Transparency International (TI) has joined more than 25 Nigerian civil society organisations in calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to veto legislation that weakens laws to fight corruption.
A statement by the group reads: “At the same time, Transparency International called on the Nigerian Senate to uphold the Code of Conduct as it now exists. It should not be weakened as proposed. It should apply to the proceedings against Senate President Bukola Saraki.
“The law should apply to everyone equally. To try to amend legislation to protect the Senate president is a blatant attempt to manipulate the rule of law,” said Jose Ugaz, chair of Transparency International.
“Elected officials must be held accountable by the people. We support the call of Nigerian civil society organisations to strengthen the country’s democracy and remain committed to the fundamental principles of democracy and good governance,” Ugaz added.