The Civil Society Legislative Advisory Centre, (CISLAC), and other cohorts of civil society group has expressed their displeasure over Nigeria’s current democratic practice, anti-corruption fights by the government and the need for the judicial to uphold integrity in the system.
The group while speaking in Abuja on Thursday on the state of the fight against corruption in Nigeria and malicious attack on anti-corruption stated that transparency and accountability are crucial elements for a flourishing democracy adding that Nigeria’s so-called “democracy” has persistently functioned under a veil of secrecy and lawlessness.
The group explained that despite hopes and fights invested by millions of Nigerians to birth a democratic government, the management of the country’s resources has consistently disregarded the fundamental principles of democracy.
The group noted that they observe the malicious attacks and deliberate effort to blackmail anti-corruption agencies through influencing sponsorship, incentivised opinion publications in some national dailies, online and electronic platforms, targeted at discouraging anti-corruption progress and shielding the kleptocrats from thorough investigation.
“We are not unaware of surreptitious moves to backpedal anti-corruption progress with systemic undermining of the Anti-corruption Agencies through activities of corrupt judges, procurement of political power, misinformation on the anti-corruption effort and the undermining of subnational anti-corruption institutions.”
The group noted that judicial corruption constitutes a major challenge to anti-corruption work in Nigeria whereby looters have repeatedly used their influence to manipulate the judicial process and system, to block arrest or prosecution or to either dismiss or delay indefinitely the cases levelled against them.
“This blatant disregard for the rule of law has eroded public trust and reinforced the perception that Nigeria’s democracy is nothing more than a facade.
“Judiciary in Nigeria has not lived up to its enormous and important responsibility of protecting the common man and ensuring that the rule of law and provisions of the constitution are upheld.”
They maintained that procurement of political appointments by some suspected or investigated looters who are serving under the current administration as Ministers, Legislators, or occupying leadership positions of the ruling party, has exposed anti-corruption work to serious setback and deliberate sabotage that cripple efficiency of the Anti-corruption Agencies.
“It is unfortunate to see people with corruption cases and corruption allegations being appointed by the President to handle various positions of authority, some of such people have been elected and re-elected into office as well. Many serving law makers and ministers have corruption allegations on them.
“This is tarnishing the image of Nigeria both locally and international, frustrates the efforts of the anti-graft agencies and defeats the essence of political transparency and accountability.
Again, lack of transparency in the allocation of resources has resulted in widespread inequality and a growing divide between the rich and the poor.”
The group however noted that to effectively combat corruption and make significant strides towards progress, it is crucial to adopt a cohesive strategy that addresses its widespread influence throughout all levels of our society.
They maintained that the judiciary plays a crucial role as the final hope for justice hence it is essential for the judiciary to uphold its autonomy and resist any attempt that may undermine its integrity.
They added that adequate resource allocation to the Anti-corruption Agencies has become imperative to uphold their independence and enhance efficiency in the anti-corruption process adding that it is essential to prioritise adequate funding and support for Anti-corruption Agencies to prevent corruption and promote accountability.
They also urge the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to promptly reinstate the police personnel withdrawn from the Kano anti-corruption Commission, to facilitate the effective execution of Commission’s duties adding that Nigeria Police must avoid actions that may portray it as being submissive to politicians.