The Association for Credible Leadership in Nigeria (ACLN) has expressed support for the ongoing anti-graft campaign led by the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
The association also salutes the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for unraveling the level of involvement of some notable individuals in the arms deal, which has somewhat incapacitated the Nigerian military from properly prosecuting the Boko Haram terrorism in North-Eastern Nigeria.
ACLN expressed their support in a statement, commending the EFCC for being able to expose the corruption in Nigeria, especially among senior citizens without fear or favour. “This shows to us that the government is on the right cause against corruption,” the group said.
The statement reads; “this is also a confirmation that the current administration empowers institutions and not individuals unlike past administration in the country.
“It is rather sad for the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Dasuki Sambo (rtd.), who should be leading the battle against Boko Haram insurgents to be found leading the team of corrupt politicians who cared less about an average citizen. What sort of advice was he rendering the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.
“The implications of what Dasuki did include portraying Nigeria and her citizens in a bad light of terrorism before the international community, killing of several innocent souls, as well as squandering national funds which is largely average citizen’s tax money.
“No doubt, considering the state of infrastructures in the country, the diverted US$2 billion dollars (N13 billion) would have helped to an extent in advancing the course of building Nigeria.
“The ACLN condemn the wicked act of Col. Dasuki as well as Chief Raymond Dokpesi of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and others involved in the arms deal who are yet to be exposed.
“We believe like many other logical persons will agree that such callous act is responsible for the further escalation of the war against terrorism in the Country.”
According to the association, the Nigerian Army, who have tried in terms of manpower despite losing gallant war men to such a petty battle, would have been in control of the battle and secure Nigeria’s territories if they were better equipped.
“Similarly, the death of these soldiers who were not given adequate weapon to withstand the firepower of the Sect, the killings and kidnapping of innocent and vulnerable citizens (women and kids), who would not have experience such if adequate funding have been made available to the army, all call for justice,” the group added.
The ACLN urge the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), to allow the rule of law prevail as everyone indicted in the deal must be made to face the full weight of the law and ensure that all looted funds are recovered.
“At this stage of the revelations of the arms deal, the United Nations’ judicial organ, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and all other relevant international authorities may need to step in, to ensure that judgement is not manipulated in Nigeria.
“We are saying this because despite the magnitude of the effect of the deal and the caliber of persons involved, the Federal High Court sitting at Maitama, Abuja granted bail to Dasuki, the former Executive Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Commission (NNPC), Aminu Baba-Kusa and three others, to the tune of N250 million each, while all accused persons have suddenly developed strange health issues for which they are attempting to flee the country.
“What we are saying is that if justice must be done, such penalty is too meager for an offence that has not only claimed the lives of thousands of Nigerians, Niger, Cameroon and Chad have also suffered casualties.
“The ACLN consider this as a shame on the past administrations for painting such a wicked picture of leadership for the younger generation of Nigerians. Thus, if judgement is not properly melted out, there are chances of today’s youths treading the same path in few years time.
“We therefore call on the National Assembly to work with President Buhari in overhauling the Nigerian law, if the fight against corrupt practices must be won in the country,” the association noted.
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