BANNED NIGERIANS: We won’t publish names inherited from past govt –Presidency

The presidency has said that it has not issued and is not going to publish a list of names of those on the travel ban placed on some 50 high profile Nigerians.

It went further to claim that the list, which has continued to attract reactions from Nigerians, was inherited by the Muhammadu Buhari administration from the previous government.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, stated this in a statement Sunday night.

“On the so-called list you asked for confirmation, I want to confirm to you that we have not issued any list and we are not doing so. In the history of independent Nigeria, this is the first time any government is taking such a key decision to fight corruption.

“EO (Executive Order) 6 is not only revolutionary to the efforts to rid Nigeria of corruption but a manifestation of systemic changes that are required to make necessary adjustments as we carry on with the war against corruption.

“The very essence of the order is to make for speedy trials and conclusion of graft cases. The order is not political and there is political gain behind its activation. Airlines count losses, as picketing continues today

“These high profile cases we are talking about have been ongoing for between seven and 10 years with no end in sight. These cases were mostly originated by administrations other than this one.

‘’What is clear is that the access to these resources by the suspects has enabled them to be in a composition to sometime compromise investigation, prosecution and trial.  In most of the cases, the courts are held in a helpless position by legal acrobatics paid for from corrupt enrichment by the suspects.

“The new measures put in place should compel everyone involved to make for a speedy conclusion of these cases. If it is your money, you have it back. If it belongs to the public, it goes back to the treasury.

“The question of the constitutionality of the restriction order is answered by the fact that a court of the land has given government a clean sheet.

“The Executive Order is legal and constitutional and, therefore, implementable. One of the cardinal objectives of the government under our constitution is to fight corruption. Fighting corruption is a responsibility and obligation upon the government.

“These cases that are well known and to say this or that name is on it will open the door to further accusations, including trial by media.

READ ALSO: TRAVEL BAN: Atiku, Falana, Ozekhome, Fani-Kayode react

“The Immigration Service and other security agencies have the mandate of the President to carry out enforcement and they will do so giving due respects to individual rights, in line with the constitution,” he said.

Several Nigerians including the presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; Elder statesman and Yoruba leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo; Human Rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN; Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere; Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP; Middle Belt Movement for Justice and Peace, MBMJP, have all condemned the ban.

Meanwhile, there are some Nigerians like the Second Republic lawmaker, Dr Junaid Mohammed; and National Chairman of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Chief Chekwas Okorie, who on the contrary, argue that so long as it is legal, that there was nothing wrong with the ban. According them, the move would help the ongoing corruption fight.

 

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