Lagos-based constitutional lawyer, Fred Agbaje has urged
the incoming ministers to learn from the ongoing trial of former Minister of
Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke.
Diezani is being tried in the United Kingdom (UK) by
Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) for alleged bribery and
corruption-related charges.
In an interview with Daily Independent, Agbaje said
Diezani’s trial was a manifestation that the war against corruption spearheaded
by President Muhammadu Buhari was gaining ground and that looters of the
nation’s patrimony would not escape justice.
He lamented how Diezani behaved like “a thin god and was
so powerful that even her boss, former President Goodluck Jonathan could not
tame her.”
“It is not only a welcome development but also a manifestation
that the war against corruption is being recognised both locally and
internationally. It is a testimony to the fact that there is no hiding place
for any criminal in Nigeria again”.
“The world has indeed become a global village. Anybody
who commits a crime in Nigeria and takes to his or heels by seeking sanctuary
abroad cannot escape justice. Anywhere you are in the world, you will be smoked
out to come and face trial.
“The likes of Diezani, who became a thin god in Nigeria
when she was in office should know that the end of culture of impunity has come
with the war against corruption in Nigeria. They were the laws of the land
during Jonathan’s regime.
“Jonathan became so helpless in taming the ministers he
appointed. The ministers became so powerful beyond redemption.
“One is happy that one of them is being tried
internationally now. It is a good show for the fight against corruption and
will make the incoming ministers know that there is fire on the mountain. They
themselves will have to run”, he said.
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