Opinion: Apparently, a bribe isn’t a bribe according to High Court Justice Bashaija

Presidential Handshake: “A letter from the President that designate unsolicited funds to civil servants as areward” or as a “handshake”, which by some is deemed as an “error of judgement”, but not defined as a bribe. Even if it looks like a bribe and smells like a bribe” (Minbane – ‘Presidential Handshake’ Definition, 2020).

I don’t know what goes through some people’s mind, I don’t if Kampala High Court Justice Andrew Bashaija is trying to be the devils advocate or something. But the news in the Independent Magazine on the Saturday 15th February 2020 titled: “Court clears ‘presidential handshake’ beneficiaries”. Where the article states this about the judgement made on the Friday 14th February 2020: “Justice Andrew Basahaija ruled on Friday that the recommendations of the committee were illegal and said the orders of the committee “be removed from public orders and should not be implemented.” He said he didn’t find anything wrong with the officials who received the money” (Independent Magazine, 16.02.2020).

We can really see that a Justice, a man who judges on the basis of the law are able to make it legal to steal, thieving and directly eat out of the state coffers without any consequence. Instead throwing the book at the ones doing oversight of the state, the MPs and the COSASE Committee who worked on the case and looked into the shady 6 billion shillings “Presidential Handshake”. Clearly, the state has its benefactors, maybe even the Justice is awaiting his handshake in the future. Because something is up, when your making these sort of deals legal.

It’s like this part of the COSASE report was dismissed without merit:

As a follow up to the H.E. the President’s letter of 16th November, 2015, the Commissioner General of URA wrote to the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to Treasury (PS/TS) in a letter dated 11th December, 2015 (App. B6) requesting him to formally designate her as accounting Officer through whom the reward would be paid and to formally requisition for the UGX 6,000,000,000 (Uganda Shillings Six Billions Only)” (…) “The Commissioner General, as advised and in a letter dated 5th May 2016 (App. B8) sought authority from the Hon. Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to reallocate UGX. 6 Billion (Uganda Shillings Six Billion Only) from URA Tax Refund Account to URA Expenditure Account so that the 42 Public Officers could be paid and suggested that a supplementary to URA for that amount to be considered and handled by the Hon. Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. The Hon. Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development did not grant this authority. However, by letter dated 19th October, 2016 (App. B10) he requested the Auditor General to issue an audit warrant for UGX 6 Billion” (COSASE, P: 10-11, 2017).

It’s like the whole deal is left in the wind by the Justice himself. That this sought of transaction is okay, as long as the President write letters directing it. Even if it was never budgeted from, never was part of state functions and this was an direct pay-off, as the Public Officers was a part of tax battle with Tullow Oil. This case amounted in a tax victory for the state, but not for the civil servants. That’s why this “Presidential Handshake” is a bribe and envelopes given without protocol.

Like the Justice is saying COSASE report and recommendations should be implemented. With saying that it wasn’t legal what the culprits at Uganda Revenue Authority was doing, neither the President, but instead putting the blame on the people writing the report. Which is again fun-fan fiction of political science and governance. As you are again targeting the messengers and not the ones actually talking. Your aiming your guns at the ones reporting the ordeal, not the ones actually doing it. That is what the Justice is in this point is doing.

So, the state can live in denial, because the old man with the hat is directing it. That doesn’t make it illegal. But surely, if a small local councillor did this to his fellow employees. He would be meeting the State House – Anti Corruption Unit in a hot minute. But he didn’t have the blessing of the “high above” from the same State House. That is the pin-point, that makes a difference between what is legal and what is illegal.

If the King did the decree or not. If he hasn’t signed off on it, its illegal and if he does sign-off on it; then it’s legal. That is the golden rule in the Republic or the legal term of a “Presidential Handshake”.

When the state can make internal thieving legal, what else could they do with their power? I don’t want to know, but I am sure its more sinister than a 6bn shillings handshake. Peace.

Kenya: Kitui County Governor Charity Ngilu statement regarding DP William Ruto (16.02.2020)

There are now two things the Unites States can stop doing after acquitting President Trump!

The United States of America and their government, the Trump Administration and everyone involved. Can stop two things now. Because, it will not be sincere since they are not caring about these values at home.

The US Government cannot complain if a President elsewhere is misusing their powers or abusing the office for personal gain. As the Republican Party and their allies. Since they acquitted President Donald J. Trump on misuse of power yesterday. Also, the obstruction of Congress. Both articles he was acquitted off.

This gives the world a view into how the US Government lacks self-awareness, as USAID and other agencies are supposed to teach governance, rule of law and democracy. As the Senate shown the world, that it doesn’t matter internally.

That the Trump administration is the most corrupt in living memory. Using the Presidency to earn currency on all his businesses, that he spends half of his time on own properties and let state safety organizations paying for lodging. That the Trump Administration are getting lobbyist and corporate sponsors into committee’s and appointed positions to control and self govern their own respective fields.

While the Trump administration openly says arms trade, secret inside dealings and whatnot, can buy that foreign affairs polices. Instead of actually having any sense of the matters. That’s why the Trump administration and the US cannot teach anyone anything with consideration to their own conscience.

The US is now a corrupted, flawed, in-bread system, where the in-laws and family members of the President plays footie with the White House. Where Jared Kushner plays mediator and diplomat, while the Ivanka Trump tries to act like a secretary. Secretary Mike Pompeo tries to act holy, but is not accountable just like his boss.

This Presidency speaks loud, but acts vile. The attempts to get transparency in the Ukraine dealings proves the extortion and the abuse of office. The GOP wouldn’t give way. The Senate who acquitted him, didn’t even call upon witnesses nor get any more production of evidence. As the White House has stonewalled that from the get-go. That is common knowledge, as all production there comes through FOIA and the ones daring to use that for more information. Because, its not like the President nor his cabinet are willingly delegating the documents of any subpoena. We seen that over time.

With this in mind. The world knows the ills of the Trump administration. The acts, where the President can be as corrupted as he wants. Where there is no checks- and balances on his power. He can misuse and abuse his office. There is no legal ramification of his actions. Therefore, if the US bitch about actions of others.

They better first clean up their act at home. That is the mere reality of it all. That the impeachment was without value. They didn’t even try to do it properly and covering it up instead. That’s the act of a rouge government, not an open and transparent one. Which they always ask of the rest of the world to be. They are insincere with their actions and they should clean their own steps, before asking others to pass through.

Why the world cares about these values, when Washington D.C. and the ones governing there would care a single cent about it? Why does the world need to act accountable and get lessons learned by the Americans, when they clearly don’t give a flying fuck themselves?

If they cared about rule of law, be against abuse of office and corruption. They would have handled it differently, but its all mere talk. Unless, its about themselves and then they got to deal with it. Which they clearly will not do. Because, the royal highness has a bunch of loyal yes men in the Capitol and they are all kissing his ring. Peace.

Opinion: Zuma and Ramaphosa, different cases but similar sins

That former President Jacob G. Zuma is now warranted an arrest on multiple frauds, the capture of the state charges and so on has been on the horizon for years. However, the man taking over for him. The Current President Cyril Ramaphosa have to answer for his actions too, the case of the CR17 Campaign funds, which wasn’t disclosed as per law.

Both of the African National Congress Presidents has used their power to sway more money, to gain advantage as their Executive Privilege and as Head of States to get more funds, spend more cash and misuse the public trust. Both in manners, which isn’t accordingly to their office and neither to the public as a whole.

The ANC has to dig deep and not the way ANC Youth League went out defending Zuma with an statement, because they are defending him as person, but not considering the office he held while acting disingenuous at best. The ANCYL should have considered that, with the office and station. Zuma should have been more precautious and even more pristine, as the faults you do make you fall even higher, than if you’re a taxi-driver. Because, there are higher expectations of a person as the Head of State. Alas, that breach of trust was clear and been revealed ever since. Now, he cannot shield his sins, as he could while being in office.

However, Ramaphosa still tries; he uses the office and the title to save himself the disgrace. The added breaches, lack of transparency and lack of due diligence is evident. The possible more breaches of trust and of the law comes more apparent, the more he hides behind his office. Then he becomes like Zuma. There is no difference, only that his not building a village, but instead funded his campaign on illicit money.

Maybe Ramaphosa should use some of the change to build a fire-pool too. I am sure he needs it too cool off, after the state visits and the questions of the courts and the media. The ANC has been known for the ability to get corrupted ever since Thabo Mbeki. The frauds and misuse of government funds, combined with shady tender deals with State Owned Enterprises (SOEs). Are evidence of practice beyond the norm or the law, but still able to get away with the grand corruption.

Now, Zuma is going-in and out of courts. His time in the limelight as a big-shot is over. The question with every given day is what they can charge and what time they will give him. Alas, that is up to the state prosecution combined with evidence or proof of the conspiracy itself. While Ramaphosa are in the same hole, trying to dig himself out, but trying to deflect and put the blame on the civil service and Public Protector. Which is ironic, as the PP is supposed to investigate and ensure legal transactions.

Therefore, the President and the former President are both in trouble over funds, over cash and their way of spending it. They are both having issues, which connects with their role and ability to misuse cash. That is it, it is just a question to what extent and what they are able to prove in Courts. These sort of acts will come, prove it and then the President’s has to answer.

Because, the ANC and the South African state deserves better, than to have men at the helm who cannot be trusted with money. If there is somewhere, they should trust that. It’s the head of state, he or she should be clean and follow protocol. Not a be common thief with a fancy office. Peace.

Governor Ferdinand Waititu impeached by the Senate!

Today on the 29th January 2019, the Senate did impeached the Kiambu County Governor Ferdinand Waititu for abuse of office. On the 27th May 2019, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) released their press relase, where they officially started investigations into irregular tenders of the value of Ksh. 588 millions, which they had started on 23rd May 2019.

In early May, the Governor had to answer his budget for the Senate Public Accounts Committee, where they were questioning a Ksh. 1 billion, which was allocated to State House functions and even South Sudanese Peace Programme. Those programs are for the State not the County to look-over. His defence back-then was that his financial department had used a template used by state, while the Auditor General confirmed that he had gotten financial reporting containing these expenditures submitted to him.

On the 26th July 2019, the Office of the Department of Public Prosecution (ODPP), which even mentioned the fantastic company getting the favourable tenders from Kiambu County. That company was named M/s Testimony Enterprises Limited. Where there was irregular payments to the company and also using these funds to buy an hotel together with his wife. That hotel was Bienvenue Delta Hotel, which was bought with these funds.

On the 27th July 2019 the EACC released their second press release that they were looking for the governor and his associates. As they had initiated for their arrest on the 13th July 2019. Therefore, the case that was held and voted on in the Senate. Had already been investigated by the authorities.

Now, today the Senate has validate this and the shady practices made by the Governor. His actions has cost him. His mismanagement and misusing of the County Government funds. Trying to forge an audit and records to look clean, when he really did use an associates business and tenders to enrich himself. That is the reality of all of this.

Governor Waititu might not be the only doing this, he was one taken down today. We know that Governor Sonko and Kidero is answering for crimes committed too. Who knows if they will get the same sort of action by the Senate. That in regard to Sonko, as he might be next up in line.

We now have seen action by Senate to act upon on Governor and impeach him. That is serious and also question, if they will do to others or only picked this man. To show some flex and ability to work for the common good. Then they should also look into others and their questionable use of state funds. Because, in Kenya, Waititu is not the only man doing this.

Time will tell, but this is a big leap. A Governor been taken down by the Senate. Who can wonder is coming up next. Peace.

Opinion: Weah’s Corruption pledge is gone missing like a shipping container

President George Weah has only have had two years in office. Still, by that little time he has had some huge scandals. Lost containers and lost funds, which was supposed to get into circulation. Newly minted and pressed currency, which just happens to disappear. So, its not like the lack of belief is there. Well, it’s because of the way he has played this game. The way he has tried to circumvent the rules and not getting a card.

President Weah haven’t delivered, when billions have gone missing, when hundreds of millions of Liberian Dollars get lost from the port in Monrovia, as the authorities are supposed to take the millions into circulation in 2018. The same can be said about the unaccounted funds and incentives in 2019. Therefore, him pledging a battle against it now. Seems a bit like lingo to catch the crowds, but not his actions on the pitch.

Outtake from the State of the Union 2020:

“My Administration will continue to intensify the fight against corruption, which remains prevalent in our society and continues to negatively impact growth and development. Many believe this to be an unchangeable way of life here in Liberia. I think otherwise. I believe that we will succeed in our fight against corruption and will bring to justice relevant individuals and corporations who have and continue to defraud Liberia. To this end, we have hired the expertise of a world-renowned Asset Recovery firm to assist our local team to carry out a professional excercise to recover Liberia’s wealth stolen over many decades. Additionally, we will continue to show political will in the fight against waste and abuse of our national resources, as we have shown in recent times when a managing director and other high profile officials were dismissed, arrested and sent to court to vindicate themselves from accusations of corruption. There will be no sacred cows as we take stronger measures to end this societal menace” (George Weah – State of the Union, 27.01.2020).

I have a hard time seeing it, as the scandals are huge, they are the status of Grand Corruption. Not the belittling of folks trespassing and feeding a hungry police officer. No, this is the shipment of currency from abroad. Surely, the same can happen in any ministry and department too. When the first of the gate, before even getting circulation, the Liberian Dollars are tainted with corrupt behaviour. That is how dire the cause is. The money cannot even move from the Central Bank to the public before touched and out of bound. That is how serious the issues are.

Weah can scream and shout like a pissed off manager. He can act a fool, but the realities is that his battling himself and his authorities. Because, currency moved to the port and within the bounds of the Port Authorities and still gone missing. Show, that there are enough stakeholders combined with the inner circle of bankers, ministry of finance and possibly the office of the President who knows about this movement. So, they know these shipments get lost.

It wasn’t an direct theft of a vault, robbing a bank, no, it was well-planned inside trade and bazaar of the cash coming in. They didn’t even need to rob the bank or violently overtake a cash-transport. They just took the first landing and started eating right there. It is a robbery, but a sophisticated one, as they all know when it comes and who signs off on the shipment. While no one get to answer for the misgivings and sudden “loss” of a fortune. Which was a asset of the state, until it get into circulation.

Weah knows this, but acts like he doesn’t, its insincere. Like were all are dumb and not catching the whiff of smoke. When there is smoke, it is fire and in this instance it’s a steal. We can act like its not, but that wouldn’t be sincere. So, in that regard, Mr. Weah. Please get your act right. We are crying foul, you deserve a card, a red one, but do the right thing and stop the thieving. Really stop it; the words are meaningless as long as money keep disappearing. Peace.

Trump-Ukraine: House Memorandum validates the impeachment, but the Republicans will not take down their own

There is no need to dig deep in the United States House of Representatives Memorandum on the Impeachment of Donald J. Trump. The President of the United States, which was publicly dropped yesterday on the 18th January 2020. This has been a slow train coming, but a needed one.

This report put anything in perspective and shows the need for the impeachment. The Memorandum of the framers and the ones who written the two articles of impeachment makes all sense. We have known this, but its put collectively together. Trump knows this, but trying to propagandise it.

President Trump and his administration has acted swiftly to ensure the U.S. House of Representatives couldn’t do their duty with congressional oversight. Trump knows this and the lack of openness, transparency and acting as it should in regard to Congress. The President and his administration didn’t do that. It talked big-game, but stonewalled it. Tried to do everything it could to stop the investigation and find the evidence of the wrong-doing. Also, not letting vital persons testify and misuse the power he had.

What the Memorandum states is what the Senate should do. The Majority Senate, which is based of inner-party of Republicans. The supposed “Law and Order” party, the strong constitutional based and founding father loving party. However, that is only in elections that matter, but they are above the laws and statutes themselves. That is atleast how it seems from afar.

Because, even with the plea, the show of congressional oversight, the rights to impeach and the rights to subpoena the President. Seems like this Presidency couldn’t care less, and he couldn’t care less for foreign interference in elections for his gain. That is seemingly okay in his party and they are all for using all tools for victory. They will sell Montana, Idaho and the Department of Justice to Russians, if they could. That is how it seems.

However, the Senate can show that this is wrong and that they care. I don’t expect it. I expect that they vindicate and accept this. They don’t want this humiliation ahead of 2020 elections. They will trade away moments of power, instead of valuing rule of law and justice. They rather want the office and secure their future. It is more important to stand by Trump, than actually caring about the Constitution.

That the President can misuse power, abuse his power and threatening the up-coming elections. This is what the Senate can address, as the House has already done their bid and has the Memorandum as a proof of their findings. We cannot expect magic, as his fellow bed-mates run the Senate. If they were loyal to their station and Republic. They might have served justice and seen blood. Nevertheless, the result might be just hogwash. They will just thwart the whole thing and seal their misgivings. If Trump is guilty, so is the rest of the party too. Because, they let him and gave way to his whims. They all let him, but also was water-boys for him. These people can either show that the truth matters and that the Republic matters more than person.

However, don’t expect that dance. Expect that the politics matter more. The only way these Republican’s will be henchmen to their own. Is if their own seats, their own livelihoods and their reputation is for sale. If they can themselves be in legal jeopardy or even fall. Than, they might do something. But this memorandum will not seal the fate of the Presidency.

No, only if the Senators fears the elections of 2020 and think they can escape. If they don’t, they will go along and accept being puppets of the President and his foreign backers. Because, he uses all means to win. The President doesn’t care, as long as he “wins”. He doesn’t care about the laws, constitution or protocol. What matters is him and his cause. The Republic is the second fiddle.

Now, we can soon see if the Republicans in the Senate cares about their integrity, the values of the constitutional norms or even due process. Don’t expect it. Really don’t expect it. Since, they haven’t cared with the Russian Probe and neither this Ukrainian scandal. They have done whatever they can to spoil it like bad TV-Hosts on Fox News. Therefore, Trump might be saved, but his legacy is tarnished. Because we all know what he does and how he operates. Nothing matters, except for his own ass. Peace.

Malawi Law Society letter to the Anti-Corruption Bureau – Re: On Alleged Attempts to Bribe Judicial Officers in the Constitutional Reference Case Number 1 of 2019 (13.01.2020)

Opinion: Museveni ask his new ministers to desist from himself…

I call upon all ministers and public servants to desist from engaging in any form of corruption. Corruption by any government officials is a great betrayal to Ugandans who are desperately yearning for service delivery. I implore the general public to embrace this fight and report the crooked officials with evidence, as opposed to rumours and we will take action” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 13.01.2020).

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President since 1986, whose now richer than God, but came into power with little or nothing. Therefore, he knows what he did to get there. He knows the implicated scandals, the grand corruption and often noticed missing funds in the headlines in the Republic.

That is why these sorts of desisting from corruption Telling the Ministers and the Public from stopping it. Meaning it should stop and get all evidence on plenty of high ranking officials in this government. Get the evidence of state owned enterprises and authorities. There are plenty of officials who would easily be implicated and connected with government tenders and whatnot.

There is enough ghosts, over-inflated state contracts and some-what. Therefore, days like today. Feels futile. The state has created a lot of mechanisms, a lot of organizations fighting corruption. Still, the big-men, the men sanctioned by the State House and the secretive investment deals are overshadowing the supposed battle against corruption.

When there is lack of transparency from the top. There will be less from the bottom too. There is no reason for changes, when everyone is eating and the ones with influence of the State House. They got an ability to get kickbacks, suits, graft and so-on. This is not news, but a reality.

The NRA historicals can steal land, take property and easily, therefore have other perks too. The NRM knows this and let them go. If your big enough and has the blessing, you can eat UNRA funds, eat NSSF funds and GAVI Funds with no costs or damages. You get to build a mansion and own business, on stolen funds.

That is why statements like today is worthless. Not believable. He has the Public Procurement And Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA), Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA), State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Inspectorate of Government (IGG) and Auditor General (AG). Nevertheless, the big-fish is not getting caught. You have the Police Force and the Judiciary too. Still, all of these cooks cannot make a decent meal. Its a bland mix of watery soup, not even a good broth.

That is why President Museveni. We have to see you fight yourself. Not walk, not talk, but battle your own shadow and that’s not happening. Because, your not a cartoon character, but a self-styled President for Life. Peace.