Derick Matsengarwodzi HARARE – Often, when ‘giants’ engage in corrupt battles, the noble ones usually suffer. The controversia...
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Derick Matsengarwodzi
HARARE – Often, when ‘giants’ engage in corrupt battles, the noble ones usually
suffer.
The
controversial departure of Econet Wireless from Lagos is a classic model. After
an enquiry into the matter, one senior investigator was subsequently demoted to
an ordinary policeman role for his noble role in trying to stop the rot. The
sordid revelations are contained in the telecommunications mogul’s write-up series
which Tinzwei has been religious following.
The root of evil
“After we left the country, a few noble people
at the company tipped off not only me but the Economic Financial Crimes Commission
(EFCC) about the payment of the bribes, which had by this time risen from $9m
to $13,5m.”
A team of
very senior EFCC officers visited Masiyiwa in South Africa. They were solid and
professional in their enquiry – it was clear to him they were eager for
justice. However, when these officers returned home to Nigeria, they got into
very serious trouble.
According to
the Econet boss’s revelations accessed by Tinzwei, James Ibori – the Governor
of Delta State knew of their intentions, resulting in the most senior officer being
demoted and sent to a remote part of the country as an ordinary policeman.
However, he
was quick to praise noble officers who persevere, despite the challenges they
encounter in their operations.
Abolishing corruption begins with you
“Agencies like EFCC in Nigeria sometimes have
brave and gallant law enforcement officers.
Unfortunately, as I observed,
they’re often let down by their political bosses, and sometimes even by the
courts. This can change if activism from the citizenry emerges to support their
work.
We should
not only support official efforts to stop corruption but also help these
agencies and organisations in their investigations. If you have relevant
information about illegal activities, passing it on could make all the
difference between impunity and imprisonment.”
He explains
how he sought for justice.
“In my
letter to the US Justice Department, I detailed the full history of the demands
for bribes. I had dates, times and records. I then reminded them that since the
big international operator had a listing on the New York Stock Exchange, they
were duty-bound to launch an enquiry.
The United
States government has a law called the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act – so as
United Kingdom, called the British Anti-Bribery Act. Whatever you do, make sure
you never break those laws because they may use them against you.”
In pursuit of justice
Soon after,
events began to unfold.
“A few weeks
later, US officials wrote back advising me that an enquiry had been launched.
They contacted the international company seeking answers to my allegations. My
contacts at the company called saying: “All hell has broken loose.”
The parent
company of the South African-based multinational sent external auditors and
lawyers from London to Nigeria. They immediately dismissed all the senior
executives in Nigeria, after admitting even to both the US Justice Department
and the EFCC that the ‘illegal’ money had been paid out.”
Sadly,
Econet could not return to Lagos.
“Meanwhile,
the departure of the other mobile operator did not mean we could return to
Nigeria. The shareholders found another operator – and sold the control of the
company even though Econet Wireless Nigeria had the “right of first refusal”
over any sale.”
Regardless
of all this, Masiyiwa was willing to pursue justice.
“Shareholders simply ignored that
provision in our agreement. This was illegal, both according to our
shareholders agreement and Nigerian Company Law. It was left for us to take up
the fight in another forum – the Nigerian courts.” – Tinzwei
• This text cannot be reproduced without prior consultation with the
author. Derick Matsengarwodzi is a communication consultant, author – and
founder of The Aloe Media. Let’s interact on: Facebook or derickmats@gmail.com. Follow me on: http://tinzwei.blogspot.com or http://thehealthoracle.blogspot.com
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