NBA President Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN) expressed these views while speaking in Abuja yesterday.He said: “It is no longer news that there is endemic corruption in Nigeria. The issue is how we are fighting it.“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 also called on all agencies of government involved in the criminal justice sector to demonstrate a greater level of cooperation and synergy.The NBA President, who commended the various reform initiatives in the Judiciary since the Justice Walter Onnoghen’s appointment as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), called for enhance collaboration between all arms of government.He urged the Federal Government to continually demonstrate religious adherence to the tenets of constitutional democracy.Mahmoud said the NBA 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.“Whilst we recognise 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.”The group commended Fed Govt’s efforts at reviving the economy, but urged it to focus at employment generation, improved security and the creation of a business friendly climate in the country.Source : The Nation
