*Says ruling marks beginning of Judiciary’s cooperation with Executive
*Lauds Magu’s EFCC over thorough investigation
*Gives kudos to FG’s vigorous pursuance of anti-corruption war
“The main reason for people losing hope in this country has been the general lack of accountability. Crooks in government were stealing with impunity and nobody was ever questioned or arrested. Our values were bastardised. Criminals were celebrated. But change is here. Those who stole our common patrimony are now being made to face the music. It therefore behooves true patriots to rally behind President Muhammadu Buhari and his administration.”
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has applauded the Nigerian Judiciary for a job well done over the sentence of former Governor of Taraba State, Apostle Jolly Nyame, over corruption.
Ex-Governor Jolly Nyame was Wednesday sentenced to 14 years imprisonment by an Abuja High Court headed by Justice Adebukola Banjoko. The judge also ordered the refund of the sum of N1.64 billion diverted by the ex-governor since May, 2007.
Nyame spearheaded the fraudulent transfer of funds from the Taraba State’s treasury to Saman Global, a company which supplies office equipment and stationeries but the goods were never delivered.
MURIC’s applause was contained in a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday signed by its Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, copy of which was sent to The DEFENDER.
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) commends the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for doing a thorough investigation.
“We also laud the judge who delivered the landmark judgment for her boldness and forthrightness. There is no doubt that her pronouncement will serve as a deterrent for other kleptomaniacs in public service. This judgment marks the beginning of active participation of the judiciary and its cooperation with the executive in anti-graft war.
“In addition, we give kudos to the Federal Government (FG) for vigorously pursuing the war against corruption. Nyame’s imprisonment has cemented the resolve of this administration to bring about change in Nigeria. This will bring to five the number of ex-governors sent to jail since the beginning of President Muhammadu Buhari’s war against corruption.
“Although he was later set free, James Bala Ngilari, ex-governor of Adamawa State, bagged five years in March 2017. Babangida Aliyu, former Niger State governor, tasted the bitter pill on 25th April, 2017 when he was remanded in prison. Sule Lamido, ex-governor of Jigawa State was also remanded in prison on 2nd May, 2017. Jonah Jang, the former governor of Plateau State was remanded in prison custody on May 16, 2018. It is an unprecedented challenge of the status quo ante,” it said.
MURIC therefore called on Nigerians to show appreciation for this positive development it said, “implies that there is light at the end of the tunnel”, adding that “Those who had lost hope in the Nigerian project should now reposition themselves as more evidence has emerged to prove that the stage is set for a better Nigeria.”
The right group continued, “The main reason for people losing hope in this country has been the general lack of accountability. Crooks in government were stealing with impunity and nobody was ever questioned or arrested. Our values were bastardised. Criminals were celebrated. But change is here. Those who stole our common patrimony are now being made to face the music. It therefore behooves true patriots to rally behind President Muhammadu Buhari and his administration.
“Finally, we urge FG to remain focused and consistent in its efforts to clean up the mess in Nigeria and to restore the good name of this great country in the comity of nations. There must be no retreat, no surrender. We charge other judges to emulate Justice Adebukola Banjoko. Judges must sum up enough courage to deal with executive thieves standing trial before them as quickly as possible.”
