UNSTABLE POLITICAL WILL COMPROMISING ANTI-CORRUPTION FIGHT, ANEEJ TELLS BUHARI
20th December, 2016.
Press Release
Benin City, Nigeria…The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ, has expressed worry and anxiety over the unstable and diminishing impact of the President Buhari-led Anti-corruption fight, and has advised Mr President to produce a roadmap indicating as clear as possible the direction, scope and focus of his anti-corruption effort.
The Rev. David Ugolor, ANEEJ executive director, issued the statement to journalists sequel to the controversy generated by the refusal of the Senate to confirm Mr. Ibrahim Magu as substantive chairman for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, relying on DSS report despite the fact that Mr. Magu was nominated by President Buhari. Ugolor called for the disclosure of the DSS report.
It is also important for President Buhari to take responsibility for some of the allegations surrounding key members of his administration, including the Secretary to government of the federation and the Chief of Staff’. ‘We are also alarmed at the warm reception given to the Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu by the President’s party – the APC despite the case against him by the EFCC. The implication of this is that politicians who are facing prosecution for one form of corruption or the other, now try to evade prosecution by joining the ruling party, the Rev Ugolor said in the statement.
The president needs to be decisive and come out clear on these issues so as not to trivialise his anti-corruption effort. Mr. Buhari won the popular vote because of he expressed strong interest to rid Nigeria of corruption. Therefore, his inability to prosecute key organs/personalities of his administration allegedly embroiled in one incident of corruption or the other sends a dangerous signal and deals a crucial blow to his commitment to successfully fight corruption’, the Rev Ugolor said in the statement.