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Nigeria Graft Advocate Urges Treason Charges for Billions Stolen

Nigeria should redefine its legal framework to treat high-level public sector corruption as a crime against the state equivalent to treason, a move that could significantly alter the risk-reward calculus for a political class accused of “scavenging” the nation’s wealth. Dr. Umar Yakubu, Executive Director of the Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity, argued that the traditional definition of treason—historically tied to selling state secrets or supporting foreign enemies—is obsolete in an era where illicit financial flows pose a greater existential threat to the nation than external invasion. “We need to transit from making corrupt offenses to become treasonable offenses,” Yakubu said in an interview with Volume with FemiDlive. “If you take money meant for a hospital… and you take it to another country, killing your own country, that is the context of why I feel we need to redefine treason” [15:45]. The proposal comes as Nigeria continues to bleed an estimated $15 billion annually in illicit financial flows [18:47]. For a nation grappling with a debt-servicing crisis and crumbling infrastructure, Yakubu contends that the $9 billion P&ID judgment saga—which Nigeria narrowly escaped—highlights how “treasonable acts” by officials can nearly bankrupt the state through fraudulent contracts and bribery [27:52]. The ‘Scavenging’ of Election Financing A central pillar of Yakubu’s critique is the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He argues that INEC’s failure to enforce regulations on political party financing is the primary driver of public sector graft [43:06]. “The most important institution to solve the corruption problem is actually INEC,” Yakubu said, noting that the agency focuses almost exclusively on logistics while ignoring its powerful regulatory mandate over campaign spending [39:23]. The astronomical cost of seeking office in Africa’s most populous nation—where a gubernatorial run can cost tens of billions of naira—forces candidates to “scavenge” from government parastatals to recoup investments [42:51]. This creates a cycle where lawmakers and chief executives prioritize “recovering” their election funds over governance, leading to a system where “political interest comes first before national interest” [18:13]. Real Estate: The ‘Dumbest’ Money Laundering Yakubu also pointed to the decoupling of Nigeria’s real estate market from its actual economic productivity. In the capital of Abuja, where luxury mansions are priced between 1 billion and 2 billion naira ($620,000 to $1.2 million), the advocate describes the sector as a massive, inefficient money-laundering machine for the political elite [36:28]. “The dumbest thing to do is to buy real estate… because they can’t even think of what to do” with stolen funds, Yakubu said [01:04]. He argued that because most Nigerian politicians lack backgrounds in wealth creation or industry, they simply “lock up capital” in property rather than investing in productive enterprises like pure water factories or studios, which require actual management and innovation [35:17], [36:11]. Transparency Gaps and the Religious Paradox The Center for Fiscal Transparency’s recent “Transparency and Integrity Index” revealed a startling lack of openness among the country’s most powerful financial institutions. Agencies like the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Accountant General’s Office have frequently landed in the “red zone” for failing to publish basic fiscal data [45:04]. Yakubu’s methodology is blunt: “The least transparent you are, the more corrupt you are” [45:50]. He notes that the 63 government-owned enterprises (GOEs) that generate their own revenue often operate as “fiefdoms,” spending billions on cars and fuel while the general population is told to endure the removal of fuel subsidies [47:38], [51:30]. The interview also addressed the paradox of Nigeria’s high religiosity—where 95% of the population professes a faith—and its pervasive corruption. Yakubu attributed this to an “externalization of religion” where ritual practices like leading prayers or attending church on Sundays are disconnected from internal morality [11:19]. The Path Forward While President Bola Tinubu has focused on aggressive tax reforms and subsidy removals, Yakubu suggests the administration’s “political will” to fight corruption remains invisible [52:42]. He estimated that if just 10% of the energy used for tax reform was applied to fighting public sector corruption in the top 63 institutions, “corruption would drop by 90%” [54:07]. Until the cost of graft outweighs the benefit—potentially through the threat of the death penalty or life imprisonment associated with treason—Nigeria’s “shadow economy” will continue to outpace its formal one, leaving the state in a perpetual state of “bleeding” [18:39]. Watch the full interview

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Rafsanjani, Head of Transparency International Nigeria/ED CISLAC

Nigeria Governance Being ‘Privatized’ by Political Class, Watchdog Says

Nigeria’s political landscape is undergoing a “total colonization and privatization” by a ruling class that is actively rewriting legal frameworks to shield itself from criminal prosecution, according to one of the country’s leading anti-corruption advocates. Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and representative of Transparency International in Nigeria, said in an interview with Volume with FemiDlive that the nation’s democratic institutions are being systematically hollowed out. The trend, he warned, poses a fundamental threat to the rule of law and Nigeria’s standing in the global economy. “Thieves don’t make laws that will catch them,” Rafsanjani said, describing a legislative environment where individuals with questionable backgrounds have secured seats in the National Assembly to ensure immunity from accountability. “When you have political corruption, the very people who are supposed to be punished are the ones who have taken over the legislature, they have taken over the judiciary, and they have taken over the executive.” Executive Overreach and the ‘Pardon’ Culture The critique comes at a sensitive time for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which has sought to attract foreign direct investment by promising structural reforms. However, Rafsanjani argued that recent executive actions—specifically the granting of presidential pardons to high-profile convicts—undercut these efforts and signal a lack of commitment to judicial independence. Rafsanjani alleged that the current administration has granted pardons to individuals previously jailed for offenses ranging from corruption and murder to drug trafficking. He questioned the economic logic of spending significant taxpayer resources on years of prosecution only for the results to be vacated by executive fiat without transparent consultation. “Tinubu has even done the worst,” Rafsanjani said, comparing the current administration’s record to its predecessors. He noted that such moves demoralize law enforcement agencies and suggest that political loyalty carries more weight than legal compliance. The ‘Ghana Warning’ and Global Isolation For investors and regional partners, the most startling portion of Rafsanjani’s assessment concerned Nigeria’s deteriorating international reputation. He warned that Nigeria’s failure to implement robust identity authentication systems and its culture of impunity for criminals could lead to unprecedented regional isolation. Specifically, Rafsanjani suggested that even neighboring West African nations, such as Ghana, may eventually feel compelled to bar Nigerians from entry to protect their own internal security. He pointed to a growing global trend where Nigerian citizens face increased scrutiny and “disrespect” at international borders due to the perceived integrity deficit of the country’s leadership. “If we do not have a system where we can verify who is who… even Ghana will one day say Nigerians cannot come in,” he said, citing the lack of a centralized, credible database for criminal records and identity management. Institutional Capture The interview also highlighted the breakdown of public procurement and the “personalization” of state resources. Rafsanjani detailed how chief executives across various government tiers often bypass formal bidding processes to award lucrative contracts to personal associates, family members, and “girlfriends”. This “street-level” corruption, he argued, is a direct byproduct of the “capture” of the state by a narrow interest group. He described a system where the police and judiciary are often used as tools for political intimidation rather than as impartial arbiters of justice. A History of Defiance Rafsanjani’s perspective is informed by decades of activism, beginning during Nigeria’s era of military rule. He recounted a 1989 incident at Bayero University Kano (BUK) where he was targeted for assassination by a mob due to his student leadership. He credited his survival to a group of both Muslim and Christian women who formed a human shield to protect him. That history of survival, he suggested, underscores the resilience required to challenge what he describes as an increasingly entrenched “plutocracy.” As Nigeria continues to navigate a complex economic recovery marked by high inflation and currency volatility, Rafsanjani’s warnings suggest that the “institutional risk” remains a primary hurdle. Without a decoupling of criminal interests from the lawmaking process, he concluded, the “Volume” of Nigeria’s potential will remain muffled by its own governance structures. Watch the full interview: https://youtu.be/QnUGGIVJRn8

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INEC Never Promised Electronic Transmission of Results | Festus Okoye | Volume with FemiDlive

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Nigeria’s Electoral Law and the FCT: Roles, Realities, and Reform — A Practical Guide for 2025 Nigeria’s electoral landscape is complex, shaped by a dense web of constitutional provisions, institutional structures, and on-the-ground realities. In this post, we unpack the role of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) within the electoral framework, reflect on the 2023 experience, and explore practical reforms and ongoing challenges. We’ll also clarify key terms, outline the procedural realities of transmission and collation, and offer a candid look at how political actors, institutions, and citizens can contribute to a healthier democratic process. The FCT in the Nigerian federation: status, not a superior state Core point: The FCT is not a “special state” with elevated electoral status. Constitutionally, it is treated as a state within the federation, without superior electoral prerogatives over the 36 states. Supreme Court affirmation: The judiciary has affirmed that the FCT’s status should not elevate it above other states in the administration of elections. This matters for intergovernmental coordination, funding, and the application of electoral law across the federation. Practical implication: While the FCT has unique administrative and security considerations (as Nigeria’s capital and a major urban center), its electoral process must align with the same constitutional and legal framework that governs all states. This emphasizes uniformity in rules, procurement, voter registration, and the management of polling units and collation. Electoral process and terminology: transparency, practice, and clarity Transparency vs. practice: There is a necessary tension between the ideal of transparent processes and the practical realities on the ground. Nigeria increasingly emphasizes transparency—especially through digital tools and timely information—but traditional, manual elements (like results collation) remain part of the system. Transmission vs. collation: Electronic transmission is used to promote transparency and real-time visibility of results, but it is not always the basis for final collation at national or local levels. The official collation still occurs through established procedures, which can involve multiple checks and balances. Clarity on terms to combat misinformation: Beavers: The biometric voter verification system used to authenticate voters at the polls. By-elections: Elections held to fill vacancies that arise between general elections. Reruns: Additional electoral rounds prompted by specific legal or constitutional triggers (e.g., unresolved results). Supplementary elections: Elections conducted to fill remaining vacancies or to address specific electoral contingencies. Inconclusive elections: Outcomes where no candidate meets the required threshold or where other procedural issues necessitate further action. Why this matters: Clear definitions help counter misinformation and ensure the public understands why certain actions—like postponements, reruns, or supplementary elections—occur. Reflecting on the 2023 elections: transmission debates and results handling Transmission debates: The 2023 cycle highlighted ongoing debates about how results should be transmitted and compiled, and how to balance speed, accuracy, and security. Explaining processes: The path forward involves consistent, accessible explanations of how results are generated, transmitted, and verified to prevent false narratives. Practical takeaway: Strengthening public communication about electoral processes, including timelines for results, the role of INEC and state bodies, and how collation works at local, state, and national levels, is essential to building trust. Institutional structure and reforms: INEC, SIECs, and integration INEC vs. SIECs: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is the national body responsible for federal elections, while State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) handle local government elections in some states. Integration and independence: Calls for stronger integration between INEC and SIECs aim to reduce gubernatorial influence over state electoral bodies, minimize political interference, and promote consistent standards across levels. Reform proposals (longer-term independence): Prohibiting recent party membership for key appointees to reduce conflicts of interest. Independent shortlists for appointments to electoral bodies, reducing political gatekeeping. Robust oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability without compromising operational independence. Practical impact: These reforms would ideally strengthen impartial administration, reduce incentives for partisan capture, and improve public confidence in electoral outcomes. Practical challenges in Nigeria’s elections Logistical complexity: Thousands of polling units, collation centers, and ad hoc staffing create a heavy logistical burden. The practice of using lecturers and vice-chancellors as collators highlights a reliance on often highly skilled professionals outside the core electoral workforce. Security, transportation, and environment: Remote and rural areas pose challenges for voter access, ballot security, and timely vote counting. Weather, terrain, and security considerations affect logistics and safety. Voter registers and turnout: Ensuring accurate voter registers, facilitating PVC (Permanent Voter Card) registration, and maintaining safe, high-turnout elections remain central concerns. Periodic purges or updates to voter rolls after multiple electoral cycles are proposed to improve accuracy, while balancing inclusivity. Practical takeaway: Any reform must carefully weigh the need for accuracy and integrity against the risk of disenfranchisement or exclusion, especially for marginalized communities or transient populations. Election timing and constitutional constraints Single-day nationwide voting debate: Arguments against a single-day, nationwide vote often center on constitutional tenure limits, potential emergencies, and regional disparities in readiness. Staggered elections and emergencies: A staggered approach can accommodate varied local contexts but requires clear constitutional rules for handling emergencies, extensions, or suspensions, and guarantees to avoid a governance vacuum. Practical takeaway: Any change to timing must be anchored in constitutional provisions, with contingency plans for emergencies and a transparent framework for extending or adjusting timelines. Role of political actors and civic engagement The reality of political pressure and manipulation risks: Elections occur within a political environment where actors may attempt to influence outcomes. A democratic culture among elites and citizens is essential to resist manipulation and uphold the integrity of the process. Civic engagement: Encouraging people to register and participate remains critical. Combating cynicism requires constructive discourse, accessible education about how elections work, and visible accountability for breaches of rules or abuse of office. Practical takeaway: Citizens should be empowered with information, protected by transparent processes, and encouraged to participate through credible, non-discriminatory registration and voting opportunities. Campaigns, pre-election activities, and regulatory gaps Distinction between official aspirants/candidates and third-party campaigns: There is a need to clearly delineate who is officially running and what third-party groups can or cannot do in terms of political action. Premature campaigning and legal lacunae:

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Human Rights: Barr Maxwell Opara on Nnamdi Kanu

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The interview with Barrister Maxwell Opara discusses the state of human rights in Nigeria, the role of law and judiciary, and the impact of non-state actors on governance and public safety. It emphasizes that human rights are rooted in universal principles and constitutional protections, yet enforcement is hampered by systemic issues, including delays in the judiciary, abuse of authority, and political interference, while also exploring international perspectives on extradition, terrorism, and rule of law. Key Points Human rights are universal and codified internationally and domestically, with Nigeria’s legal framework reflecting rights to life, dignity, expression, and movement. The absence or weakness of rule of law and fundamental rights in Nigeria is contrasted with better practices in other countries, highlighting governance and accountability gaps. National security actors, including non-state actors, influence public obedience and perceptions of legitimacy, impacting trust in government. The Nigerian judiciary faces backlog and procedural inefficiencies, leading to prolonged detentions without timely trials, undermining rights to fair process. Extrajudicial statements or calls to action by public figures can trigger real-world violence, underscoring the need to balance free expression with responsible rhetoric and intent. International law and extradition processes involve nuanced criteria, ensuring due process and human rights protections when pursuing fugitives across borders. The functioning of institutions like the MBA and other human rights bodies is crucial for advocacy, oversight, and protecting detainees’ rights, but faces capacity and systemic challenges. There is a tension between political realities and legal duties: rulers must respect rights while maintaining security, and missteps can erode public trust and hinder development.

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Founder of The Engage, Empower Educate Initiative (EEEI Nigeria), Kalada Belema Meschack Hart on Volume with FemiDlive

Belema Hart Urges Collective Action for Nigeria

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Abuja, Nigeria — Philanthropist and social advocate Belema Meshack Hart has called on Nigerians to renew their sense of unity, purpose, and responsibility, insisting that rebuilding the nation requires the active participation of citizens rather than dependence on political leaders alone. Speaking on the popular programme Volume with FemiDLive, Hart said Nigeria’s progress hinges on “a collective awakening” that restores trust, accountability, and compassion among citizens. He described the country’s major challenges — insecurity, poverty, corruption, and youth unemployment — as “symptoms of a deeper moral and leadership crisis.” “We cannot wait for miracles from politicians,” he said. “Change begins when citizens rediscover the power of community, empathy, and hard work. Nigeria will rise only when Nigerians decide to act differently.” Citizenship Over Politics Hart, Founder of The Engage, Empower Educate Initiative (EEEI Nigeria), Kalada Belema Meschack Hart believes on championing women growth in Africa. argued that national renewal must be citizen-driven, not party-driven. He emphasized that good governance starts at the community level, through transparency, civic engagement, and service to others. “Our obsession with politics blinds us to citizenship,” he explained. “The real power lies in people who choose to build, teach, and volunteer.” He added that his foundation’s work in education, health care, and women’s empowerment demonstrates how private initiatives can fill gaps left by government inefficiency. “Each Nigerian who decides to help one person has already started nation-building,” Hart noted. Reforming the Social Mindset The entrepreneur-turned-humanitarian also challenged what he called Nigeria’s “culture of entitlement.” According to him, the country’s development has stalled because too many citizens look to government for everything while neglecting personal integrity and productivity. “Our biggest problem is not just bad leadership — it’s bad followership,” Hart said. “We celebrate wealth without asking for its source. We vote for people who bribe us. Until that mindset changes, progress will remain a dream.” He encouraged parents, teachers, and faith leaders to model honesty and discipline, arguing that moral education is as vital as economic reform. The Youth and the Future Addressing Nigeria’s growing youth population, Hart said young people remain the nation’s greatest hope but must channel their creativity into innovation and entrepreneurship rather than despair. “Youth energy should not end on social media,” he said. “We need that same energy in agriculture, technology, and community service.” He urged government and the private sector to collaborate in providing vocational training and digital-skills programmes, warning that youth frustration could deepen insecurity if ignored. A Call for Compassion and Service Hart closed the conversation with a message of optimism, saying Nigeria can still recover its lost potential if citizens unite around shared values. “Service is the highest form of leadership,” he said. “If we each commit to doing good — to our neighbors, to our communities — we will rebuild this nation from the ground up.” He urged Nigerians not to succumb to cynicism, adding that the moral strength of a people determines the destiny of their nation.

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