NEWS

National Assembly rejigs nation’s audit structure in anti-corruption fight

Published

7 years ago

March 2, 2018

The National Assembly yesterday passed the Federal Audit Services Bill, which grants autonomy to the auditor general of the federation.

The “landmark achievement in the fight against corruption,” according to Senate President Bukola Saraki, would give the office of the auditor general unfettered access to the books of agencies and parastatals.

“This law will bring accountability and probity in the finances of the government and the fight against corruption,” he said.
The Senate and the House of Representatives adopted the conference report on the bill and consequently separated the auditor general’s office from the Ministry of Finance.

“We truly have to block all the various leakages. We also have to ensure that we get this to Mr. President to get his assent,” Saraki said.

Commending the members of both chambers for the landmark, he noted: “We have gone a long way in this administration in our fight against corruption, and it is commendable that the National Assembly members are the sponsors and movers of this very important bill. We will continue to play our part in this fight against corruption for the sake of our country.”

The bill expanded the powers of the auditor general to carry out audit, except when the constitution provides otherwise, of all revenues accruing to the federation and all expenditures of the federation from all sources.

The auditor general will also carry out audit, except otherwise provided by the constitution, of donations, grants and loans accruable to federal ministries, departments and agencies or other public entities.

He will audit classified expenditure and perform forensic audits. Others are: the audit of international institutions to the extent of Nigeria’s contribution to such bodies; the audit of disaster-related grants and aids; the audit of public-private partnership entered into by the Federal Government and its agencies.

The National Assembly specifically empowered the auditor general to: select the methodology to be adopted in respect of an audit; determine the nature and extent of audit to be carried out and request details, account statements and financial statements that he considers necessary; request in writing, any person in the employ of federal ministries, departments and agencies and international institutions whose accounts are being audited by the office of the auditor general to make an appearance at a specified place and time, or produce such records, books, vouchers and documents under the control of that person.

He is likewise tasked with investigating and making extracts from any record, book, document and other information of federal ministries, departments and agencies or international institutions whose accounts are being audited by the office of the auditor general, and surcharging the amount of any expenditure which has not been duly brought into account or the amount of any loss or deficiency incurred.

The Senate, meanwhile, expressed concern over the threat to expel Nigeria from the Egmont Group of over a hundred countries that share financial intelligence, stressing that the development would be disastrous for the nation’s economy.

The upper chamber’s committee on anti-corruption and financial crimes pointed out that the group could expel Nigeria next week because a bill to make the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) an independent entity has not been passed.

Saraki expressed shock that the two chambers had not harmonised their differences on the bill. “This matter has been discussed at the leadership level and a conference committee was set up. I am surprised that this meeting has not taken place,” he said.

The Senate president promised to meet with the speaker of the House of Representatives and remind him of the decision taken, “so that he (the speaker) can direct the chairman in the House of Representatives on this.”

He told the committee: “Both of you will work on it as fast as you can, so that we can transmit this bill to the president before the next Egmont meeting, in order to save this country. We will take action.”

The chairman of the committee, Chukwuka Utazi, reminded his colleagues that the deadline given to Nigeria expires March 2018.

He said: “In July, last year, Nigeria was suspended by the Egmont Group, with a threat to expel the country on March 11, this year, which is next week. If we do not put our house in order, we will be expelled.”
He warned: “The expulsion will come with severe consequences. Our financial banks will not be able to do anything. Our banks and foreign transactions will no longer amount to anything. We will be degraded. Even the corruption index we are complaining about will be a child’s play to what we are going to face in few days.”

Absolving the Senate, however, of blame on the delay, he said: “I have been calling my counterpart in the House of Representatives. The first meeting was stalled. They said the leadership was meeting over the issue. We called for another meeting. Each time I call for this meeting, my counterpart in the House of Representatives will always tell me that he is attending one meeting or another. Even this morning (yesterday), I sent him a message and he said he was attending a budget defence meeting. I told him that this meeting was more important. He knows what is at stake.

“I am bringing this issue to public knowledge that this Senate is doing its job. If anything should happen or Nigeria is suspended, it will not be as a result of the failure of the Senate to act.”

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NEWS

Dele Farotimi Breaks Silence After Release From Detention

Published

6 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Reporter

Dele Farotimi breaks silence after release from detention | fab.ng

Activist lawyer and author Dele Farotimi maintained his stance against Senior Advocate of Nigeria Afe Babalola during a press conference in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, following his release from detention.

Farotimi addressed reporters to restate his previous allegations against the prominent legal figure.

“I have never lied against anyone. If I don’t know, I will say I don’t know. The truth is enough—it is the only weapon with which you can slay the monster called Nigeria.”

Welcome back, Comrade @DeleFarotimi. pic.twitter.com/TYV6e7bnwK

— Inibehe Effiong (@InibeheEffiong) December 24, 2024

The Ekiti State Correctional Centre detained Farotimi after defamation allegations emerged against him.

His book “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System” contains specific allegations of unethical conduct against Babalola, claims which Farotimi continues to defend as accurate.

The author stands by the investigative findings detailed in his publication despite the legal challenges he has faced.

“I understand the challenges that come with fighting entrenched powers, but I remain steadfast in my commitment to the truth,” he added.

An Ado-Ekiti magistrate court released Farotimi on December 20 after he met multiple bail conditions.

These conditions included posting a ₦30 million bond, securing two sureties with one being a property owner, and surrendering his passport. The court also restricted Farotimi, barring him from giving interviews to the media.

The case has ignited widespread discussions within Nigeria’s legal community regarding press freedom and institutional influence in the justice system.

Legal experts and civil rights advocates now await the forthcoming court proceedings, which will examine the merits of both the defamation claims and Farotimi’s defence.

Check out more news updates here.

MOVIES

Funke Akindele’s “Everybody Loves Jenifa” Rakes Box Office With ₦511 Million In Just 12 Days

Published

1 day ago

December 24, 2024

Reporter

Everybody Loves Jenifa rakes box office with ₦511 million | fab.ng

Funke Akindele’s comedy film “Everybody Loves Jenifa” has shattered Nigerian box office records by earning ₦511 million within just 12 days of its release.

FilmOne, the film’s distributor, revealed that this remarkable achievement makes it both the highest-grossing Nollywood film of 2024. It is also the fastest Nigerian movie to reach the ₦500 million milestone.

“History Made! Everybody Loves Jenifa smashes records with ₦511M at the box office, becoming 2024’s highest-grossing Nollywood title and the fastest to hit ₦500M in just 12 days! Don’t stop! Let’s smash the record books. Watch Everybody Loves Jenifa in cinemas near you,” the post said.

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A post shared by FilmOne Entertainment (@filmoneng)

“Everybody Loves Jenifa” achieved unprecedented success by generating ₦206 million during its opening weekend. It established a new record for the highest-grossing opening weekend in Nollywood history.

The film demonstrated its immediate appeal by earning ₦87.8 million on its first day. This set another record for the highest single-day earnings in Nigerian cinema.

Funke Akindele masterfully reprised her beloved Jenifa character, delivering a performance that perfectly captured the character’s signature humour and charm.

The narrative follows Jenifa through an engaging storyline filled with personal growth, fame-related challenges, and comedic situations that resonated deeply with audiences across Nigerian theatres.

Akindele’s marketing strategy proved exceptionally effective. Moreso, she implemented comprehensive social media campaigns and made strategic appearances at various cinemas to connect with viewers.

Her promotional efforts transformed the film’s release into a cultural phenomenon that extended beyond traditional movie-watching.

The film features an impressive ensemble cast including Falz, Omotunde ‘Lolo’ Adebowale-David, Olayode Juliana, Chimezie Imo, Layi Wasabi, Bisola Aiyeola, Jackie Appiah, and Omowunmi Dada.

These actors collectively bring depth to this comedy-drama that successfully weaves together humorous moments, emotional depth, and surprising plot developments.

Check out more movie updates here.

MUSIC

Tems Debut Album Ranks #2 On Billboard’s R&B List Of 2024

Published

5 days ago

December 20, 2024

Reporter

Tems debut album hits #2 on Billboard's R&B list of 2024 | fab.ng

Tems’ Global Impact: A Billboard Recognition

Tems, a global music sensation, has solidified her position as one of Africa’s most successful artists, with her album captivating millions of fans worldwide and garnering numerous prestigious awards.

In a recent testament to her talent, her debut album secured the second spot on Billboard’s list of the best R&B albums of 2025.

This remarkable achievement places Tems alongside renowned artists such as Chris Brown, PartyNextDoor, Muni Long, and Bryson Tiller.

Furthermore, Billboard has praised Tems’ music for transcending the boundaries of Afrobeats, resonating with audiences across the globe.

“The Nigerian star finds her footing in the global spotlight and stands firmly in her purpose on her dazzling debut album Born in the Wild.

“She opens up about surviving her mental wilderness and learning to thrive in it on the opening acoustic ballad that shares the album’s title.

“And on the mid-tempo standout “Burning,” Tems confronts the trappings of her newfound stardom but finds comfort in the collective struggle. As someone who’s studied Céline Dion, Destiny’s Child, and Mariah Carey and dreamt of making soul-stirring songs that send people into their feelings, Tems succeeded with aplomb.

“Born in the Wild became her highest-charting project on Top R&B Albums (reaching No. 5) and marked her career-first entry on the Billboard 200, peaking at No. 56.

“And while Born in the Wild and “Love Me JeJe” earned Tems 2025 Grammy nominations for Best Global Music Album and Best African Music Performance, respectively, her best R&B song nod for “Burning” further reinforced the rich diversity of her music– and the notion that African artists like Tems cannot be bound to the catchall “Afrobeats” term, as their music has traveled well past the borders of the continent. – H.M.”

Tems’ debut album, “Born In The Wild,” received critical acclaim in the United States.

Indeed, the album earned a Grammy nomination for Best Global Album.

Additionally, her single “Burning” broke records by securing a nomination for Best R&B Song. Meanwhile, “Love Me Jeje” received a nomination for Best African Music Performance.

Check out more music updates here.