By Uche Amunike
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami has extolled Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari for what he described as a significantly successful anti-corruption war against all that pointed towards corruption since he came into office.
He made this statement during the ongoing first ministerial meeting of Anti-Corruption and Law Enforcement Authorities of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which was held to endorse the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Convention in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,l on Tuesday.
Speaking, during the meeting, Abubakar Malami, who was represented by Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa Bawa, stated that President Buhari’s government took over from the Jonathan administration with a commitment to fight corruption and has so far, successfully achieved that objective.
His words: ‘The current Government in Nigeria, since assuming office, mounted a vigorous anti-corruption campaign which today, I am proud to say, has achieved significant successes, through the recovery and return of stolen assets to our country as well as jailing and prosecuting many officials accused of corruption.’
He further stated: ‘Corruption has no borders. As a national and transnational crime, it affects all countries who must also strengthen their collaboration to counter its negative effects such as weakening of state institutions and governance, deepening poverty, undermining the economy, peace and sustainable development’.
‘Through our anti-corruption drive, which also entails the use of ethical and moral tools, Nigeria has introduced a number of policies and legal measures including the whistle blower policy which has encouraged patriotic citizens to provide valuable information on suspected cases of corruption and corrupt practices. This policy contributed to the arrest, prosecution and recovery of stolen public funds’, he adjudged.
The anti-graft agency boss reiterated that the government was fully committed to the adoption of a complete approach to anti-corruption which includes its prevention and enforcement by equipping every relevant agency like the EFCC, the Police Force, ICPC, legislature, judiciary, media and civil society.
He also added that Nigeria was committed to the sustenance of high-level diplomacy and has also succeeded in developing international partnerships in support of the country’s anti-corruption enterprise. He maintained that Nigeria was ready to share her experiences with the OIC member states in that regard.
He lauded the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their initiative in elaborating the draft constitution that sought to provide the legal framework for institutionalized cooperation between the member states of the OIC through their anti-corruption agencies. He described it as ‘apt and timely’.
He also showed great appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for playing host at the conference. He particularly lauded Ambassador Hissein Brahmin Taha, who is the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for his leadership and efforts to promote intra-OIC-cooperation in all spheres.
The meeting which lasted for two days kicked off on Tuesday December 20, 2022 will be rounded off by Wednesday 21, 2023.
