From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has said his administration is investing recovered proceeds from corruption into critical social programmes aimed at reducing the economic pressures on vulnerable Nigerians.
The president, who made the disclosure during the opening of a capacity building workshop for justices and judges organised by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja, yesterday, said the move underscored a commitment to not only address corruption but also foster economic stability for those most affected by it.
“This government also seeks to ease the pressure on vulnerable populations to embrace corrupt practices through strategic investment of recovered proceeds of corruption in critical social programmes. The two notable ones are the Students Loan Fund being managed by Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the Consumer Credit Scheme under the supervision of the Nigerian Credit Corporation.
“With easy access to loans, we are confident that most of our indigent students will have no need to embrace cybercrime, while the credit scheme offers workers easy access to money to fund their needs in spite of the harsh economic realities.”
He emphasised that these initiatives are designed to provide financial relief and deter individuals from resorting to corrupt practices.“With easy access to loans, we are confident that most of our indigent students will have no need to embrace cybercrime. The credit scheme offers workers easy access to money to fund their needs despite the harsh economic realities.”
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu emphasised the need for all Nigerians to unite in the fight against corruption, saying no Nigerian was immune to the malaise, a cancer which continues to deny the nation the full benefits of her God-given resources.
He urged that rather than rely solely on anti-graft agencies, everyone must close ranks to tackle what he called “common enemy.”
He identified frivolous appeals, alleged intimidation of Judges by lawyers and judgments delivered on grounds of technicalities as some of the major challenges impeding the war against corruption. He said until the challenges are curtailed, they will continue to hamper the speedy adjudication of corruption cases.
He, however, acknowledged that prosecution of corruption cases had improved remarkably, following the justice sector reforms in the last few years.
The president described the capacity-building workshop as a platform to collectively raise a strong voice against Nigeria’s common enemy called corruption.
”There is no gainsaying the fact that the judiciary is central to the success of the anti corruption efforts.
”The commitment, courage and patriotism of judicial officers are ingredients that make the difference in the fight against corruption.
”Though I am aware that prosecution of corruption matters has improved in the light of the justice sector reforms in the last few years.
”We are not oblivious of some challenges that continue to impede the speedy adjudication of corruption cases.
”They include frivolous applications and appeals, meant to delay the trial, intimidation of judges by counsel, and judgment based not on the facts of cases but on technicalities.”
Tinubu urged the judiciary arm of government to ensure that courts are equipped with the required knowledge to handle cases involving these new forms of crime.
“As an administration, we remain committed to creating the right environment for judicial officers to discharge their responsibilities.
“One of the major actions of the government within the first year of my administration was improving the welfare of judges across the board with an increase in their remuneration. Official accommodation is also being provided for various categories of judicial officers in highbrow areas of the Federal Capital Territory.”
In his intervention, former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Emeka Anyaoku, noted that corruption is a menace that has existed for long in the history of human societies, adding that it is found in almost every country and, therefore, has to be stopped through collaborative efforts.
“Without any iota of doubt, corruption has become one of the biggest impediments in the way of Nigeria’s efforts to achieve socio economy development and political stability. Having in my career visited more than 100 countries, I can say that the phenomenon of corruption occurs in virtually all countries of the world. What makes the difference is its extent and the effectiveness of the measures for combating the malady in each country,” he stated.
Earlier, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, commended the leadership of anti-graft agencies for its commitment and collaboration with the judiciary in handling economic, financial crimes and related cases.
She urged that the law enforcement agencies must begin to see judicial officials as partners in the anti-graft campaign in Nigeria and pledged the support and commitment of the judiciary in the campaign through capacity-building initiatives for justices, judges and prosecuting officers.
The CJN stated that economic and financial crimes were posing significant threats to national and global economies and must be tackled by all stakeholders.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who was represented by his deputy, Jibrin Barau, praised the collaboration between anti-graft agencies and the judiciary.
He emphasised the need for a periodic review of laws related to economic crimes, asserting that “the complexity of financial crimes requires constant tweaking of the laws.”
“It is incumbent on us all as stakeholders to adopt and implement pragmatic solutions that will help address challenges confronting our country, including financial crimes.
He called for the creation of a central database accessible to law enforcement agencies, highlighting that such tools are vital in the fight against corruption.Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, also spoke at the workshop, describing it as a significant step in the Tinubu administration’s efforts to combat economic and financial crimes.
“Competence must be at the forefront of the reinvigorated war against corruption in Nigeria,” underscoring the importance of equipping judicial officers with the necessary skills and knowledge.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, proposed the adoption of a multifaceted approach in the fight against graft in Nigeria, just as he welcomed the continued collaboration between the EFCC and the judiciary.
Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Olanipekun Olukoyede, said the theme of the workshop, “Integrating Stakeholders in Curbing Economic and Financial Crimes” portrays greater inclusivity and harnessing the collective strength of stakeholders in the justice and law enforcement sectors of Nigeria.
He therefore, emphasised that collective action by all stakeholders will help actualize Nigeria’s quest to overcome the challenges of corruption and financial crimes, which have hindered the development of the nation.
Also present at the event were President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban Mensem; Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Justice Salisu Abdullahi; the guest speaker and legal luminary, Prof Itse Sagay (SAN), among others.