… NANS backs anti-graft war
From Kemi Yesufu and Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Former chairperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC), Mrs. Farida Waziri has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to take the establishment of special courts to try persons involved in financial crimes as a matter of urgent national importance.
Waziri told Daily Sun in Abuja that the introduction of specialised courts would not only lead to more convictions of persons who have stolen the country’s wealth, but would also ensure that cases of financial crime are speedily dealt with.
The ex-EFCC boss said though amendment to the Administration of Justice Act has greatly reduced the abuse of court process by lawyers desperate to keep their clients out of jail, the establishment of special courts remains a vital reform to greatly reduce the rampant use of delay tactics in regular courts.
“Nigeria needs these special courts even as President Buhari has shown tremendous will power to fight corruption. If we have these courts to handle cases of fraud, our country will be better off. With these courts which would have specially designated judges, we will get rid of the monstrosity called corruption, that is making life difficult for everyone. The president talked about fighting corruption before he got into office, he still talks about it now that he is in office which so much passion, so I think with him we have the best opportunity as a country to establish these courts.
“If you look at the state of the judiciary, you will see that judges have too many cases to handle at the same time. You will see that in some cases, a judge is trying murder, he is trying arson, rape, kidnapping and economic crime. But this is not the case in a lot of countries that have special courts. Ghana, India and Phillipines, readily come to mind. In these countries, the judges have become experts in the trial of financial crimes. The attorneys also have become experts in prosecuting these cases, in all, such courts make for expediency,” she said.
Meanwhile, Nigerian students under the auspices of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) have declared for Buhari’s anti-graft war with a vow to take the to campuses across the country.
In a statement signed by acting President/National Convention chairman, Prince Miaphen, NANS described corruption as the bane of Nigeria’s development. The students’ union urged Buhari not to relent in the war despite criticisms from some quarters, as “corruption breeds nepotism, incompetence, apathy among others.”
The statement added: “Some say it is selective, claiming it is targeted at decimating the opposition. However, we are yet to see a single individual or organisation that is standing trial or being investigated for corruption under the current administration that has not had his/it’s fingers tainted with corruption.”
The students’ body urged Buhari not to be distracted by bickering of disgruntled politicians and public servants who would rather want the status quo of corruption sustained.
It also urged all Nigerians to be wary of the antics of such people.