The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has reiterated the need for decisive action against politically exposed persons (PEPs) facing corruption allegations.

The cases in reference include those of the former governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa; the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; and Mr Salleh Mamman, who was just convicted of stealing N34 billion from the Ministry of Power.

They also include the immediate past Kogi State governor, Mr Yahaya Bello, who is facing charges of alleged theft of N80 billion from the Kogi treasury, but has lately picked forms to run for political offices under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

HURIWA stated that the EFCC could do much to prevent these persons from vying for public office by naming and shaming them through direct correspondence to the APC and all other political parties, reminding the parties of the corruption charges levelled against them.

In a statement by its national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group noted with concern the recent defence advanced by EFCC, which argued that it lacks constitutional authority to prevent individuals under investigation from participating in elections.

While HURIWA acknowledged the legal limits of administrative agencies in electoral disqualification, it firmly maintains that this explanation does not address the deeper institutional failure at the heart of Nigeria’s anti-corruption enforcement system.

BUT the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has commended the EFCC for declaring former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over alleged abuse of office and diversion of public funds amounting to about N37 billion.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the organisation described the development as a significant step in the fight against corruption and a demonstration that no public official should be above accountability, regardless of status or political affiliation.

he anti-corruption organisation recalled that it had earlier welcomed the court order directing the arrest of the former minister and demanded swift investigation and prosecution of all individuals implicated in the alleged fraud linked to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs during the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to Suraju, the allegations of mismanagement of humanitarian intervention funds constitute a grave betrayal of public trust, especially given that the funds were intended for vulnerable Nigerians facing poverty, displacement, and economic hardship.

The group further urged the EFCC and other relevant anti-graft agencies not to relent until justice is served and all looted public funds are recovered.

The organisation stressed that anti-corruption efforts must go beyond media publicity and result in diligent prosecution, asset recovery, and institutional reforms capable of preventing future abuse of public resources.

HEDA also called on citizens with useful information regarding the former minister’s whereabouts to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in the interest of justice and national accountability.