The Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) has accused the Supreme Court of “reliance on technicalities rather than justice and public interest” in the case that nullified the conviction of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.
Kalu, a former governor of Abia State, recently had his conviction over graft by a Federal High Court in Lagos quashed by the apex court in an appeal by his co-defendants.
In a release signed by its chairman, Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), PACAC said having reviewed the current state of the fight against corruption in the country, it found that the said apex court judgment “pose a cog in the fight against corruption especially because high profile individuals and politically exposed persons already appear to be above the law.”
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It said it was painful that the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015 have been ignored by the Supreme Court, “even though they were tailor-made to solve a great problem in our criminal justice system.”
“Despite this major setback, Nigerians and all other stakeholders in the fight against corruption should partner with the EFCC in the struggle against corruption.
“Leaders must be held to account in Nigeria irrespective of their power and position.
“PACAC will resist any special treatment for high profile Nigerians,” it said.
‘NJC nepotistic in appointment’
Prof. Sagay said the committee “also notes, with sadness and amazement, how sons and daughters of retired and serving judges and Justices are being nominated for appointment into sensitive judicial positions at the expense of more qualified candidates without privileged support and backing.
“This time around, it is an emphasis on favoritism/nepotism over competence.
“This is a pathway to future judicial malfeasance and miscarriage of justice.
“Nigerians and other stakeholders in the fight against corruption should fight to halt this malpractice now so as to save the nation from grave deterioration in our judicial system.”
Since the list of judicial officers for an appointment was submitted to the President by the National Judicial Council (NJC), lawyers and stakeholders in the justice sector have been divided over the process that produced the list.
Similarly, Prof Sagay said the Committee urges all MDAs, CSOs, security agencies, medical personnel, Anti-corruption agencies, the media, to continue to work in unison to fight corruption just as the country continues its battle against COVID-19.
“The Committee assures all Nigerians that the government will never relent in fighting corruption.
“We seek the support and understanding of everyone for our gallant Anti Corruption Agencies in order to propel them to record more successes.
“It is a fight they cannot wage alone,” he said.
On its part, Prof Sagay said the federal government will partner with interested parties within and outside Nigeria to “checkmate corruption and its evil promoters because the political will to fight corruption in Nigeria exists firmly under the present administration.”
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