while noting that Sallah is a significant occasion in the Islamic calendar, symbolizing the values of sacrifice, gratitude, and community, emphasized that the spirit of Sallah should guide Nigerians in their interactions with one another, fostering a culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding.
The IPCR urged Nigerians to promote peace and harmony in their communities, recognizing that peace is essential to national development and progress, while
encouraging individuals to embrace the values of Sallah, including forgiveness, empathy, and kindness, in their daily lives.
According to IPCR, peace is critical to promoting national stability and cohesion.
The Institute also urged Nigerians to use this period of Sallah celebration to address conflicts and promote dialogue, which could help to build trust and understanding among Nigerians and also contribute to a more peaceful society.
It recognized that the country’s many ethnic and religious groups can work together to build a more harmonious society, celebrating their differences and promoting a culture of tolerance.
End
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