Date Published: 04/12/10

Anti-Graft War: There wont be Sacred Cow -AGF

…Assures Waziri of FG’s Support 

The federal government  has again expressed its commitment to the nation’s anti-graft war, stressing that it will spare no effort to prosecute the corrupt and will not recognise any sacred cow in the process. 

The newly appointed Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN who gave the assurance on Monday, April 12, 2010, pledged his full support to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and its leadership in their efforts to rid the country of corruption and economic crimes.   

Adoke whose visit to the EFCC was his first to any government agency since he resumed work as AGF last week stated that he was delighted with the efforts of the Commission to eradicate corruption from Nigeria .  

His words, “it is my delight to be here to identify with EFCC and to pledge the commitment of government towards the fight against corruption and to assure the EFCC that we would do everything possible to support them to ensure that the fight against corruption is a success story in this country.

 “I am happy to identify with EFCC in the sense that I have followed very progressively all the efforts that they have been making. I am particularly happy that they have been able to get Nigeria delisted and I am sure that in the next rating of Transparency International, Nigeria ’s rating will be very positive.”   

While noting that corruption is a cancerous disease that can destroy any country, the AGF said “I want to assure you and I want to state loud and clear that there will be no sacred cows in the fight against corruption. There will be no cover up. We will give you all the maximum support, we will strengthen you and energize you and create a very enabling environment for you to flourish.”  

Adoke condemned the recent attack on EFCC operatives in the cause of duty by some unidentified persons.  “The government is very sad and very concerned about members of the Commission who have been subjected to vicious attack and killed in the discharge of their duties. I want to assure you that government views these victims as heroes in our fight against corruption”, he said stressing that government was doing everything possible to ensure the safety of EFCC operatives and their property.   

The AGF also disclosed that he was every ready to lend a helping hand to the Commission. “Anytime you have any requirement bring it to my office and we will treat it within 24 hours. The policy framework of this government is zero tolerance for corruption. If you have any case that you have a problem with, get in touch with us we will be there to support you. We will issue fiat to any lawyer of your choice that you want to prosecute for you. I will only advise that you get the best lawyers that can prosecute that will not be compromised and that know their onions.”   

While acknowledging that the fight against corruption is a very tedious one; and that corruption would certainly fight back, the AGF urged Mrs Waziri not to be discouraged or deterred by the number of attacks against her and the Commission. “ I encourage you not be deterred and you must not be discouraged and you will be on the positive side of history”, he stated.  

Earlier in her welcome remarks, the chairman of EFCC, Mrs Farida Waziri said the visit of the AGF was an indication of the seriousness with which he views the war against corruption. “You are only manifesting the commitment that you have, not only for the EFCC but the fight against corruption in this country. I watched the television when the British High Commissioner visited you, the way you spoke so passionately about this cankerworm called corruption, how it destroys the country and how you are committed to assisting the Commission in the fight”.   

She said that there are many areas that the EFCC will need the support and commitment of the AGF . She disclosed that EFCC has secured over 400 convictions and has made substantial recoveries of above $6.5 billion since inception. The Commission, she also said, facilitated the admission of the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit to the EGMONT Group and the launching of the Anti Corruption Revolution Campaign (ANCOR) to enlighten Nigerians on the evil of corruption.