It has long been agreed that one of the biggest challenges
militating against the growth and development of our dear country is the
massive corruption pervading the polity, hence one would expect a well
meaning Government to tackle the monster headlong.
This
fight against corruption is something to look for in the country,
especially by the Jonathan Administration that lays claim to zero
tolerance to corruption. But what do you get? The Jonathan
Administration keeps shielding his Party men and Cronies from being
investigated. Or how on Earth would one explain the news that broke
recently regarding the case of Muhammed Abacha.
The Attorney
General of the Federation Muhammed Adoke asked Justice Mamman Kolo of
the High Court to strike out the charge on the ground of “fresh facts”
that just emerged concerning the 446 billion naira loots of erstwhile
military dictator, General Sani Abacha. What is the rationale behind the
sudden withdrawal of such landmark case? What are the fresh facts?
But
the Supreme Court recently ruled that Muhammed Abacha has a case to
answer. Is the Supreme Court no longer the grand Court of the Nation? Or
it is meant for petty thieves and not Top Dogs in the society. Should
the Presidency be selecting which case to put on trial or to withdraw?
This issue of “Nolle Prosequl” again? Isn’t it time we separate the
office of the Attorney General of the Federation from that of the
Minister of Justice? Are we in banana republic? At the risk of sounding
critical of the Presidency, how else would one explain this? Should any
sane individual keep mute at this? What is this country turning into?
The next thing you would hear is supporters of the Jonathan
Administration reeling at insults. This writer is APC, they have paid
you to write and all the what nots. Should we blame the APC for this?
Maybe we should blame Buhari and the likes.
Related: Why Nigerians Should Be Grateful To The Late Sani Abacha
There
is no how you want to look at it. A bad decision is a bad decision no
matter whose ox is gored! We should start clapping for the Presidency
for dropping a case of 446 billion without waiting for the court to rule
in favour or otherwise of the accused. And somebody would tell me this
regime is not promoting corruption. United States former Secretary of
state, Hillary Clinton aptly puts during an interview with ABC’s Robin
Roberts “they have squandered their oil wealth. They have allowed
corruption to fester and now they are losing control of parts of their
territory because they wouldn’t make hard choices” Yes, supporters of
the President would quickly say go away Hillary, is there no corruption
in the United States? Of course there is corruption in Uncle Sam’s
country. But you and I know what happen to corrupt elements in that
clime. They are not shielded and promoted by the Government, they go
behind bars.
Related: Abacha's Loot: Nigeria To Get N37bn Back After 14 Years Of Struggle
In
2008, a certain Bernard Madolf defrauded the Nasdaq stock exchange of
over 50billion dollars. Do you know what happened to him? He was
sentenced to life in prison and his property including his shoes and
socks were auctioned. That is how to fight corruption!
As they
say in America, if you can’t do the term, don’t do the crime. As for
Abacha, there are insinuations his eyes are on the gubernatorial seat in
Kano State hence the Presidency and the PDP thought it wise to drop the
charges against him. Maybe he has forgotten the uproar that greeted the
rumour of his candidacy en route the 2011 Governorship election in Kano
state. Would you blame him? Didn’t Fayose with the corruption case
against him win a landslide victory against an incumbent and performing
Governor? Lest I forget, there is no corruption, but stealing.
Why then are we crying?
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