Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, has reaffirmed his commitment to the anti-corruption war.
Malami said : “Authorizing the appeal filed against the acquittal of Senate President Bukola Saraki by the Code of Conduct Tribunal, is another evidence of his commitment”.
The Federal Government had filed 11 grounds of appeal at the Court of Appeal and described the CCT’s no case judgment as unreasonable.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Salihu Isah and the Special Assistant to the President on Prosecution (AGF Office), Mr. Okoi Obono-Obla, the Minister debunked a statement credited to a member of the Professor Itse Sagay-led Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, (PACAC) Prof. Femi Odekunle, which questioned his commitment to the anti-corruption fight.
Malami said in spite of the judicial setbacks suffered by the anti-corruption war, he remained “resolutely, painstakingly, doggedly, purposefully and determinedly with all the constitutional and legal arsenals at the disposal of the Federal Government of Nigeria”.
According to the statement, “the Honourable Attorney of the Federation wishes to assure 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.
“It 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 eradication of the scourge of corruption and graft in the country.
“Those in a hurry to condemn due to the temporary setbacks recorded lately should 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”.
The statement continued : “To say that the Honorable 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 National Anti-Corruption Strategy plan is a five-year strategic 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.”
