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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Transparency International (TI) Nigeria have described President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial list as reversal of progress made in the country’s anti-corruption efforts since the return to democratic rule in 1999
Its Executive Director, Auwal Rafsanjani, in a statement, yesterday, expressed disappointment over Tinubu’s appointments and nominations of individuals believed to be corrupt and lacking in integrity into key leadership positions within political parties, the executive, and legislative arms of the government.
CISLAC said of particular concern is the list of names forwarded by Tinubu to the National Assembly for ministerial screening.
It flayed the inclusion of an ex-governor who has been internationally accused of aiding a former military ruler in laundering the country’s wealth abroad on the list.
It said the move has raised concerns about the impact it will have on the morale of anti-corruption agencies in the country.
CISLAC highlighted the worrisome scenario where individuals with substantial corruption allegations have been entrusted with leading roles in the ruling political party.
It said it is even more concerning considering that ongoing investigations by anti-graft agencies, both at the state and federal levels, are underway against some of these individuals.
CISLAC said on the list are individuals with corruption-related cases pending against them, adding that this raises questions about the president’s commitment to upholding integrity in governance and his apparent disregard for public outcry, especially in the fight against corruption.
Equally troubling is the appointment of a politician with a pending case before the Economics and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as leader of the National Assembly. This individual, CISLAC said, would now be responsible for overseeing anti-graft agencies, including the EFCC.
Furthermore, CISLAC said the recycling of ex-governors and ex-ministers who have previously demonstrated a lack of competence is deeply concerning.
It said it firmly believes that the assembly of these alleged corrupt individuals, with known integrity deficits, demonstrates a lack of regard for the public’s demand for an ethical and responsible government. The nation’s reputation on the global stage is likely to suffer as a consequence of acts such as money laundering, drug trafficking, violence, and the illegal proliferation of arms. These issues have contributed and will continue to widen the scope of insecurity, poverty, the collapse of education and healthcare infrastructure, and the erosion of ethical and cultural values.
The transparency body said it is disheartening that young Nigerians would have no positive role models from these corrupt individuals.
CISLAC said along with well-meaning Nigerians, will continue to demand transparency, accountability, and responsible leadership within public offices.
