Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has received accolade from Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, for taking the bull by the horn in his declaration that individuals convicted of corruption should not be granted state pardons.
The association noted that it believes, this rare display of courage by a top government official reflects the genuine commitment needed to combat the fundamental causes of Nigeria’s underdevelopment, such as corruption, bad governance, and widespread poverty.
In a statement, HURIWA reacted to the AGF’s comments at a roundtable organised by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, as it expressed admiration for Fagbemi’s resolve to resist the pressures from powerful political forces and align with the interests of the Nigerian people in addressing the menace of corruption.
“The AGF’s stance represents a beacon of hope in Nigeria’s struggle against the deep-rooted plague of corruption, which has led to collapsed infrastructure, soaring unemployment, and entrenched poverty.
The association applauded the AGF’s suggestion to exclude those found guilty of corruption from benefiting from the “Prerogative of Mercy,” which it termed “the constitution review exercise is a step in the right direction.
It also maintained that state pardons should never be used as a political tool to shield corrupt politicians and elites, who have looted the nation’s resources.
“Instead, individuals who are found guilty of such grave offenses should face the full wrath of the law to deter others from engaging in corrupt activities,” said HURIWA.
Going further, its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, urged Fagbemi to ensure that his words are not mere rhetoric but are pragmatically actualised, as he emphasised the need for the Attorney General to stay true to this mission in the face of mounting political pressure and ensure that corrupt politicians who have stolen Nigeria’s commonwealth are forced to return every kobo they embezzled and serve appropriate jail terms for their crimes.
He stated, “It is time that those who have shamelessly plundered the nation’s wealth and left our infrastructure in shambles are made to face justice. Their crimes have left a trail of poverty, underdevelopment, and suffering for millions of Nigerians. We call on the AGF to lead the charge in ensuring that those found guilty are not only stripped of the stolen resources but also rot in prison for the damage they have caused our society,” HURIWA stated.
The association then advocated for the establishment of formidable prison structures specifically for corrupt politicians and terrorists, as it suggested that these prison facilities be located in the vast expanse of the Sambisa Forest in Borno State, known for its historical association with insurgent activities.
“By converting Sambisa into a fortified correctional facility, HURIWA believes it would serve as a strong message to corrupt politicians that no place in Nigeria would shield them from the consequences of their actions.
“Let it become a symbol of punishment not only for terrorists but also for corrupt politicians who have stolen from the Nigerian people. These individuals should be made to farm in a new farm settlement established within the region, and the food produced can serve to feed Nigerians. This will also help them atone for their misdeeds by contributing back to society in a meaningful way,” HURIWA proposed.
HURIWA stressed that such a measure would not only isolate corrupt politicians from the comfort and influence they have long enjoyed but also force them to participate in activities that benefit the nation, especially in a region ravaged by insecurity. This would send a strong message to others that no one is above the law.
In addition to this, HURIWA called on Nigeria to adopt a more stringent approach in its fight against corruption, similar to the anti-corruption model used in China, but devoid of political manipulation.
“Adopting the Chinese model of anti-corruption, in its purest form and without political interference, is the way forward for Nigeria. Corruption and terrorism are not just financial crimes; they are crimes against humanity. They steal the future from our children, leaving behind poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment. For those convicted of terrorism or corruption, capital punishment should be an option,” the statement read.
However, HURIWA cautioned that such an approach must be implemented transparently and devoid of political motivations or witch-hunts. Only those who are truly guilty of corruption or terrorism should face the full brunt of the law. “We must ensure that this is not used as a tool for political persecution, but as a genuine method to rid our nation of these evils,” HURIWA added.
In line with the AGF’s advice to law enforcement agencies to avoid shoddy investigations, HURIWA called for a revamp of Nigeria’s investigative processes.
It again, noted that many corruption cases have collapsed due to poorly conducted investigations and urged anti-corruption agencies to take their time in building strong cases before inviting suspects for questioning.
“The era of media trials must come to an end. We should not sacrifice thorough investigations for the sake of sensational headlines. The justice system must prioritize facts and evidence, ensuring that only well-investigated cases are brought before the courts,” added HURIWA.
It therefore, called on all stakeholders, particularly state Attorneys General and anti-graft agencies, to unite in the fight against corruption. reiterating its support for AGF Fagbemi and urged him to follow through on his promises to ensure that the culture of impunity that has plagued Nigeria for so long is eradicated once and for all.
End.
