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  • Protest rocks NBA conference over incarceration of Enugu LP lawmaker-elect

    Protest rocks NBA conference over incarceration of Enugu LP lawmaker-elect

    Constituents of Enugu South Urban State Constituency on Monday stormed the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) annual general conference at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Enugu in a peaceful protest over the continued incarceration of Barr. Bright Ngene, winner of the constituency seat.

    The protesters, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “NBA please help release Barr. to represent his constituency,” “The people’s choice is not a crime,” “Say no to miscarriage of justice. Free the people’s choice,” and “Enugu State judiciary must be independent from the executive,” demanded the immediate release of their elected representative, Hon. Bright Emeka Ngene, who has been in jail since July 28, 2024.

    Ngene, a lawyer and member of the Labour Party, won the Enugu South 1 State Constituency seat in the March 2023 elections but was jailed following what his supporters described as a “baseless and politically motivated” criminal charge after appeal tribunal quashed his election in 2023.

    While still in prison, he however won the by-election conducted by the INEC on August 16, 2025.

    Speaking at the protest, spokesperson of the group, Kachukwu Benedict, said the continued incarceration of Ngene despite winning re-election from detention in the August 16, 2025 rerun, amounted to “grave injustice and a subversion of democracy.”

    “We are here to register our peaceful protest to tell the world what has been happening in Enugu State for the past one year. Since July 28, 2024, Hon. Bright Emeka Ngene, who won the House of Assembly seat for Enugu South Urban, has been unjustly incarcerated,” Benedict said.

    “Charges against him were baseless, judicial processes were not followed, and in less than two weeks judgment was dispensed. Efforts to get the matter before the High Court have proved abortive as judges continue to recuse themselves, while the Chief Judge has refused to assign the case. This is the highest point of injustice meted out to anybody,” he added.

    Read Also: 2025 NBA Conference: Obasanjo, Malema, over 20,000 lawyers converge on Enugu

    The protesters accused the Enugu State judiciary of bowing to political pressure, alleging that the executive was behind Ngene’s prolonged incarceration.

    They appealed to the NBA and senior lawyers attending the conference, including human rights activists like Femi Falana (SAN) and Monday Ubani, to intervene and ensure due process.

    “We are not afraid of going through the judicial process. No matter the judgment that comes, we will accept it in good faith. But up till now, the case has been in comatose at the High Court. All we are asking is that the judiciary be allowed to do its job,” Benedict said.

    The protest, which drew attention from conference delegates and passersby, was largely peaceful, as the group emphasised that their mission was to “beg, not fight.”

    Placards also read: “Free Barr. Bright Ngene,” “NBA investigate the case of Barr. Bright Ngene’s imprisonment,” and “Injustice to one lawyer is injustice to all lawyers.”

  • Why NBA should refund N300m to Rivers, by Banwo, Adegboruwa

    Why NBA should refund N300m to Rivers, by Banwo, Adegboruwa

    The demand by the Rivers State for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to refund the N300 million it received from the government got the backing of two senior lawyers: Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) and legal tech expert, Dr Ope Banwo.

    For Adegboruwa, there is no basis for the NBA to go “cap in hand” to beg for money to host a conference paid for by lawyers who also pay annual practising fees.

    Stressing that lawyers are the conscience of society, expected to champion the rule of law, he said they should not be seen to be romancing with any government amid poverty and rights abuses.

    “We have no basis for retaining the ‘gift’ from Rivers State, so NBA should refund the money immediately.

    “We should not hide under any semantics or bureaucracy to retain the money,” Adegboruwa said.

    The SAN urged his colleagues to contribute N1 million each to cover any deficit if the money had been spent.

    Adegboruwa said: “I urge the elders of the Bar to intervene urgently to take away this collective shame.

    “If the money has been spent, I urge all SANs and senior lawyers to contribute N1 million each in order to raise the money.

    Read Also: Varsities, polys, others grapple with new operational guidelines

    “Going forward, the NBA should tread cautiously in raising funds from all manner of persons and institutions. Lawyers in Nigeria are well endowed to fund any programme for the NBA.”

    Banwo, who disagreed with Dr. Monday Ubani (SAN)’s earlier support of NBA’s position, said the issue “goes to the very heart of institutional independence, professional ethics, and the moral compass of the legal profession in Nigeria”.

    He said: “The NBA, a body that ought to embody the conscience, independence, and integrity of the legal profession, is caught in a scandal that goes far beyond optics.

    “The revelation…has not only triggered a political and legal firestorm—it has raised a fundamental question: Can a supposedly independent professional body continue to claim neutrality while receiving financial handouts from political actors?

    “Let us not be distracted by technicalities. Whether the money was conditional or not, whether it was explicitly tagged to the conference venue or not, is beside the point.

    “The real issue is the ethical rot and institutional compromise that such transactions represent in principle.

    “Whether dressed in legalese or sugar-coated with tradition, the idea that an independent professional body like the NBA should collect hundreds of millions of naira from a sitting state governor—especially one enmeshed in political crisis—is not just problematic; it’s dangerous.

    “It sends the wrong message to the public, undermines the credibility of the Bar, and exposes us all to the accusation of hypocrisy the next time we speak on justice, democracy, or the abuse of state power.”

    Banwo argued that refunding the money is not a weakness but would be a wise decision.

    He added: “The real test of integrity is not what the courts say, but what our conscience says. If the NBA wants to retain its standing as the voice of justice in Nigeria, it must return that money.”

    Responding, Ubani faulted Banwo’s views, saying they were “at best, overly idealistic and, at worst, dangerously disconnected from the operational realities of our present national context”.

    According to the SAN, the argument that a donation in itself constitutes a compromise of institutional independence lacks both legal foundation and factual proof.

    “Dr. Banwo’s position is emotive, not evidential. This is without prejudice to the NBA returning the fund if they are convinced that it is the right thing to do,” Ubani said.

    Insisting that neither the Legal Practitioners Act, the NBA Constitution, nor the Rules of Professional Conduct was contravened, Ubani said it was routine for state governments to offer financial and logistical support to professional bodies, especially when such associations bring their national conferences to those states.

    “The harsh judgment on the NBA over the present donation is very unfair and unacceptable…

    “A Bar Association that aims to remain independent in thought and effective in impact must be resourced.

    “Denying assistance from state actors, who may genuinely wish to support intellectual and professional engagements, is not a badge of morality; it is the embrace of unnecessary hardship.

    “I am of the view that proper guidelines should be mapped out to guide the acceptance, and conditions well spelt out for future engagements with them,” Ubani said.

    Defending the Bar, Ubani insisted that the NBA has not sold its conscience but only accepted a donation, without strings, to advance its professional goals. “That, in itself, is not a sin,” he said.

    “If we truly believe in institutional progress and growth, the better approach is not to sever public partnerships but to manage them transparently, ethically, and with a clear firewall between sponsorship and influence. That is a better and godly position if you ask me.

    “Dr. Banwo wants the Bar to be bold again. I concur. But boldness is not the refusal of help from credible sources, it is the courage to accept support without surrendering principles and integrity.

    “The NBA is not for sale. But neither is it a monastery. It exists in the real world, funded by real people, facing real challenges,” Ubani added.

  • Buhari, Ghana president, Abubakar, others for NBA conference

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has unveiled the list of speakers at its Annual General Conference, which holds in Abuja from August 20 to 30.

    Ghanian President Nana Akufo Addo will be the keynote speaker; President Muhammadu Buhari  will be special guest of honour.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) and Chief Justice Justice Walter Onoghen are expected to play key roles at the conference.

    The theme is: Transition, Transformation and Sustainable Institutions.

    Sub-themes include: Political Transition and Governance;  Diversity and Inclusion; Technological Disruptions; Sustainable Economic Development, Rule of Law and Security.

    It will hold at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja.

    Also listed to speak at the week-long event are former Head of State, General Abdusalami Abubakar (rtd);  former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega, National Industrial Court (NIC) president Justice Bababtunde A.  Adejumo and  Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

    Others are activist-lawyer Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), Minister of State for Petroleum Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, Mr. Chuka Agbo (SAN), Senator Ita Enang,  Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu,  Mr. Jim Ovia, former Vice Predient, Nigerian Labour Congress Comrade Isa Aremu, among others.

    A highpoint of the event will be the Conversation with the President.

    NBA Technical Committee on Conference Planning (TCCP) chairman Mr. George Etomi said delegates can get more information at www.nbaconference.com.

    “There is a plan to have a conversation with the President where he will be interviewed by a renowned international anchor person named Kadaria Ahmed on Monday 27, August 2018. During the interview the President will be discussing various topics and how they affect the country,” Etomi said.

    A movie, The Witness Box, will be premiered at the conference, which will be spiced up with the UnBARed Reloaded Concert  and an annual dinner.

    Etomi said there will be a conference folder designed with Ankara/adire fabric that will contain branded note pads and pens.

    “We have been approached by an online/offline legal research company, which is willing to offer its materials to all delegates during the conference.

    “There will also be a conference mobile app that will allow delegates review each session during the conference and also seem like a feedback form for the NBA on the success or otherwise of the conference.

    “There is provision to have lunch and light refreshments for all delegates during the conference for three days (Monday – Wednesday).

    “There is provision for exhibition booths that will allow law publishers (online and hard copy), information technology companies, legal services outlets, etc to showcase their products for delegates to subscribe or purchase.

    “A friendship centre at the 2018 conference is being modelled as a high standard relaxation spot for delegates during the conference.

    “It is just going to be beside the ICC and will offer to delegates an array of choice of fun from games, to music and various local dishes for sale at affordable prices.

    “There is also a plan to do a raffle draw for delegates to stand a chance to win a car, laptop, refrigerator, law books, etc. upon purchase of a raffle ticket.”

     

  • Buhari, Akufo-Addo, Osinbajo, others for NBA conference

    President Muhammadu Buhari, Ghana President Nana Akufo-Ado, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and former Head of State, Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar ( rtd) are among dignitaries expected at the 2018 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association ( NBA).

    It will hold from August 26 to 30 at the International Conference Center, Abuja, with the theme: Transition, Transformation and Sustainable Institutions.

    A statement by NBA Technical Committee on Conference Planning (TCCP) chairman Mr. George Etomi said Akufo-Addo will give the keynote address, while there will be a “conversation with President Buhari.”

    “The conference theme has been carefully chosen to reflect the global, socio-economic, technological and political shifts that underpin current contextual realities in governance, business and politics.

    “Debates around the challenges to the assumed global order or the developmental difficulties in Africa reinforce the need for sustainable institutions to manage transitions and transformations.

    “The theme similarly speaks to the role various stakeholders can play in ensuring peaceful and successful transitions, drawing references from Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe. The Conference will therefore focus on how transitions are handled in critical spheres of human endeavours and the strength of institutions to withstand the shocks that may be incidental to change.”

    He said the conference will have five sub-themes, including Political Transition and Governance; Rule of law and security, sustainable economic development, technological disruptions and diversity and inclusion, with 35 sessions.

    Gen Abubakar, who Etomi said is generally acclaimed to have overseen one of the most peaceful transitions of power from military to civilian authorities, will also speak.

    “The conference will also feature high level panel discussions by renowned global and industry leaders in various fields, while we will also have a complement of young minds who will be making robust contributions to nation-building from their perspectives.

    “The NBA is Africa’s largest body of lawyers with over 106, 000 members and the Annual General Conference remains a melting pot for intellectual and policy shaping discourse.

    “This year is going to be no different as we expect more than 10,000 delegates to converge in the city of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria to chart the course for transformation of law, politics and the economy in Nigeria and Africa.

    “For ease of participation at this year’s conference, we have launched our new website which will leverage cutting edge technology and mobile applications, to cater for registration, conference enquiries, hotel and event bookings and details on conference speakers at the click of a button.

    “We will also continue to update the website with exciting features such as tourism guides and activities to expect at our Friendship Centres, among other details as we progress.

    “Please visit the conference website at www.nbaconference.com to take full advantage of the early bird registration offer which remains open up until 31st July, 2018.

    “The NBA is also working in partnership with notable hotels who are offering fantastic concessionary rates that you will do well to take advantage of by making a reservation through the website,” Etomi said.

  • Magu, Yakubu, Buratai, others for NBA Conference

    Acting Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, his Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) counterpart, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and the Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai, are among dignitaries expected to participate in the forthcoming conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) criminal justice reform committee.

    The conference is to hold from April 24 to 27, 2018 at the Asaba Convention Centre,  Asaba, Delta State. The theme of the conference is “Criminal justice administration in Nigeria: The journey so far.”

    This was disclosed by the chairman of the NBA criminal justice reform committee, Chief Arthur Obi Okafor (SAN) at a press conference in Asaba yesterday.

    Others expected to participate in the three day  event include: Director-General of National Agency Against Traffic in Persons (NAPTIP)  Ms. Julie Okah-Donli, Acting Chairman Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission ( ICPC)  Mr. Usman Abubakar; Executive Secretary, Presidential Action Committee on Corruption (PACAC),  Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye; Chairman, National Judicial Council  (NJC)  Committee on Monitoring of Corruption Cases and Trials (COTRIMTO), Justice Suleiman Galadima (rtd.); Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai and Controller-General of Immigration,  Mr. Mohammed Babandede.

    According to Okafor, “The conference is the fifth in the series of conferences organised by the NBA Administration of Criminal Justice Reform Committee and spanning several years. Equally instructive is the fact that resolutions from these conferences have contributed immensely in reshaping our criminal justice sector. Instructively, this conference will undertake a painstaking and holistic review of the Act with a view to tackling challenges and plugging all loopholes relating to its smooth implementation.”

    The keynote address is to be delivered by the Chief Judge of FCT and Chairman of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee, Justice Ishaq Bello. Also expected tom speak are the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen,  Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki; Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, and Delta State Governor, Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa.

     

     

  • Akeredolu, Ganduje demand state police

    Akeredolu, Ganduje demand state police

    … Niger Delta better off without oil – Wike

    Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and his Kano State counterpart, Abdullahi Ganduje, on Wednesday restated calls for state police.

    The governors said state police would guarantee security and peaceful atmosphere for development.

    Ganduje and Akeredolu said states were already funding and equipping the police, which they said lack enough men and capacity to provide effective security across the country.

    They spoke during the Governors’ Forum session at the Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Lagos.

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, who was represented by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Emmanuel Aguma (SAN), said the Niger Delta would be better off without oil.

    Akeredolu said the time has come for states to have their police since the Federal Government cannot fund the police well.

    “If we must provide everything for the police, the time has come to have state police. Let’s have our own police. There is nothing wrong with it.

    “The Nigeria Police is short staffed. They are stretched. Sometimes even the commissioner of police is helpless. The men are not there.

    “The country is vast. We cannot afford to continue under one command where you take orders from the Inspector-General of Police in Abuja.

    “You cannot effectively police an area when you bring in people who don’t know the terrain,” he said.

    Akeredolu said devolving more power to states would mean that Ondo would have the sea port it deserves.

    “If there should be a hub for maritime in Nigeria, it has to be Ondo State. Ondo has the potential. We have the longest coastline, yet we cannot boast of a seaport,” added.

    The governor called for stronger institutions, such as the legislature, saying a governor should have no business choosing the Speaker, which he said is the business of lawmakers in line with the principle of separation of powers.

    “We should build institutions and allow them to thrive,” he said.

    Ganduje said most states pay policemen allowances, besides providing them with other equipment.

    He said devolution of powers would mean increasing states’ capacity to fund their police.

    “We are still equipping the police, even paying their allowances in some cases. The budget that is supposed to be given to the police should be given to the states,” he said.

    On what it takes to build strong institutions, Ganduje said it requires a strong template for recruitment, capacity development through training and setting clear-cut goals.

    “You don’t need strong men; you need strong institutions. Strong institutions are indispensable to socio-economic development. Strong institutions surpass those who created them.

    “Our institutions need to have clear-cut goals and objectives. There must be free flow of information, transparency and accountability.

    “There must be a template for reward and punishment. The institutions must be insulated from political interference,” the Kano State governor said.

  • FG spent N1.3tr on capital projects in 2016 – Osinbajo

    FG spent N1.3tr on capital projects in 2016 – Osinbajo

    Vice-president Yemi Osinbajo said on Monday the present administration spent a total of N1.3trillion on capital projects last year.

    He said the amount was the highest ever spent by any government in the country.

    “The power sector reform is also ongoing as it is one of the most important sectors in the country,” he said.

    The vice president stated these during a plenary session at the 2017 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) National Conference themed: ‘African Business: Penetrating Through Institution Building,” which opened in Lagos on Monday.

    The session titled: “Conversations With The Vice-President,” was moderated by Miss Zain Asher of the CNN.

    Osinbajo said the most important reform of this administration has been the setting of foundation for the nation’s economic recovery.

    “We have set a foundation of rebuilding the economy, creating the Single Treasury Account (TSA), monitoring government spending, modified the tax system to be more efficient and implemented executive orders,” he added.

    Osinbajo said government has also cleared the mess inherited from ex- President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

     

     

  • Junior lawyers disagree over NBA Conference fees hike

    Junior lawyers have expressed divergent views about registration fees for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)’s Annual General Conference (AGC), Lagos 2017.

    Some have called for the fee to be reduced, while others said it was reasonable.

    The NBA National Executive Council (NEC), at a meeting, which ended last Thursday in Lokoja, Kogi State, approved separate fees for different categories of participants.

    Lawyers not above five years post call are to pay N20,000 as regular registration fee or N40,000 and N80,000 for those who register late or at the venue.

    Fees for other levels of participants vary between N30,000 for six years’ post call lawyers and N500,000 for SANs, Attorneys-General and Benchers.

    Participants will also get computer tablets said to be valued at N250,000, among others.

    But some young lawyers started an online petition last Friday, demanding that the fees be reverted to what they paid for last year’s event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    The petition, hosted on www.ipetitions.com with a target of 1,000 supporters, had garnered 275 signatures by Sunday evening.

    The petitioners said the fees were not affordable because “most young lawyers are paid little or paltry salaries”.

    Those from outside Lagos, they said, would be unable to bear the “high cost of transportation and living” in the city.

    They also stated that the tablet should be made optional as “it is not the most pressing needs of young lawyers.”

    Paulson Michael, who signed the petition, said: “How much is the average young lawyer earning? It is peanuts.” He urged the NBA to “think outside the box to protect our interest as young lawyers”.

    Yakubu Galadima said: “I thought the executives will consider the recession and perhaps reduce it to what we paid at the last AGC.”

    Another signee, Stanislaus Nwadike, said: “I passionately urge the leadership of the NBA to reverse the Conference fee for the NBA for 2017 in the interest of fairness and greater attendance and participation.”

    But others said the benefits of the conference far outweigh the fees.

    One of them, who spoke to The Nation on condition of anonymity, said the fees were reasonable because the tablet would “be loaded” with conference materials and an e-library of law reports free for one year.

    He said: “Everyone will get free breakfast and lunch while the conference will also probably be televised live on satellite TV. I know that times are hard for us young lawyers, especially those who will come in from outside Lagos, but I think it’s worth sacrificing for.”

  • ‘My take on 56th NBA conference’

    ‘My take on 56th NBA conference’

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) held its 56th Annual General Conference. Lagos lawyer Wahab Shittu recaps the key issues discussed.

    Legal practitioners of all categories, orientation, expertise and professionalism gathered in the garden city of Port Harcourt for the 56th Annual General Conference of the Association with far-reaching deliberations and conclusions aimed at enriching the legal landscape of the country.

    In line with the vision of the NBA, which is to “rank among the foremost bar associations in the world” and consistent with its mission “to use the law as an instrument for social change” and the motto of “promoting the rule of law” in line with the association’s core values of “integrity, excellence, courage, professionalism”, the conference, whose theme is “Democracy and Economic Development”, interrogated a number of topics for discourse aimed at pushing forward the frontiers of the law and advancing the course of administration of justice in the country.

    Vice-President Yemi Osibanjo (SAN) in his goodwill message to the delegates declared:  “We know what the problems are. There is a delay in court processes that is always a harbinger of the denial of justice. We know that lawyers sometimes breach ethical rules to defend high paying clients.  We know the courts are overcrowded and some officials are morally compromised. We know that our investigators and prosecutors are ill equipped and undertrained to deal with the sheer scope of the cases they are supposed to pursue to a just conclusion. We know these and many more are the problems.  It is time to think through the solutions.  We will not build this nation as a citadel of justice in one day or one thousand days but it is important that we start now and we do not stop until reform is real.”

    The outgoing President of the bar, Augustine Alegeh (SAN) explained succinctly the justification for the theme of the conference thus: “The current economic realities in our country, Nigeria make it imperative for us to examine the relationship between economic development and the sustenance and deepening of our democracy. It is against this background that we have chosen the conference theme “Democracy and Economic Development”. Our situation is not unique. Several countries have come out of even more difficult times. Our people are resilient and industrious and our desire for an enduring democracy leaves us with no other option than to collectively chart a path that would lead to economic development in our country.”

    Significantly, the conference held at a time our country is grappling with several challenges, including Boko Haram insurgency, Niger Delta Militancy, parlous state of the economy compounded by monumental corruption and rising impunity amongst others.  How do we get out of these challenges and do we have lessons to draw from other countries with similar experiences?

    The conference appeared to have answered this question in the affirmative looking in the direction of Rwanda rated as Africa’s fastest growing economy inspite of having recently passed through severe challenges ravaged by war and genocide.  It is fitting to note that Rwanda is an exampler in prosperity, a pointer to what determination, steely  resolve, unity and cohesiveness of the people can make in changing difficult circumstances to economic prosperity.  Nigeria certainly can learn from the Rwandan example in making a point that all hope is not lost if we get our acts together.  It is in this respect that the keynote address delivered by the Hon. Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of the Republic of Rwanda, Mr. Busingye Johnston is not only very significant but timely.

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Mahmoud Mohammed, GCON, who chaired the opening ceremony underscores the necessity for “…transparent, efficient and speedy delivery of justice…is fundamental to our economic growth, development and national well-being.  Hence, the growth of our democracy is underpinned by the satisfactory resolution of our individual and collective differences through a proficient and virile justice system.”

    The conference had showcase sessions examining such burning issues with resource persons including: Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, H. E. Mohammed A. Abubakar, Dr. Olanrewaju Onadeko, Hon. Justice Mahmud Muhammed, GCFR, O. C. J. Okocha, SAN, H. E. Aminu Tambuwal, Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN, Femi Falana, SAN, among others.

    The conference examined the challenges facing the legal profession include: declining ethical and professional standards, declining quality of legal education, growing number of lawyers and lack of confidence in the legal profession. To address these challenges, the conference noted the need to address poverty, corruption, overpopulation, inequality, youth unemployment and internal conflicts. The conference, however, noted that the  legal profession has made huge contributions to national development inspite of failure to achieve basic goals.

    The President-elect, A. B. Mahmoud (SAN), however, offers a ray of hope to the future of the legal profession in his vision for “a brave new bar” designed to create a legal order that will guarantee the right to development for Nigerians. This brave new bar will focus essentially on regulation, representation, and public interest perspectives.  On the whole, the conference proceedings were impactful and lawyers are further challenged to rise to the occasion by embracing high ethical standards, shunning corruption and impunity as well as making far reaching contributions to nation building.

     

  • Anti-graft war: ‘Big fish’ must be jailed – Owasanoye

    Impunity and abuse of public trust will persist despite Federal Government’s anti-corruption efforts unless a “big fish” gets convicted, the Secretary of the Presidential Committee on Anti-corruption, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, has said.

    Owasanoye, who noted that anti-graft agencies, particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have only secured convictions of “small fries” in the past one year, argued that such pattern of conviction was inadequate to serve as deterrent to others.

    “If big fish do not go to jail, impunity will continue to rise. We must send a big fish to jail. It is important to make this point, because it encourages impunity when a category of people present themselves as if they are above the law.

    “So, imposing sanction and enforcement is very important, and that involves the cooperation of everybody, who is a player in the system: including the prosecution, the defence, the judiciary and the prison authorities,” he said.

    Also, the Chief of Army Staff, Major Gen. Tukur Buratai, has ruled out negotiation with Niger Delta militants, arguing that the government’s strategy was first, to smoke them out of hiding.

    Owasanoye and Buratai spoke at the state of the nation conference organised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Owasanoye, who gave details of federal government’s anti-corruption efforts, said the government was currently emphasizing on assets recovery and putting in place measures to prevent leakages.

    “In Nigeria’s case, the priority is to return the stolen assets. And this is where the logics are. If you inherit a government that is very broke and your revenue source is going down and yet, you have some individuals within the system, who are virtually richer than the state, what are you going to do? You have to go after them and retrieve the money they have stolen. And so, that is the strategy.

    “That is, of course, the strategy that the government is pursuing. It is not just by taking stock of the looters, but also by blocking leakages and haemorrhage in the system, which hitherto allow outflow of public funds,” he said.