SERAP urges Buhari to prosecute alleged corrupt governors

A human rights group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability
Project (SERAP), has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to prosecute serving and ex-governors allegedly involved in corruption.

The group in an open letter, urged him to use his “good offices and leadership position to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami,” to open the cases.

The letter by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Timothy Adewale, expressed concern at the refusal to prosecute them.

Adewale said the delay in their prosecution has sent a negative message to the public that some serving and ex-governors are untouchable.

It added that the situation has also contributed to the perception among Nigerians that these influential governors are being protected for political reasons.

The letter, a copy of which was received by The Guardian, stressed that prosecuting them was entirely consistent with the attorney general’s duties under the Constitution.

Doing so would also “contribute to upholding the majesty of law and vindicating the rule of law.

“Should the attorney general fails to take over these corruption cases against them, SERAP would consider appropriate legal action to compel the authorities to discharge their constitutional duties,” it further reads.

The group said their prosecution was consistent with the basic tenets of the rule of law, the concept of equality and the cause of justice.

It warned: “the continuing delay in the prosecution of these former governors is significant to the existing impunity by those engaged in grand corruption.

“It is a serious threat to probity in public life, the rule of law and respect for human rights.”

SERAP stressed that Federal Government’s inaction is a fundamental breach of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and the United Nation (UN) Convention to which Nigeria is a party.