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By Luminous Jannamike, Abuja

One week after the Council of State recommended a presidential pardon for two former governors convicted of corruption, the Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) has said the move will undermine the nation’s anti-corruption fight and encourage more political leaders to steal.

The group berated President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the recommendation, especially as the two former governors, Rev. Jolly Nyame and Joshua Dariye, were jailed for stealing over N2.7bn of public funds.

CHRICED’s Executive Director, Dr Zikirullahi Ibrahim, stated this while briefing journalists on the State of the Nation, in Abuja on Thursday.

According to him, the action of the President was tainted by political motives as the two ex-governors are card-carrying members of the ruling All Progressives Congress

“Just when the fight against corruption appears to be finally spreading among Nigerians and development partners, President Buhari announced pitiable, politically-informed state pardons for two recalcitrant former governors.

“It is on record that the two former governors never cooperated with the government throughout the investigation and prosecution. On the contrary, they did everything possible to frustrate the investigation and prosecution. It is to the credit of the hardworking staff and leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that the country eventually secured a conviction for these two felons. It is, therefore, disappointing and condemnable that President Buhari decided to reward unrepentant offenders with a state pardon.

“This act is a total disrespect of the pardon power of the President. It undermines the anti-corruption investment and risks by all anti-corruption advocates and institutions. It is shameful that the attorney-general of the federation, Malami, has once again allowed this shameful action to happen under his watch. It is even more shameful that President Buhari failed to show leadership and decorum and shield the exalted office of the President from such ignominious action.

“The President’s action demonstrated contempt for the international community and donors who have invested heavily in this government’s anti-graft campaign; denigrates the support of civil society organizations. Furthermore, President Buhari’s use of his prerogative of mercy in a destructive manner is the final nail in the coffin of the government’s ostensibly anti-corruption battle.”

Zikirullahi also spoke on the Buhari administration’s handling of the economy, the raging insecurity, as well as the ongoing strike by university lecturers amongst others.

He warned that unless the security challenges ravaging the country were adequately stopped, the country’s democracy would be greatly threatened during the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

“Unfortunately, President Buhari has continued to admit that the administration is overwhelmed. He must, however, prove this claim or resign honourably.

“As the father of the nation, President Buhari has a constitutional responsibility to protect every Nigerian and resident in this country. His appointees share in that responsibility and are accountable for every needless death,” CHRICED argued.

On the economy, the organisation decried the government’s lack of concrete action to stem inflationary pressures that have driven the prices of food and other essential commodities and services out of reach of the average citizen.

Zikirullahi said, “The environment is harsh, expensive, and unsustainable for businesses that attempt to produce or provide services. Epileptic electricity supply, high fuel costs for generators, multiple taxations, and the free fall of our currency, the Naira, have contributed to many small businesses’ demise. The government has remained aloof and passive in the face of these difficulties.”

He also condemned the ongoing industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over the government’s failure to honour agreements signed with the union.

While urging political parties and their stalwarts to search and put forward only candidates capable of confronting the multiple existential threats facing the nation ahead of the 2023 polls, CHRICED urged Nigerians to be interested in what each candidate can do to bring the country back from the brink of disaster.

Vanguard News Nigeria