By Oluwatunmise
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has commended the recent judgment by an Adamawa High Court sentencing former Governor of the state, Bala Ngilari, to five years jail term for corruption.
MURIC made the commendation through a statement by its Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.
Describing the judgment as a ‘game changer’, Akintola explained that the judgment would serve as a yellow card for fraudulent governors, who believed that state government houses were meant for personal aggrandizement, adding that it is no longer business as usual for corrupt public office holders.
The rights group said, “A governor has not only been prosecuted for corrupt practices, he has also been jailed. Gone are the days of stealing with impunity and the fear of Buhari is now the beginning of wisdom,” he said.
Speaking further, Akintola, according to the statement, said, “The sentence handed down to the ex-governor will reassure ordinary Nigerians that justice is no longer for sale and that Nigerian prisons are no longer meant for the poor alone. MURIC certifies that this is an indubitable evidence of change in the Nigerian legal system.
“We recall that the Buhari administration anchored its campaign during the 2015 presidential election on ‘change’. This judgment shows that the campaign promise is being fulfilled. The change mantra is on course. Nigerians are used to hearing of governors stealing their states dry without anyone challenging them.
“We jog the consciences of all sitting governors and other public officials around the country. The handwriting is on the wall. They should take a cue from Ngilari. Those eyeing public offices for the purpose of enriching themselves should also watch out. We charge Nigerians to take charge of their own destiny. They should not allow yam thieves to deceive them.”
The group also lauded the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for commitment to the fight against corruption.
