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Nigeria Corruption Index Still Behind Global Average – CSOs

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In 2023, the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) noted a decrease in Nigeria’s corruption levels compared to 2022, although the nation still lags behind the global average.

A recent Corruption Perception Index (CPI) report, jointly published by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Nigeria’s Transparency International (TI) chapter, indicates Nigeria’s CPI score rose to 25 out of 100 in 2023 from 24 in 2022. Despite this improvement, Nigeria ranks 145th out of 180 countries, down from 150 in 2022.

According to Awwal Musa Rafsanjani, the leader of CSOs, Nigeria’s CPI score remains below the Sub-Saharan African average of 33 points.

He stressed that while most African nations exhibit stagnation, ninety percent of sub-Saharan countries scored below 50 points.

The CPI for Nigeria consolidates data from various sources, including the Bertelsmann Foundation Transformation Index, Economist Intelligence Unit Country Ratings, Global Insights Country Risk Ratings, PRS International Country Risk Guide, Varieties of Democracy Project, World Bank Country Policy and Institutional Assessment (CPIA), World Economic Forum Executive Opinion Survey (EOS), and World Justice Project Rule of Law Index.

While the CPI doesn’t pinpoint specific instances of corruption, it reflects the perceived level of corruption within Nigeria.

CSOs advocate for an impartial and independent Nigerian justice system.

They propose merit-based appointments and promotions in place of political appointments to restore citizens’ trust in the judiciary.

Additionally, they call for a robust integrity monitoring mechanism within the Nigerian judiciary, covering whistleblowing, asset disclosure, and conflict of interest reporting.

CSOs stress the urgent need for electoral reforms to rebuild citizens’ confidence.

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They emphasize the importance of maintaining an updated Beneficial Ownership Register accessible to citizens.

Furthermore, they urge anti-corruption agencies to diligently pursue high-profile corruption cases, including exploring international avenues for cases of grand corruption.

Government agencies are urged to disclose comprehensive data on government contracts in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 2011 and other international commitments.

Furthermore, agencies tasked with asset recovery under the Proceeds of Crime (and Management) Act 2022 are called upon to establish accessible databases for citizen scrutiny.

The National Assembly is urged to ensure transparency in implementing constituency projects, with accountability measures for offenders.

CSOs stress the importance of impartial investigations into security sector corruption to address Nigeria’s escalating security challenges, including scrutiny of security votes and other covert defence expenditures by civilian law enforcement agencies.

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Trump: I’m very angry with Putin over Ukraine

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US President Donald Trump said Sunday he was “very angry, pissed off” with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, NBC reported, marking a sharp change of tone as Washington seeks to end the war in Ukraine.

NBC’s Kristen Welker said Trump had called her to express his fury over Putin questioning Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s future as a leader — something that Trump himself has done.

Welker, on her NBC show “Meet The Press” on Sunday, quoted directly from an early-morning telephone conversation with the president.

“If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia’s fault… I am going to put secondary tariffs on all oil coming out of Russia,” Trump said.

Trump told Welker that he “was very angry, pissed off” over Putin’s recent comments about Zelensky’s credibility and talking about new leadership in Ukraine.

The US president has been pushing for a speedy end to the more than three-year war since taking office, but his administration has failed to reach a breakthrough despite negotiations with both sides.

Putin rejected a joint US-Ukrainian plan for a 30-day ceasefire, and on Friday suggested Zelensky be removed from office as part of the peace process.

Trump told NBC that Putin knows he is angry, but said that he has “a very good relationship with him” and “the anger dissipates quickly… if he does the right thing.”

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Sallah: Gombe stampede claims lives of 2 children, 20 injured

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o fewer than 2 children have been confirmed dead and 20 others injured following a stampede at the Gombe main Eid Ground on Sunday

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The Police Public Relations Officer, Gombe State Command, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, confirmed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Gombe.

According to Abdullahi, the incident occurred at about 10:45 a.m. at the exit gate of the Eid Ground, immediately after the conclusion of Eid prayers.

“The stampede was caused by inadequate exit access, as a large crowd, primarily women and children, rushed to leave the venue.

“The situation, worsened by intense heat, led to the unfortunate incident,” he said.

He said that 22 individuals were affected and were immediately taken to hospitals for medical attention.

“Regrettably, two of the victims, a four-year-old boy, and six months old baby girl, were pronounced dead by doctors while receiving treatment,” Abdullahi added.

He extended the command’s condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

“The police urge Eid Ground managers to ensure that all entrance and exit gates remain open to facilitate smooth movement, especially after prayers,” he advised.

Gombe Governor mourns

Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya

Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya has condoled with the families of the deceased and those affected by the tragedy.

In a statement issued by his media aide on Sunday, the governor directed a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the stampede, with the aim of preventing future occurrences.

“The safety and well-being of our citizens remain a top priority. The state government is committed to learning from this incident and implementing corrective measures,” Yahaya said.

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He also directed that all medical expenses for the injured victims be fully covered by the state government to ensure their recovery and well-being.

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2027: Shehu Sani Declares Interest In Kaduna Central Senatorial Seat

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By Israel Bulus, Kaduna

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has announced his intention to contest for re-election in the 2027 general elections.

Sani made the declaration on Sunday while delivering his Eid-el-Fitr message at his residence in Kaduna.

“Any politician contesting an election depends on the political equation that determines the position to vie for. If the conditions are right and the equations are favorable, I will offer myself to contest specifically for the Kaduna Central senatorial district,” he stated.

He further emphasized that his ambition remains secondary to ensuring the re-election of Governor Uba Sani for a second term.

“For now, our priority is to see that the incumbent governor, Uba Sani, is re-elected. We will work with all our might and strength to achieve this. We know there will be challenges and opposition, but we are well prepared for all forces,” he added.

Sani also used the occasion to urge Muslims to pray for Nigeria’s peace and unity during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations. Additionally, he condemned the recent killing of hunters in Edo State, calling on security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators.

“If citizens cannot move freely across the country, then we are not truly a nation. If individuals take the law into their hands for any reason, it means there is no government or authority,” he lamented.

He called on all Nigerians who desire a better country to work towards peace and unity for the preservation of democracy, despite the challenges being experienced.

Sani also urged the government to uphold fundamental human rights, particularly the right to life, as a crucial step towards national stability and development.

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