Fuel subsidy cases: Group decries slow pace of prosecution

Posted by caleb
ABUJA – CIVIL Society Groups has decried the slow pace of prosecution of suspects in the fuel subsidy cases by the courts, resulting in to no convictions, more than two years after their indictment by various probe panels.
The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) said that this justified the fuelling speculations that children of the big politicians seem to have escaped justice in the country, calling for a strong political will to fight corruption.
This was the position of ANEEJ and other civil groups after a two-day workshop on Monitoring and Reporting of Oil Subsidy Fraud/Corruption Cases in Nigeria, held in Abuja.
The Communiqué signed by the Deputy Executive Director of ANEEJ, Mr. Leo Atakpu observed “poor information flow from government to the general public relating to oil subsidy fraud and corruption investigation and prosecution, since January 2012 till date.”
They pointed out that information and data from government agencies and institutions on oil subsidy fund were not properly reconciled to link oil subsidy thieves to their crimes.
Consequently, the participants called on President Goodluck Jonathan and the Federal Government “to demonstrate strong political will in pursuing fuel subsidy fraud and corruption cases to douse the impunity tag on the government.”
They also recommended that “the Judiciary should treat the handling of fuel subsidy fraud and corruption matters expeditiously and tell Nigerians how much have been recovered from indicted companies and individuals from January 2012 till date.
“The Federal Government should release regular updates on cases of prosecutions currently going on, and ensure that all indicted companies and individuals are brought to justice.
“The Federal Government should tell Nigerians how much accrued to the fuel subsidy account and put mechanisms in place for a more transparent and accountable management of the oil subsidy regime.
“The National Assembly should revisit the issue of oil subsidy fraud/corruption and demand accountability from the executive and judicial arms of government as part of its oversight functions.
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Special Fraud Units (SFU) should provide information to Nigerians on those successfully investigated and being prosecuted in courts.”

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