Corporate Contempt Continues

CORPORATE Nigeria, a group that impetuously springs to life for a presidential election, contributed over N21 billion at President Goodluck Jonathan’s recent fund raising. In the 2003 and 2007 elections, Corporate Nigeria raised billions of Naira for Olusegun Obasanjo and Umaru Musa Yar’dua. In October 2010, it raised money for Jonathan before he became a candidate! According to Section 221 of the Constitution, “No association, other than a political party, shall canvass for votes for any candidate at any election or contribute to the funds of any political party or to the election expenses of any candidate at an election.” Corporate Nigeria is not a political party. Could donors at the event be Peoples Democratic Party members, in which case their action could qualify them as acting for a political party? It is unlikely. The secrecy on identity of donors says so.Even registered companies donated. The donations violated the Constitution and clearly show the tenuous convictions of our leaders. While these openly violate the law, others are raising funds secretly.Section 91 (9) of the Electoral Act states, “No individual or other entity shall donate more than one million naira (N1, 000,000) to any candidate.” How do we confirm what each individual gave? How do the organisers explain companies’ contributions, contrary to Section 38 (2) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act? Section 91 (10) of the Electoral Act further provides, “A candidate who knowingly acts in contravention of this section commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable – (a) in case of presidential election to a maximum fine of N1, 000,000 or imprisonment of 12 months or both.” Section 91 (11) states, “Any individual who knowingly acts in contravention of subsection (9) shall on conviction be liable to a maximum fine of N500, 000 or 9 months imprisonment or both.”Section 91 (2) pegs the expenditure of a presidential candidate’s expenditure in an election at N1 billion.Brazen abuses of immunity protect beneficiaries who in turn shield their benefactors from the law. Fears exist that financiers of a candidate’s election would exert pressure on him, if elected, to act to please them rather than the electorate. The implications are vast.Improprieties associated with contributions to political causes inadvertently became public during the pre-2007 election tiff between President Obasanjo and Vice President Abubakar Atiku. Both accused the other of unauthorised expenditures from the remnant of their campaign funds, a confirmation that the Independent National Electoral Commission does not monitor political parties’ finances.Examples are important to rescue our country from the uncertainties the imperious conducts of those in high offices portend. Leaders must provide sterling examples of faithful adherence to the law.