The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, has proposed a constitutional amendment to prevent corrupt leaders from receiving presidential pardons.
News About Nigeria reports that the proposal aims to exclude corruption cases from the president’s power to grant mercy.
The event, themed ‘Building a Unified Front Against Corruption in Nigeria,’ brought together various stakeholders to enhance collaboration and strengthen anti-corruption efforts.
According to Fagbemi, the proposed amendment will be pursued in the next constitutional review to ensure corrupt leaders face the full weight of the law.
He said that this proposal is a step towards addressing corruption, a major concern for citizens and the international community.
Recall that many high-profile individuals convicted of corruption have previously received presidential pardons.
“I have always believed that collaboration is key to achieving the best results. In the fight against corruption, everyone is a stakeholder,” Fagbemi said.
“In the fight against corruption, everyone is a stakeholder. Believe me, everyone is involved.
“In fighting corruption, we need to focus on the facts, not on where someone is from or their religion. If someone is accused of embezzling money, the focus should be on the facts of the case.
“I suggest that in our next constitutional amendment, matters of corruption should be excluded from the prerogative of mercy. This is the only way we can progress.
“We want to return to an era where showing your passport and mentioning your profession automatically earns you respect. When we travel outside the country, and you reach immigration or border stations, they first ask you, ‘What work do you do?’ Sometimes you feel like hiding your passport, but you have to show it.
“Let us return to this approach when dealing with corruption. We should also avoid the trend of public sentiment influencing actions, especially in Nigeria, where political polarisation is rampant. Investigations should be thorough, and charges should be clear and concise.”
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption, Senator Osinakachukwu Ideozu, lauded the proposal, noting that corruption undermines institutions and stifles development.
ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, spoke on the importance of collaboration in preventing corruption and promoting good governance.
