AGF restates commitment on war against corruption amidst criticism
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami (SAN), has expressed sadness and disappointment over criticism that the government is not serious with its corruption fight .
A statement jointly signed by comrade Salihu Othman Isah ,the Special Adviser ,Media to AGF and Okoi Obono-Obla the Special Assistant to the President on prosecution office of the AGF stated that a story titled ‘Buhari’s anti-corruption panel lambasts Presidency, Judiciary…says AGF, others not serious about graft war’ attributed to the Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption which questioned the commitment of the AGF on war against corruption, was unfair, particularly coming from those who ought to know.
“To say that the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN frowns at the statement is an understatement. In fact, he is highly disappointed that such accusation and statement could be made by those who ought to know better.”
“The Honourable Attorney General of the Federation is saddened and flummoxed at the attempt to cast aspersion on his integrity, dedication and commitment to the war against corruption which undoubtedly is one of the major cornerstones of the present administration.”
“There is no gainsaying that the incumbent Attorney General of the Federation has shown and demonstrated so much passion, drive, will and enthusiasm in prosecution of transgressors of the law ever seen in the annals of this country.”
The statement said that the truth of the matter is that the Attorney General of the Federation is totally, fully and completely committed, dedicated and supports the war against corruption in all its form and ramification.
That since his assumption of office, the AGF has initiated numerous reforms and programs to drive the war against corruption including the recently launched National Anti-Corruption Strategy, 2017.
The National Anti-Corruption Strategy plan is a five year strategy plan to combat corruption and corrupt tendencies in the country to the barest minimum. It is the first of its plan in the history of the country.
AGF assured Nigerians that despite some recent setbacks recorded in some of the cases involving politically exposed people; that the war against corruption is fully on course.
According to the statement corruption “shall be fought resolutely, painstakingly, doggedly, purposefully and determinedly with all the constitutional and legal arsenals at the disposal of the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
The Federal Government is more than ever before committed towards the complete eradiation of the scourge of corruption and graft in the country.
It said that it is in this regard, the Attorney General of the Federation has directed that a Notice of Appeal be lodged against the ruling of the Code of Conduct Tribunal acquitting and discharging false assets declaration case preferred against the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki.
He advised all those in a hurry to condemn due to the temporary setbacks recorded lately, to tarry awhile because a legal process is deemed not concluded until it terminates at the Supreme Court which is the highest court of arbitration in Nigeria.
