…calls fair investigation on Magu
By Joyce Remi- Babayeju
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called for an enactment of the Proceeds of Crime Bill and the Mutual Legal Assistance Bill, which would go a long way in strengthening the anti-corruption fight in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by CISLAC Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani)Executive Director, enactment of the Bills would take the war against corruption to the doorstep of treasury looters and ensure that repatriated assets are utilized for the benefits of Nigerians and also clarify the roles of ACAs and put an end to inter-agency rivalry and bring more transparency in the utilization of recovered assets.
The CSO noted that the repeated failure to enact the legal framework, which would once and for all clarify mandates in recoveries of assets, is an ample evidence of political interference in the fight against corruption, where Nigerian politicians seek personal advantages at the expense of the Nigerian public.
Meanwhile CISLAC has also called on the National Assembly and the Executive work towards amending the EFCC Act, adding that the board of the EFCC has been dormant and non-inclusive of Non-State Actors.
“ We ask for the arm of government responsible for the oversight of the EFCC, and other ACAs, to ensure that the board is active and that Non-State Actors are included in the board in the amendment of the Act to ensure accountability in the fight against corruption, which is consciously lacking.”
“In this pandemic era where the utilization of funds repatriated and funds donated to fight COVID-19 are opaque and questioned, it is important that the attention of Nigerians are not just being diverted to cover up sharp practices over the management of donated and recovered funds.”
Furthermore CISLAC has called for a transparent investigation into the allegation of corruption and insubordination levied against the former Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu made by the Attorney – General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.
A Presidential Panel has been set up to carry out a transparent and fair investigation into the allegations of corruption and insubordination leveled against Magu.
The embattled Magu has since being removed from office and is being investigated by a Presidential Panel headed by the former president of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami (Rtd).
CISLAC has urged the panel to make the results of the investigation public in the interest of the president and in order not to rubbish the progress made in the fight against corruption and undermine the efforts of stakeholders, adding that this incidence if not handled in a transparent manner may hamper the nation’s efforts to fight transnational financial crimes and national scams, which has plunged Nigerians into poverty and deprivation.
We also ask that sanctions be meted out where necessary to serve as a deterrent for officers saddled with the fight against corruption and political office holders, the Rasanjani said.
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