Latest news with #AntiCorruption
CBC
2 days ago
- Politics
- CBC
Muhammadu Buhari, who took power in Nigeria by both coup and ballot box, dead at 82
Former Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari, who led Africa's most populous country from 2015-23 and was the first Nigerian leader to oust an incumbent through the ballot box, died in London on Sunday, a presidential spokesperson said. "President Buhari died today in London at about 4:30 p.m., following a prolonged illness," President Bola Tinubu's spokesperson said in a post on social media platform X. Buhari, 82, who first led the country as a military ruler after a coup in the 1980s, earned a devoted following for his brand of anti-corruption conviction politics. He referred to himself as a "converted democrat" and swapped his military uniform for kaftans and prayer caps. "I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody," was a constant refrain Buhari told supporters and critics alike. Buhari defeated Goodluck Jonathan, who served as president from 2010-15, in what was judged to be Nigeria's fairest election to date. Many hoped the retired major-general would crack down on armed groups, just as he had as the country's military head of state. Instead, violence that had mostly been confined to the northeast spread. That left swaths of Nigeria outside the control of its stretched security forces as gunmen in the northwest, armed separatists and gangs in the southeast roamed unchecked. Much of Buhari's appeal lay in the anti-corruption ethos that was a central plank of his agenda both as a military and civilian ruler. He said endemic corruption in Nigeria's political culture was holding people back. But Buhari quickly disappointed after his 2015 win. He took six months to name his cabinet. During that time, the oil-dependent economy was hobbled by low crude prices, prompting people to call him "Baba Go Slow." His second victory in 2019 came despite his initial term being blighted by Nigeria's first recession in a generation, militant attacks on oilfields and repeated hospital stays. Born on Dec. 17, 1942, in Daura, in the northwestern state of Katsina, Buhari enrolled in the army at 19. He would eventually rise to the rank of major-general. He seized power in 1983 as a military ruler, promising to revitalize a mismanaged country. Buhari took a tough line on everything from the conditions sought by the International Monetary Fund to unruliness in bus lineups. In 1984, his administration attempted to kidnap a former minister and vocal critic living in Britain. The plot failed when London airport officials opened the crate containing the abducted politician. Buhari's first stint in power was short-lived. He was removed after only 18 months by another military officer, Ibrahim Babangida. He spent much of the following 30 years in fringe political parties and trying to run for president until his eventual victory over Jonathan in 2015.
The Guardian
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
Former Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari dies aged 82 in London
Nigeria's former president Muhammadu Buhari, who led Africa's most populous country from 2015-23 and was the first Nigerian president to oust an incumbent through the ballot box, died in London on Sunday, a presidential spokesperson has said. President Bola Tinubu's spokesperson said in a post on X: 'President Buhari died today in London at about 4.30pm [1530 GMT], following a prolonged illness.' Buhari, 82, who first led the country as a military ruler after a coup in the 1980s, earned a devoted following for his brand of anti-corruption conviction politics. He referred to himself as a 'converted democrat' and swapped his military uniform for kaftans and prayer caps. 'I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody', was a regular refrain Buhari told supporters and critics alike. Buhari defeated Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 in what was judged to be Nigeria's fairest election to date. Many hoped the retired major general would crack down on armed groups, just as he had as the country's military head of state. Instead, violence that had mostly been confined to the north-east spread. That left swathes of Nigeria outside the control of its stretched security forces as gunmen in the north-west, armed separatists and gangs in the south-east roamed unchecked. Much of his appeal lay in the anti-corruption ethos that was a central plank of his agenda both as a military and civilian ruler. He said endemic corruption in Nigeria's political culture was holding people back. But Buhari quickly disappointed after his 2015 win. He took six months to name his cabinet. During that time, the oil-dependent economy was hobbled by low crude prices, prompting people to call him 'Baba Go Slow'. His second victory in 2019 came despite his first term being blighted by Nigeria's first recession in a generation, militant attacks on oilfields, and repeated hospital stays. Born on 17 December 1942 in Daura, in the north-west state of Katsina, Buhari enrolled in the army at 19. He would eventually rise to the rank of major general. He seized power in 1983 as a military ruler, promising to revitalise a mismanaged country. Buhari took a tough line on everything from the conditions sought by the International Monetary Fund, to unruliness in bus queues. In 1984, his administration attempted to kidnap a former minister and vocal critic living in Britain. The plot failed when London airport officials opened a crate containing the abducted politician. His first stint in power was short-lived. He was removed after only 18 months by another military officer, Ibrahim Babangida. Buhari spent much of the following 30 years in fringe political parties and trying to run for president until his eventual victory over Jonathan in 2015.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson urges focus on Human Dignity in Anti-Corruption Fight on Africa Anti-Corruption Day 2025
On the occasion of the 2025 African Anti-Corruption Day, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, urges all African Union Member States to underscore human dignity in their anti-corruption strategies. The 2025 African Anti-Corruption Day is commemorated under the theme, Promoting Human Dignity in the Fight Against Corruption. The commemoration held annually on 11 July, aligns this year with the overarching AU theme for 2025: "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations." The Chairperson emphasizes that corruption is not merely an economic crime but a direct assault on human dignity and security as it robs countries of their potential and individuals of their dignity. Corruption undermines trust in our institutions, diverts resources meant for development, and perpetuates inequality and poverty. The Chairperson highlights that corruption strips citizens, particularly women, youth , children and the most vulnerable, of their fundamental rights, freedoms, and opportunities to thrive, leading to tragic consequences like increased maternal mortality due to diverted health funds or lack of basic education for children. The Chairperson highlights the intrinsic link between the fight against corruption and the broader pursuit of justice and reparations. He notes that just as the continent seeks to address historical injustices through reparations, it must equally dismantle contemporary corrupt systems that perpetuate indignity and injustice. The 2025 African Anti-Corruption Day theme seeks to sensitize Africans of the importance to examine our history, and to shape our shared future, based on the dignity of people. The Chairperson reiterates that the African Union has prioritized the fight against corruption as a cornerstone of its Agenda 2063, envisioning an Africa where integrity, accountability, and transparency prevail. He stresses that the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC), adopted 22 years ago, remains the guiding framework. He urges Member States to continue aligning national legislation and strategies with its principles, particularly Article 2(4), which enjoins State Parties to promote socio-economic development by removing obstacles to the enjoyment of economic, social, and cultural rights, as well as civil and political rights. The AU Chairperson calls for immediate action by Member States to fulfil their commitment to effectively tackle corruption and implement measures that apply a human rights lens in prevention and enforcement. He also calls for unity to dismantle corruption's structures and build a continent where human dignity is protected and celebrated. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).
Malay Mail
21-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
MACC backs new Government Procurement Bill to boost enforcement and tighten oversight
PUTRAJAYA, June 21 — The Government Procurement Bill, scheduled to be tabled in Parliament this year, is expected to strengthen punitive legal action against parties found guilty of offences related to government procurement. The bill also aims to establish a specific legal framework to regulate the government procurement process, in addition to detailing the powers of stakeholders and enhancing check-and-balance mechanisms to ensure good governance in line with international best practices. The proposal and draft structure of the bill were presented by the Government Procurement Division of the Ministry of Finance, led by its secretary Datuk Norison Ramli, during an engagement session with Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki at the MACC headquarters here today. Norison said the MOF welcomes views and suggestions from the MACC, particularly on enforcement and the application of existing laws under the commission's jurisdiction. Azam expressed his support for the key points of the proposed bill, which he said align with the ongoing National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS). 'NACS is the best platform for the MACC to address weaknesses in the government procurement system, and we fully support this initiative,' he said. — Bernama
Malay Mail
14-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
MACC wins first overseas asset recovery without trial, claims RM4m from 1MDB-linked Swiss funds
KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has obtained a forfeiture order against USD954,299.58 (approximately RM4.05 million) held in a BSI Bank account in Switzerland, linked to the misappropriation of 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) funds. In a statement today, the MACC said this marks the commission's first successful recovery of overseas assets without having to pursue prosecution. The High Court's approval was granted by Justice K Muniandy after the deputy public prosecutor informed the court that there were no objections or claims raised by any party during proceedings before the High Court (Criminal Division 2) in Kuala Lumpur earlier today. In his judgment, Justice Muniandy allowed the forfeiture of the funds held in a bank account under the name Derivale Limited, with Azlin Alias named as the beneficiary. The funds are now forfeited to the Government of Malaysia through the MACC. The forfeiture was granted under Section 56 of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, the statement read. — Bernama
