News
US Exposes Nigerians, Police In Shaddy Deals
A Fresh allegation of financial sleaze, reminiscent of the Halliburton saga, has again turned world’s attention to Nigerian top officials and the Police.
The festering corruption in Nigerian government’s circles caught the attention of the world on Tuesday as the United States (U.S.) government accused top Nigerian officials in Aso Rock, Nigerian Police Force, Ministry of Industry, a former Nigerian diplomat in Brazil , among others, in a multi-million dollar scandal involving a U.S.-owned business, Daimler, the makers of Mercedes Benz cars.
Halliburton, also a U.S. company recently faced a probe for allegedly bribing top Nigerian officials with $180 million in order to get contracts in Nigeria .Perhaps in its unwillingness to contest U.S. government corruption charges against it, Daimler, according to reports, is now planning a plea bargain with American prosecutors where the company will pay fines of about $185 million to settle the case which was filed on Tuesday at a Washington DC U.S. District Court.
Court papers showed that the U.S. company making German cars and trucks Ð Daimler AG Ð has been engaging in these acts of corruption in 16 countries of the world, spanning about a decade, from 1998 to 2008, violating U.S. bribery laws by showering foreign officials, including in Nigeria, with millions of dollars and gifts of luxury cars to win business deals.
For instance in Nigeria , the court papers show that Daimler made “improper payments to Nigerian governent officials in order to secure business. These payments were authorised at the highest levels of management, and were either improperly recorded in Daimler’s books and records or were not recorded at all.”
Many of the Nigerian deals by Daimler were through the Anambra Motor Manufacturing Company (ANAMMCO), a joint venture between Daimler and the Nigerian government, according to the court papers.
The papers reveal that in Nigeria , Daimler maintained a file labelled “grellberschreitend e Bestechnungen, “ which translates as “cross-border briberies.”
“That file contained a memorandum dated January 21, 1999, from the then head of finance…which stated that Daimler charged the State House approximately 21 per cent over the wholesale price for the vehicles, parts, and services,” according to U.S. court filings.
The court filings showed that in exchange for sales at the Nigerian presidency, referred to as State House in the paper “in 1998, Daimler entered into a contract to sell vehicles to the Nigerian State House, which was also known as the Nigerian Presidential Complex, and was the office and residence of the Nigerian President (the “State House Contract”).
Specifically, on October 5, 1998, the ANAMMCO executive, on behalf of Daimler, agreed to sell 23 new Mercedes Benz passenger vehicles to the State House for DM15,882,302. Additionally, a used MB 600 Pullman limousine was armoured and sold to the Nigerian State House for $365,000. The State House contract was signed by a State House official on behalf of the Nigerian government, and by the ANAMMCO executive. These vehicles were intended for use by high-level members of the Executive branch of the Nigerian government.
Again, the filings stated that “the State House paid Daimler $359,985 for the MB Pullman on December 4, 1998, and DM15,882,317 for the cars on December 14, 1998. In connection with these sales to the State House, Daimler made £1,427,242.65 in improper commission payments funded from TPAs-ie Third Party Account, associated with ANAMMCO, with the understanding that these funds would be passed on, in whole or in part, to Nigerian officials to secure the State House Contract.”
Equally, the U.S. court papers stated that payments were made to “then High-Level Executive Branch Official of Nigeria.”
For example in May 1999, at the request of the ANAMMCO executive, Daimler wired DM800,000 from its accounts in Germany to a numbered Swiss bank account. The payment request, according to the court papers, came from the ANAMMCO executive and the “referenced initials … matched those of a then high-level executive branch official of Nigeria … and the funds were debited from an ANAMMCO TPA upon the approval.”
Again in November 1999, Daimler approved payment of DM200,000 to the London bank account of the un-named “Executive Branch official”.
According to the court filings, “this payment was requested by the ANAMMCO executive, approved by the highest level managers and finance personnel …and debited from an ANAMMCO TPA. The payment instructions from the ANAMMCO executive contain the initials “SH” which ANAMMCO employees used as shorthand for the “State House” deal, and related notes by the ANAMMCO executive also referenced initials that matched those of the Executive Branch official.”
Similarly in November 1999, Daimler approved a payment of DM50,000 to the “chief buyer for State House who signed the State House Contract. The payment was requested by the ANAMMCO executive, approved by senior management and finance personnel, and debited to an ANAMMCO TPA. The payment instructions made reference to “SH.”
There were also alleged cash payments made to different government officials in Aso Rock.
According to U.S. prosecutors, “Daimler also made a variety of cash payments to the ANAMMCO executive in connection with State House transactions. For example, on June 27, 1999, the ANAMMCO executive sent a facsimile… requesting that DM400,000 in cash be disbursed to him against a debtor account used for the State House transaction. The payment instruction indicated that the ANAMMCO executive would pick up the funds when he arrived “on the occasion of the advised visit of (the Executive Branch official).”
Also on March 22, 2000, the ANAMMCO executive requested that Daimler “disburse DM50,000 in cash, which was to be used to make payments to a delegation of State House officials who were visiting a Daimler factory in Sindelfingen , Germany .”
Later that year on October 30, 2000, the ANAMMCO executive again “requested that Daimler disburse DM40,000 in cash”. In connection with this request, Daimler employees prepared a payment instruction referencing “Spare Parts State House.” The payment was debited to an ANAMMCO TPA.”
Similar payments of large bribes were also listed as paid to Nigeria Police Force (NPF) officials, including a bribe of DM150,000 paid in June 17, 2000 and another DM50,000 paid later that year in October 20 in connection with the NPF’s purchase of a Master Lift.
In May 1999, Daimler also allegedly paid DM126,000 to a Nigerian government official from the Ministry of Industry who had signed a February 12, 1999 FIFA contract on behalf of the ministry. Curiously, Daimler later had to pay another employee in that same ministry another sum of DM18,000, because as the U.S. court paper indicated, that employee had witnessed the first bribery.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged newly sworn-in chairman and members of the State House of Assembly Service Commission to achieve greater productivity, promote highest standard and insist on best practices in the discharge of Legislative services.
Governor Fubara also urged them to ensure that parliamentary staff are put through disciplinary conducts in the discharge of their duties in the service.
Governor Fubara gave the charge shortly after the chairman and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) Service Commission were sworn-in at the Executive Chamber of Government House in Port Harcourt, last Friday.
The Governor also sworn-in the chairman and members of the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission.
Hon Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja, is the chairman of RSHA, with Dr Kennedy Ebeku, Hon. Soberekon Clark, Hon. Jones Ogbonda, and Hon Kingston Sylvanus as members.
For the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission, Hon GoodLife Ben will serve as the chairman, with Chief Emmanuel G. Jaja, Ms. Betty Warmate, Barrister Jerome Chimenem, Hon Prince O. Ohochukwu, Barrister Philip Okparaji, and Christian Amadi as members.
Governor Fubara explained that the constitution and swearing-in of the respective commissions were delayed with the hope that all former members of the political block will come back together but quickly added that such expectation is dashed now as governance has to move on.
He said: “As it stands now, our position is very clear. The ship that we are onboard is clear, and the activities of governance have to continue.
“So, this swearing-in is to give these two units of government – particularly, the House of Assembly Service Commission, a formal commission so that you can start carrying out the activities of promotion, discipline and every other thing that has to do with the legislative staff activity.”
Governor Fubara emphasised: “This assignment is not business as usual. You have to take full charge, and you have to ensure that there is discipline in the service.”
Speaking on the Local Government Service Commission, Governor Fubara said an acting Chairman was previously appointed to hold brief while the situation was being studied but quickly added that as it stands now, a full fledged commission has to be constituted to steer affairs.
Governor Fubara stated that the various Local Government Councils have been mandated to commence payment of the N85,000.00 Minimum Wage to their workers.
However, Governor Fubara said that mandate had met with series of complaints about ghost workers or inflated payroll staff list, which required proper scrutiny in order to ensure that only genuine workers benefit.
He said, “You must ensure that you support the Local Government Chairmen to get rid of those fake names in the payroll, so that when they implement the N85,000.00 Minimum Wage, it will not be too much burden on them.
“I am not saying you should go and dismiss people who are genuinely employed. Hear me very well: there must be proper scrutiny to be sure that whoever is there must be a genuine civil servant employed by the commission, and must have met all the conditions.”
Governor Fubara also directed the commission to address the issue of staff stagnation on a particular grade level, which is an ugly practice, and make sure those due promotion truly benefit from statutory progression in the service.
He said, “The second side is, you have the issue of promotion, you must also ensure that they are adequately promoted so that they can start enjoying like their counterparts in the mainstream.
“There is too much dragging of their promotion, for somebody to be on Grade Level 4 for over 30 years is not good. It is not good news.”
Governor Fubara maintained: “I believe strongly that you will not allow yourselves to be corrupted like those stories that we used to hear. Make sure that there is acceptable level of discipline and standard in the Local Government Service Commission.
“I also believe strongly that you are already prepared for this assignment, and since you are prepared, I will charge you to go do what you know how to do best. Be assured that the government will give you all the necessary support.”
Governor Fubara noted that the task before them could seem Herculean but they should be assured of support from his administration to drive the assignment given to them to reckonable success.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that the open dumping of wastes has to be replaced with a more innovative and efficient disposal method so that wastes can be taken off the streets and turned into income-yielding ventures.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while giving charge to the newly constituted Board of Directors of the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) and its Managing Director at Government House in Port Harcourt, last Friday.
The Board members included Engr. Edward Namiesimagh as the chairman, while Hon. Bishop Best, Dr. Ipalibo Sogules, Richard Mazi, and Civian Y. Nwibari are members, with Hon. Orukwem Amadi-Oparaeli as the Managing Director.
Governor Fubara said waste disposal and management have remained a major global concern, adding that over the years, successive administrations in the State had struggled to take wastes off the streets but ended up taking them to other dumpsites where they constitute nuisance and environmental hazards.
He said, “Today, I am here putting a team together to look at these challenges differently. Let it not be the regular pattern whereby at the end of the month, you come to collect money from me for payments.
“Don’t indulge in appointing your friends as sweepers, evaluators of debris, then you start building hotels, or buying big cars. Let us go beyond that and tap into the potentials of waste management.
“It is an area in this world that there is so much money in. It is an area that creates employment, and generates huge revenue. It is not just depending on what I will give to you. Consider what change you’ll bring to the work, that’s what I want to see in Rivers State.”
Governor Fubara told them that they were carefully selected because of the experiences they had garnered in their previous public assignments, and urged them to replicate their successes on a bigger scale with the new appointment.
The Governor advised them to work assiduously to bring back the beauty of Port Harcourt with effective waste disposal drive, and ensure the city is clean and green to reflect its old Garden City status.
Governor Fubara emphasised: “If not for our effort, today, some people could have even changed it to become Garbage City. But God forbid, it is not going to be in our own time.
“I want you to understand that I feel very unhappy with the sight I see. When you are driving into Port Harcourt, one of the first things that will welcome you is the waste dump that you see along the Obiri-Ikwerre-Airport Road. I don’t feel happy about it.
“Your first task should be to relocate it. That particular place needs to be completely closed because it is the entrance to the city. You need to get a new place where we can relocate our wastes.”
Governor Fubara urged them to be more responsible as they discharge their assignment, saying that it is more important to see results than being merely preoccupied with the aura of office.
The Governor warned that he will not hesitate to relieve anyone found wanting, and return the agency back to the era of a sole administrator running the affairs of the agency.
He noted, “This team cuts across all the Senatorial Districts, so that whatever you are going to do there, you ensure it spreads. While you are also carrying out this job, let it be known to the world that the interest of everybody in the State is accommodated.
“It shouldn’t be one-sided. Make sure that all our supporters who have the capacity and competence to do little jobs in the refuse area are also accommodated. I am serious. I have no doubt that you are going to impress us. So, I charge you to do all you can to make sure that the face of Port Harcourt changes when it comes to the issue of refuse.”
Governor Fubara told them to be good ambassadors of his administration as they interface with members of the public while also changing the face of refuse management in the State.
In his acceptance speech, Chairman of Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Engr. Edward Namiesimagh, expressed appreciation to the Governor, on behalf of members of the Board, for finding them worthy to handle such difficult but surmountable task of keeping Port Harcourt clean.
He said, “When I see the calibre of people you assembled, all of us are happy, and I assure that with our period of experience in our fields and politics and interaction with people and the zeal that comes with this job, we assure you that we will do our best to make sure that the policy of restoring Port Harcourt to its lost glory is achieved with your support.”
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Saturday, graced the solemnization of Sacrament of Matrimony between Engr Victor Kii, and his heartthrob, Engr Mercy Mankwe.
Engr Kii is the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture.
The wedding ceremony was held at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Chaplaincy, Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA), along the Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway, Rumuibekwe in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
In his Homily, the Chief Celebrant, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Most Rev Matthew Hassan Kukah, said marriage is an enduring union, ordained by God for two persons – man and woman – who have decided in love to live their lives together.
Bishop Kukah stated that people in such Christian marriage should know that they are in an indissoluble union, bounded by faith, and advised them to gladly make personal sacrifices in tolerance and care for each other so that they can have a healthy, successful and rewarding life together.
In his vote of thanks, co-celebrant, Very Rev Monsignor Pius Kii, showered commendations on the Governor for his fatherly support to the family, and the numerous landmark achievements in various sectors across the State.
The clergy and the church took the opportunity to pray for the success and good health of Governor Fubara and his administration, and urged God to protect, guide and defend him at all times.
The church also presented 50th birthday cake and gifts to the Governor, and also sang birthday songs to accentuate the celebration.
Highlights of the event were the signing of the marriage register by the new couple, Victor and Mercy, and the cutting of the 50th Birthday cake by the Governor.