Nigeria: Emerging dangerous signals in the fight against corruption

Press Statement
Emerging dangerous signals in the fight against Corruption in Nigeria

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) is a civil society organisation that is committed to good governance, human rights promotion and development in the West Africa sub-region. The Centre notes with concern dangerous signals emanating from the Presidency as it relates to the steady and continuous decline of the fight against corruption in Nigeria. Since the inauguration of the government of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua on 29 May 2007, the administration has consistently proclaimed the respect for the rule of law and due process as its anchor point. However, actions of the government have left more to be desired as its body language seems to portray the very opposite of what it proclaims.

- The Centre is worried at the realisation that the government and some of its ministries and parastatals especially the Federal Ministry of Justice, creates the impression that it is desirous of protecting some former governors, ministers and political leaders who have been fingered in allegations of corrupt practices, money laundering and abuse of office.

- Another disturbing signal was the indication expressed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice—and recently, the House of Reps- to the effect that it wants to merge the main anti-corruption agencies, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Whilst we felt that the emergence of the administration and their proclamation for the promotion of the rule of law will give rise to strengthening the legislative mechanisms of the institutions in the fight against corruption, we were taken aback by such moves because we believe that merging them has potentials to weaken the EFCC which has shown total commitment and dedication to the crusade.

-Also, the inability and reluctance of the government to give legal force and implementation of the anti-graft laws by setting up their implementing councils and inaugurating them in addition to the slow pace of the National Assembly to promptly pass into law the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill aimed at enhancing the fight against corruption, has given indications that the government is not committed to the fight against corruption.

- The government’s decision, through the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, to send the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu on a 9–month training course at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, at an auspicious time when the Commission was on top of very high profile investigations and prosecutions of influential personalities is not only sending very negative signals about the commitment of the government in the fight against corruption, but is viewed as being against the very due process and the rule of law that the government talks about. CDD is convinced that this action is negatively affecting the credibility of the anti-corruption campaign and is diminishing the confidence of the international community in the country’s sustained fight against corruption including the gains of the anti-corruption war. This is evident in the de-listing of Nigeria by the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering from the list of substantially non-compliant countries. Whilst CDD is not opposed to the training and re-training of public officials to enhance their work and develop the capacities, it is of the view that the manner in carrying out such tasks should be consistent with the provisions of the law establishing the EFCC.

- Furthermore, CDD notes the unending debate that have followed the deployment of the EFCC Chairman to NIPSS and to that extent, it is convinced that the fight against corruption in Nigeria has been personalised which we believe is detrimental to sustainability of the campaign. In this regards, CDD is of the firm belief that the separation of the anti-graft institutions and personalities is the most appropriate way for the prosecution of the campaign against corruption.

The Centre for Democracy and Development:

1. Urges the Federal Government to progressively take steps aimed at accelerating the fight against corruption in Nigeria by undertaking actions that give executive effect to existing anti-graft laws that will strengthen judicial and legislative institutional mechanisms;
2. Calls on the National Assembly to undertake a holistic and comprehensive review of the enabling laws of the various anti-graft agencies as regards appointment, deployment etc, with a view to strengthening them and remove every ambiguities that will guide against such actions;
3. Calls on the Federal government to immediately sack the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice Mr. Michael Aondoakaa as he has consistently shown his determined bid to frustrate the activities of the EFCC and have thus lost the confidence of Nigerians to act in that capacity;
4. Calls on the Federal government to convince Nigerians and the international community about its commitment to the fight against corruption and the promotion of the respect for the rule of law and due process;
5. Calls on President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to clearly articulate in an unambiguous manner, his vision and plan to sustain the anti-corruption crusade in Nigeria;
6. Calls on the National Assembly to immediately begin the process of domesticating the United Nations Convention against Corruption in fulfilment of her international obligation;
7. Calls on the National Assembly to expedite action on the passage of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill.

Dr. Jibrin Ibrahim Director