The presidency has justified an executive order by Muhammadu Buhari which reportedly placed 50 Nigerians accused of corruption on a travel ban. The senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity, Garba Shehu, in a statement on Sunday, October 14, said that the order was legal and constitutional, The Nation reports.
He said the measure was revolutionary as it would lead to quick determination of corruption cases in the country. “In the history of independent Nigeria, this is the first time any government is taking such a key decision to fight corruption," Shehu said. “EO 6 is not only revolutionary to the efforts to rid Nigeria of corruption but a manifestation of systemic changes that are required to make necessary adjustments as we carry on with the war against corruption.
“The very essence of the order is to make for speedy trials and conclusion of graft cases. The order is not political and there is no political gain behind its activation." The presidential aide noted that the cases in question were originated by previous administrations, adding that most suspects involved in the cases hire lawyers to slow down the pace of their trial.
Shehu said the executive order would compel everyone involved in the cases to make for a speedy conclusion of these trials. “If it is your money, you have it back. If it belongs to the public, it goes back to the treasury, he said. “The question of the constitutionality of the restriction order is answered by the fact that a court of the land has given government a clean chit. The Executive Order is legal and constitutional and therefore implementable," the aide stated.
“One of the cardinal objectives of the government under our constitution is to fight corruption. Fighting corruption is a responsibility and obligation upon the government.” He however, distanced the presidency from the list in circulation, noting that the presidency had not issued any list and was not going to do so.
“On the so-called list you asked for confirmation, I want to confirm to you that we have not issued any list and we are not doing so. “These cases that are well known and to say this or that name is on it will open the door to further accusations, including trial by media.
The Immigration Service and other security agencies have the mandate of the President to carry out enforcement and they will do so giving due respects to individual rights, in line with the constitution.”
Meanwhile, a former national security adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd), 13 former governors and seven ex- ministers have been reportedly barred from travelling out of the country under Executive Order 6 (EO6) issued on Saturday, October 13, by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The restriction followed the judicial affirmation of the constitutionality and legality of the Executive Order 6 (EO6). The watch-list and restriction were put in place pending the conclusion of the cases against those affected.
On the watch list, according to The Nation, are: ex-governors Saminu Turaki (Jigawa), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Adebayo Alao-Akala (Oyo), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Rasheed Ladoja (Oyo), Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia), Danjuma Goje (Gombe), Attahiru Bafarawa (Sokoto), Muazu Babangida Aliyu (Niger); Chimaroke Nnamani (Enugu); Sule Lamido (Jigawa); Gbenga Daniel (Ogun); and Ibrahim Shehu Shema (Katsina).
Read more: https://www.naija.ng/1198168-buharis-executive-order-constitutional-presidency.html#1198168
