IS BUHARI GENUINELY FIGHTING CORRUPTION OR HUNTING OPPOSITION LEADERS?
Corruption invariably is an illegal act — such as fund embezzlement — perpetrated by an office holder for some private gains, or for some third parties.
If Buhari genuinely fights corruption or no, may take remains in the affirmative with imminent reasons on track.
We may recall that some many months ago, Nigeria was unscrupulously described as “fantastically corrupt” by one Britain’s former Prime Minister — David Cameron. As insipid as this remark could be, it however remains a permanent blot on our nation’s continuousness.
The war against corruption apparently is no myth; it is evident. As it especially knows no bound to encounter, being it religion or tribal affiliation. But, outwards it is perceived as sabotage on opposing leadership. Simply because we now have a beefed up anti-graft agencies — such as the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), the Department of State Security (DSS) — that parade high-profile officials and politicians with utmost audacity.
Noteworthy is the fact that the People Democratic Party (PDP) was in power for 16 years before the All Progressive Congress (APC). By implication, they have had access to the public treasury far beyond. Thus, an attempt to combat corruption head-on, the searchlight would beam more on past leaders. So, why shouldn’t Buhari come after opposition leaders?
Insipidly, the Minority Leader of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, once described Buhari’s anti-graft war as an exercise mainly targeted at the opposition leaders. The president simply request from him facts to corroborate this argument, otherwise it is, as usual, a baseless and an unjustifiable remark.
As part of the campaign promises, President Buhari has released the details of the loots recovered under his watch — during his one-year anniversary of presidency. These include recoveries under interim forfeiture — cash and assets — totaling 3.4 trillion naira. And about N115 billion is still being awaited from the United Kingdom, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, and the United States.
The most unfortunate of all of these, whose name has whirled all around the streets of Nigeria — the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki — was charged for dishing out $2 billion on phantom contracts, for the purchase of ammunition to combat insurgency. Shortly after, the arrest of the ex-Petroleum Minister, Diezani Allison Madueke —over allegations of corruption and money laundering — followed suite. Likewise, the Chairman of a local company, Atlantic energy, Jide Omokore, over allegation of money laundering, too.
There seems to be a preponderance of members of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) standing trials because they had been in power for 16 years, You can be assured that anybody caught in corruption will answer for it irrespective of party, religion or tribe.
In sum, this government has recovered about $10 billion from stolen assets; it has also discontinued the fuel-subsidy mischief, which costs Nigeria $14 billion a year.
Buhari maintains that whoever — including his children or family members — is guilty of any corrupt practices would face the law. And if the authorities fail not investigate them, he would not forgive.
The rule of law, not impunity, shall govern every aspect of life in Nigeria and there will be no room for sentiments, bias and corruption in the application of the laws of the land.
In essence, it would be a gross misrepresentation to consider Buhari to be hunting opposition leaders. He is rather hunting corrupt personalities, In His words; “Do you just grab people along the road and take them off to court for trial just because you want to create a semblance of balance? First, there has to be an accusation which must be properly investigated and when a prima facie case has been built, you can go on with prosecution."
He has remained committed to fulfilling that promise, and would not be deterred. The relentless spirit in him heralded, “unless Nigeria kills corruption, corruption will kill Nigeria.”
Buhari is genuinely fighting corruption. Nigerians should optimistic about that. Let us join hands with Muhammadu Buhari to fight against corruption so that we can have a prosperous nation for the benefit of all its citizens and future generation.
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