Another look at Nigeria’s anti-graft strategy
Therefore, the prospects for consolidating on the gains of the anti-graft war, and attempts to address the all-pervasive corruption in the country, depend largely on pragmatic review and consistent strategic interventions to sustain the crusade. Else, it may appear a race against the shadow. As a keen observer, I have taken time to painstakingly follow […]
Therefore, the prospects for consolidating on the gains of the anti-graft war, and attempts to address the all-pervasive corruption in the country, depend largely on pragmatic review and consistent strategic interventions to sustain the crusade. Else, it may appear a race against the shadow.
As a keen observer, I have taken time to painstakingly follow the trials and the disposition of the court to the corruption cases particularly those involving the former governors and other high profile cases and the sour truth is that, without any prejudice, the judiciary has not lived up to its billings despite the committed and determined efforts of the EFCC. The slow process of adjudication and myriad of problems that beset the cases in various courts across the country live much to be desired from the judiciary. Frivolous ex-parte orders, jurisdiction chess game, whimsical and capricious applications to delay proceedings and forestall court proceedings among others remained the worst expression of the frustration of the anti-graft war.
It is sad to note that at this time and age, it appears there is a deliberate attempt to stall and perverse justice through unending and perpetual interlocutory injunctions while those entrusted with public fund through the privilege mandate of the people hide under the immunity clause to perpetrate fraud at the expense of the public. At some point, one is tempted to observe an unholy alliance between the bench and the bar when frivolous applications hold sway in the court for inimical design to frustrate the anti-graft agencies.
However, it is worthy of note that in the face of all these the leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, more than ever before, seems to me, focused, committed and undaunted. The commission has demonstrated courage to hold on to the struggle pursing all the cases with all the required vigor even against all odds.
To these challenges, I recall vividly that the EFCC Chairman came up with a number of initiatives and strategies to lift the bar of the anti-graft war. Some of such was her quest for cooperation with the leadership of the NBA as well as the hiring of SANs to match the strength of the defence counsel; sponsorship of assets forfeiture bill to deny the suspect the proceed of crime. The bill, I am aware has scaled the second reading in the National Assembly.
Other measures she canvassed include the establishment of special courts to handle financial crimes cases which in her view will avail the country quick discharge of corruption cases leaving the people with the benefits of justice. This if established, will also activate the right signal to the public as convicts pay for their offences. What is justice if delayed? For instance, the ex-governors cases are high profile cases that should have been dispensed off speedily but crippled by a snail moving judicial process. Perhaps the courts are inundated with several cases.
The intervention of the commission in collaboration with the Central Bank and other regulatory agencies to salvage the banking sector with the recovery of over N300billion and the ongoing prosecution of over twenty bank executives and attachment of their assets valued at over N700billion is a landmark achievement which in my view is highly commendable.
With this feat, it is apparent the fight against corruption will be far reaching if Nigerians see it as their battle and not that of Farida Waziri and her team in EFCC alone. The challenges inherent are enormous and cannot be left to the Commission alone. Collaboration and collegiate efforts of all and sundry are imperative in the interest of the nation. Whatever obstacles there are to the successful pursuit of the war against all forms of financial crimes as we see in the banking sector will be more easily addressed if the work of the commission is complemented by the efforts of the people themselves regardless of class, creed or position.
Against this backdrop, I found the Anti- Corruption Revolution campaign (ANCOR) initiative very relevant and a desired impetus to the crusade. The consciousness of all and sundry need be awakened to make Nigerians buy into the war and see the fight as theirs. I am particularly enthused by the support and endorsement of the campaign by prominent Nigerians and other African leaders comprising Chief Emeka Anyaoku, John Kuffour, Alex Ekwueme and Festus Mogae. It is not for mere rhetoric that they lend their voice to the campaign.
I think what should interest us at this point is how the Commission intends to pursue its cases in the courts with appropriate logistics to ensure the highest quality of legal representation, and with a view to gain public interest and the confidence of the citizenry and the judiciary in particular.
Like the break of a new day, one cannot but be optimistic that with the role of the EFCC in sanitizing the financial sector, the Commission would have fulfilled its billings under this leadership. All hands must be on deck to salvage the nation from the hydra headed monster called corruption.
So much has been said on the need for collaboration. Expediently, I think the prosecution of public office holders which have been protracted in the courts for reasons of incessant adjournments and delays occasioned by frivolous applications should be taken more seriously. If the nation has to be reckoned with in its fight against corruption everyone involved in the administration of justice; lawyers (prosecution and defense counsels), Attorney General, the bench and the media should demonstrate high sense of commitment and sincerity. The era of blame shifting and bulk passing should be seen as a thing of the past.
As the leadership of the Commission breaks new frontiers, evolving new strategies to take the battle to another height, it is imperative that we eschew all forms of cynicism and support the commission otherwise the country and the vast majority of Nigeria would remain shortchanged.
Ilemobayo writes from Ondo, Ondo State