By Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

ABUJA—Worried at the widening activities of terrorists across África, the Deputy Senate President,Ike Ekweremadu,has asked for establishment of special anti-corruption courts in África.

Ekweremadu

This was even as he called on African nations to pay attention to judicial reforms as they embark on reform of legal frameworks and institutions to fight terrorism.

Senator Ekweremadu,according to a statement from his Special Adviser, Media,Uche Anichukwu, spoke in Nairobi, Kenya,  Wednesday, at the ongoing 46th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, CPA, African Region Conference.

He said the special anti-corruption courts, when established, would strengthen the war against terrorism and insurgency in Africa.

He said: “Our courts and judges     are overwhelmed by     lawsuits and the wheels of justice grind very slowly in most African countries. There is also the issue of the suitability of our conventional courts in terms of security for the trial of such high profile crimes.

The theme of the Conference is “Democracy and Development in Africa: Policy Options in the Post-Millennium Development Goal Framework”.

Speaking on the sub-theme “The Role of Parliament in Tackling the Menace of Terrorism on the Continent of Africa”, Senator Ekweremadu who is at the head of the Nigeria National CPA Delegation, warned that terrorism in Africa was more widespread than was generally recognised. He said the Information Technology, ICT, penetration in Africa meant that terrorist groups could now mobilize, train, establish, and maintain cells and links without the physical obstacles of borders.

“We should, therefore, consider amending our laws to set up special courts to try terrorism suspects. If punishments were to be swiftly meted out to offenders, it would deter prospective terrorists and their sponsors”.

The senator expressed the strong belief that besides lawmaking, African parliaments could contribute immensely to the war against terrorism by effectively utilising the powers of oversight, appropriation, approval of certain appointments, ratification of international treaties and conventions on terrorism, among others.

He emphasised that “insecurity anywhere is insecurity everywhere” and advocated a continent-wide parliamentary partnership to galvanise actions to combat terrorism.