Buhari Demands Offenders Be Tried Before An International Anti-Corruption Court

The African Anti-Corruption Champion, President Muhammadu Buhari, urged African leaders to step up the battle against corruption and increase the disincentives for stealing public funds on Thursday. He also asked for the creation of an international anti-corruption court to try criminals.

Key Points

[keypoints]

• Buhari urged African leaders to step up the battle against corruption
• Describes it as evil and all efforts at tackling it are desirable

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In a taped speech to commemorate the African Day of Anti-Corruption, the President commended African leaders for the successes so far achieved while warning that more must be done to punish offenders and recover assets that have been hidden abroad.

[quotation]“Distinguished participants and fellow African leaders, corruption is evil and all efforts at tackling it are desirable. I have monitored the fight against corruption in Africa and I can see both successes and drawbacks. The battle must continue for the sake of the continent and its people no matter the difficulties.[/quotation]

The battle against corruption has been fierce in Nigeria since 2015. A lot has been accomplished in the fields of asset recovery, anti-corruption laws, prosecution, conviction, and arrest.

[quotation]“I must admit that the fight has not been a bed of roses. Truly, a lot more work on many fronts is required. For example, civil and public servants must be ethical and professional at all times. The private sector must contribute to curbing corruption. The international community needs to close safe havens. The judiciary requires more impetus. Perhaps, an International Anti-corruption Criminal Court is needed,”[/quotation] he suggested.

According to President Buhari, schools need to work hard to create a better society, and family and religious values need to be improved.

[quotation]“I am extremely delighted to address the participants as we celebrate the Africa Day of Anti-Corruption. Distinguished participants, we have come a long way in the fight against corruption in Nigeria and Africa in general.

“May I use this opportunity to appreciate fellow African leaders for their individual and collective efforts in fighting corruption on our continent. I appreciate all of you for the confidence reposed in me being the Africa Champion on Anti-Corruption.

“I understand that the theme for 2022 is ‘Strategy and Mechanisms for the Transparent Management of Covid-19 Funds, Lessons from the Pandemic.’ In Nigeria, we responded to the Covid-19 Pandemic swiftly and having tamed it, we have realized the need for more awareness campaigns on health issues and more investment in the health sector. Again, service delivery requires checkmating corruption

“We must get rid of corruption in Africa,” the President addressed African leaders, “if the continent is to realize its full potential.”

“I have come to realize that nations in Africa have to ensure that national resources are not taken to safe havens around the world and we must curtail Illicit Financial Flows in all their ramifications. Also, we must work collectively to recover all resources taken abroad. We must show looters that crime does not pay by depriving them of the proceeds of their crime.

“Also, elite greed and irresponsibility must be eradicated in Africa. Again, ethics, decency, decorum and respect for rule of law must be promoted in Africa. It is important to develop strategies for behavioural change in Africa if corruption is to be tamed. This will ensure that national resources are allowed to serve the population and not a tiny few,”[/quotation] he continued.

He added that anti-corruption agencies must be given the authority and freedom to carry out their responsibilities.

[quotation]“I am very proud of our Anti-Corruption Agencies, our law enforcement agencies and our regulatory bodies for their efforts at checking criminality including corruption”,[/quotation] the President expressed his gratitude for their sacrifices.

In order to protect both present and future generations, President Buhari stated that the fight against corruption must be maintained.

[quotation]“Our youths have no place to go and live with dignity but in Africa. As I am leaving office next year, I am proud to leave behind a legacy of fighting corruption among others.

“Personally, I abhor corruption and I will render my best in or out of the office to get rid of corruption in Nigeria and Africa in general. I urge our youths to join me in this noble cause,”[/quotation] he said.

[quotation]“Posterity will judge us right if we deal with corruption as appropriate,”[/quotation] he said, urging African leaders to cooperate at whatever level is necessary to eradicate corruption in Africa.

The President emphasized the need to eradicate corruption in Nigeria and throughout Africa.

The president argued that it would improve the lives of the people in his country.

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