The Coalition for Democracy in Nigeria (CODIN) has issued a call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to ensure transparent accountability for the recovered assets from former Head of State, General Sanni Abacha. The pro-democracy organization conveyed this message during an emergency meeting in Ibadan, led by its President, Mr. Mashood Erubami.
This appeal comes in response to France’s decision to return an additional $150 million in Abacha loot. CODIN emphasized the importance of consistently accounting for the recovery of such ill-gotten gains by corrupt leaders and informing the public about the tangible and sustainable projects intended for the welfare of the people.
Furthermore, CODIN advocated for improved collaboration between the Federal Government (FG) and stakeholders within the criminal justice system, with a particular emphasis on the Judiciary. Comrade Erubami reminded President Tinubu of the previous call made by former President Muhammadu Buhari during the 2019 biennial All Nigeria Judges Conference of Superior Courts in Abuja. Buhari had suggested the creation of efficient structures for Special Crimes Courts or the designation of existing courts as Special Courts with competent and credible judicial officers to streamline the judicial process.
Erubami urged all stakeholders in the justice reform sector and the criminal justice system, under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, to collectively address the challenges faced by the judiciary. He stressed the need for innovative measures, including the review of existing laws and the enactment of new legislation, to improve the lives of Nigerians in the fight against corruption.
Additionally, Erubami highlighted the importance of President Tinubu’s administration not solely focusing on judicial reforms but also fostering an environment conducive to attracting foreign direct investments and combatting corruption and insecurity. He underscored that successful foreign investments rely on an atmosphere of ease of doing business and adherence to global best practices governed by the rule of law.
CODIN called upon the legal community, both lawyers and judges, to align themselves with the government’s anti-corruption initiatives and collaborate in devising new judicial mechanisms to enhance transparency, security, and the expeditious adjudication of corruption-related cases.
The group emphasized the significance of interpreting constitutional provisions and anti-corruption laws judiciously, ensuring that substantive justice is served rather than mere judgment. It cautioned against allowing the perception that the judiciary is complicit in corruption and called for measures to deter those involved in corrupt practices, including intermediaries, from escaping justice.
In conclusion, CODIN emphasized the imperative of holding individuals accountable for their involvement in corruption and ensuring that the fight against corruption is pursued to its logical conclusion through incorruptible judicial procedures.
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