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SERAP Writes Buhari, Seeks Trial Of High-Profile Corruption Cases, Details Of Missing Files

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Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sent an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari requesting him to “instruct Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation to take immediate steps to expeditiously, diligently, effectively and fairly prosecute high-profile corruption cases, and to publish details of the whereabouts of allegedly missing case files, as well as the status of prosecution of all the cases being handled by his office.”

The organization said: “The high-profile corruption cases include 103 cases reportedly sent by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission [EFCC] in 2017, and the 15 allegedly missing case files sent by the now defunct Special Presidential Investigation Panel on the Recovery of Public Property, [SPIP] in 2019 to Mr Malami.”

In the letter dated 26 September, 2020 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization said: “The authorities’ failure to diligently and expeditiously prosecute high profile corruption cases amounts to a fundamental breach of constitutional and international obligations. Continuing failure to prosecute these cases may create the perception of a deliberate effort to protect those considered to be very influential and powerful.”

According to the organization: “The fact that these cases have been pending for several years suggests that your government has not carried out its public, constitutional and international obligations, including the obligations to show that no one is above the law as far as the fight against corruption is concerned.”

The organization said: “Public interest demands that high-profile corruption cases are concluded within a reasonable time so that those guilty are punished and the innocent are set free. The rule of law and the preservation of democracy also require that the authorities duly proceed in accordance with the law against every high-profile person suspected of grand corruption, irrespective of where he/she is placed in the political hierarchy.”

The letter, copied to Mr Malami, read in part: “SERAP is seriously concerned about the apparent inertia by the authorities to diligently and expeditiously prosecute high-profile corruption cases. While many of these cases have been dragging before your assumption of office in May 2015, several of the cases have not satisfactorily progressed, contrary to Nigerians’ expectations.

“Speedily, diligently, effectively and fairly prosecuting high-profile corruption cases would demonstrate your government’s commitment to enhance probity in public life and willingness to enforce accountability in public life. The basic postulate of the concept of equality: ‘Be you ever so high, the law is above you’, should be your government’s approach to high profile corruption cases.

“Our requests are brought in the public interest, and in keeping with the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] particularly section 15[5], and Nigeria’s international obligations, including under the UN Convention against Corruption and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption, as well as the rule of law.

“We hope that the aspects highlighted will help guide your actions in acting to ensure the diligent, expeditious and effective prosecution of longstanding high-profile corruption cases, including the 103 cases and the allegedly missing 15 case files of high-profile corruption suspects.

“We would be grateful if your government begins to implement the recommended action and measures within 14 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter.

“If we have not heard from you by then as to the steps being taken in this direction, the Registered Trustees of SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to pursue prosecution of these longstanding high-profile corruption cases to their logical conclusion, and to regularly report to Nigerians on the progress of prosecution.

“People get frustrated in the system if the process of justice is not allowed to take its normal course, more so, when apparently deliberate attempts are made to subvert and delay the process.

“There is a nexus between corruption at high places in public life and threats to the integrity, welfare, security and economy of the country, as well as the rule of law. There is therefore a clear need for an expeditious, diligent and effective prosecution of these cases, which have already been delayed for several years.

“Expeditious prosecution of those suspected of grand corruption irrespective of the position and status of that person is imperative to retain public confidence in the ability and willingness of authorities to prevent and combat corruption.

“According to our information, details of about 103 high-profile corruption cases being handled by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission [EFCC] were reportedly made available in 2017 to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice upon request.

“Further, the case files of 15 high-profile corruption suspects are allegedly missing. The missing files are among the 23 cases reportedly sent by the now defunct Special Presidential Investigation Panel on the Recovery of Public Property, [SPIP] in 2019 to Mr Malami, and include some charges of fraud involving some former governors and senators, as well as non-declaration of assets and possession of foreign accounts cases.”

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Rivers APC Faults State Assembly Over Fubara Impeachment Move

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A camp in the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has faulted the Rivers State House of Assembly for proceeding with impeachment moves against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, warning that the action could destabilise both the party and the state.

In a press statement issued on Friday, and signed by its spokesperson, Darlington Nwauju, the APC said it had reviewed the developments at the Assembly and expressed concern over what it described as a “choreographed legislative coup d’état”.

“We have painstakingly analysed the issues leading up to the latest step taken today by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly by electing to proceed with the impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Prof Ngozi Odu.

“Regrettably, we note that honourable members who trumpeted loyalty to our party and Mr President can give themselves to the unfolding choreographed legislative coup d’état against the collective interest, growth, and development of our party in the state,” the statement said.

The party warned that Rivers State could not afford actions that threaten political stability, accusing some lawmakers, including APC members, of acting against the party’s interests.

It added that although the Assembly has constitutional powers to begin impeachment, the process remains largely subjective, as what qualifies as “gross misconduct” under Section 188 is open to political interpretation by lawmakers.

“Thus, no matter how beautifully crafted the allegations against the Governor and his Deputy are, they are still very subjective in the court of public opinion,” the statement added.

The APC cautioned that the path chosen by the Assembly could have long-term consequences for the party’s health and survival in Rivers State, describing the development as a dangerous precedent.

“This unfortunate path chosen by the legislative arm, therefore, serves as a dangerous footnote to the health and survival of the APC in Rivers State,” it said.

The party also called on the Chief Judge of Rivers State to comply with an interim injunction, which restrains him from receiving or acting on resolutions from the House of Assembly relating to the impeachment process.

“Meanwhile, we call on the Honourable Chief Judge of Rivers State to respect yesterday’s interim injunction in Suit No. OYHC/7/CS/2026 that restrained him from receiving or acting on the resolutions of the Rivers State House of Assembly,” the statement said.

It further appealed to the national leadership of the APC to urgently intervene by activating internal mechanisms available to the National Working Committee under Article 21(b)(iii) of the party’s 2022 Constitution (as amended).

“Finally, we call on the national leadership of the party to immediately activate internal mechanisms available to the National Working Committee under Article 21(b)(iii) of the 2022 Constitution (as amended) to save our dear party from an embarrassing situation,” it added.

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ADC not vehicle for Atiku’s presidential ambition – Bolaji Abdullahi

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The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has restated that it is a self-governing political party, insisting it is not controlled by any single person.

The party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the ADC remains accessible to all Nigerians, including prominent political figures such as former presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.

He maintained that no individual can claim ownership of the party.

Abdullahi made the clarification during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television, Friday, where he dismissed claims that the ADC is being groomed to advance the presidential ambition of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

According to him, such claims are unfounded and largely driven by individuals who lack a proper understanding of the party’s internal structure.

He explained that ADC members are fully aware that the party operates on collective ownership, a principle that allows it to welcome influential politicians from different backgrounds.

“Those of us within the ADC know that the party does not belong to any one person. That is why someone like Peter Obi can join, and why Rotimi Amaechi is already a member,” he said.

He further alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, is behind the growing speculation, accusing it of attempting to interfere in the ADC’s internal affairs.

The ADC spokesperson also assured that the party’s presidential candidate would be chosen through due process, stressing that the outcome is not prearranged.

“Whoever eventually becomes our presidential candidate, whether Atiku or any other aspirant, will emerge through a transparent and credible process,” Abdullahi stated, reaffirming that the ADC is not the personal platform of any individual.

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PDP Dismisses Rumours Of 2027 Election Exit, Says Litigations Pose No Threat

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed rumours suggesting that it might not participate in the 2027 general election following ongoing litigations within the party, particularly those linked to the post-Ibadan convention.

The party’s national publicity secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, described the speculation as unfounded and a deliberate attempt by mischief makers to drag the name of the party into disrepute.

Speaking in an interview, Ememobong said there is no legal or institutional impediment preventing the PDP from contesting the 2027 general election.

“I do not know where this rumour is coming from because, as far as I know, there has been no hindrance to our participation in the 2027 election,” he said.

He pointed to the party’s recent activities as proof of its legal standing, noting that the PDP had successfully submitted the names of its candidates for the Abuja Area Councils election, which were duly rectified by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“We have submitted the names of our candidates for the Abuja local council election, and INEC has rectified them,” he stated.

Ememobong also addressed concerns surrounding the removal of the PDP’s Ekiti State governorship candidate, clarifying that the development was a result of litigation arising from the conduct of the party’s primary election, not from any question about the PDP’s eligibility to field candidates.

According to him, the matter has progressed to the Court of Appeal, and the affected candidate is awaiting the outcome of the legal process.

Recall that a Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti nullified the PDP governorship primary election that produced Dr Wole Oluyede as the party’s candidate. The court held that the primary election did not comply with the provisions of the PDP constitution and the Electoral Act.

Specifically, the court ruled that the PDP failed to submit an original and authentic list of statutory and ad hoc delegates, a requirement under the law. Consequently, the court ordered the party to conduct a fresh governorship primary election that must include all eligible aspirants.

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