BEVERLY HILLS, May 29, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has faulted the Federal Government’s anti-corruption strategy saying the structure of the fight against corruption is defective.
This was declared in Abuja by the NBA President, Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN), who suggested an urgent review, with attention directed at strengthening existing investigating and prosecuting agencies.
He expressed worry that over eight months after some judges were suspended on the ground that they were being investigated for misconduct, no major progress has been made by the investigating agency and called for the discontinuance of such investigations to enable the affected judge resume their official duties.
“It is no longer news that there is endemic corruption in Nigeria. The issue is how we are fighting it,” he said.
“While the current efforts by anti-corruption agencies are commendable, it is important to note that the present framework, which is in place for anti-corruption crusade, is defective in structure and does not make for effectiveness of these agencies.
“The NBA still believes that a lot needs to be done in improving the general institutional framework for the fight against corruption.
“Though some successes have scored, especially following the whistle-blowing policy of the government, yet it must be remembered that reliance on this whistle-blowing itself is a signal to the overall weakness of policing and anti-crime agencies.
“The NBA, therefore, calls for more investment in the development of the capacity of anti-corruption agencies. The NBA also calls for greater demonstration of commitment and synergy between the various branches of government.
“As it is, there is clear dissonance between the executive and legislative branches. A situation where the branches of government are unable to agree on the leadership of a key agency of government such as the EFCC is not only unfortunate, but highly regrettable.
“This exposes our country to ridicule and questions the commitment of our leaders to the fight against corruption. We call on both the legislature and executive branches to as a matter of urgency address the lingering issue of the leadership of the EFCC.”
The NBA President also urged the Federal Government to continually demonstrate religious adherence to the tenets of constitutional democracy saying it was appalled at the continued detention of certain individuals in blatant disobedience to court orders.
“Amongst these individuals are Sheik Ibrahim Al-Zakzaky and his wife and also Colonel Sambo Dasuki, the former National Security Adviser,” he stated.
“Whilst we recognize the serious the charges on which these individuals are held, we nevertheless view their continued detention as unjustified and contrary to the express court orders.”
