FG lacks political will to prosecute war against corruption –CJN

After absolving the accusation from the executive arm of government that it was responsible for the slow pace of the anti-corruption war, and being the reason corrupt public officials and politicians have not been brought to book, the judiciary has taken a swipe at the FG.
Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Mahmud Mohammed, lamented what he described as a “lack of political will to prosecute high-profile corruption cases”, on the part of the federal government.
Justice Mohammed stated this during a meeting with the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, in his conference room.
According to him, the lacklustre attitude of government towards the prosecution of such criminal cases, “especially those involving politically exposed persons or political party family members,” was a major factor that has stalled trial of so many corruption cases.
A statement issued by media aide to the CJN, Mr. Ahuraka Isah, revealed that the meeting took place on November 24. Among those in attendance included Supreme Court Justices as well as heads of other federal courts.
It would be recalled, that President Muhammadu Buhari had while flagging-off the 2015 All Nigeria Judges’ Conference, slammed the judiciary, accusing it of sabotaging his effort to prosecute high-profile corruption cases.
But the CJN said the Federal Government should be blamed for the delays, noting that in some cases, it recruits unseasoned lawyers to prosecute cases.
The CJN said: “Experience within the Judiciary shows that there is abject lack of political will to prosecute some of those cases pending before our various courts almost a decade in some instances.

Read also: Why EFCC, ICPC can’t nail criminals, by CJN

“It is not because there are no special courts, but mostly for reasons of political expedience and other ancillary considerations.
“I would likewise wish to encourage you (AGF) to display a greater resolve than your predecessors in tackling outstanding cases before the courts. In times past, the Attorney General of the Federation would often lead teams of legal counsel in high profile cases so as to demonstrate the resolve of the government to enshrine the rule of law.
“Sadly, recent Attorneys-General have become less inclined to do this. I would certainly like to see you, as the Attorney General, appear before us especially in cases of important national purport.
In his response, the AGF said the administration of President Buhari is focused on its agenda to curb corruption in Nigeria, and that it was concerned about the working condition of judicial officers whose services are required to achieve the goal.
Other Supreme Court Justices that attended the meeting were Justices Walter Onnoghen, I. T. Muhammad, M. S. Muntaka-Coomassie, John Afolabi Fabiyi, Suleiman Galadima, Bode Rhodes-Vivour, Nwali Sylvester Ngwuta, Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili, Olukayode Ariwoola, Musa Dattijo Muhammad, Clara Bata Ogunbiyi, Kumai Bayang Aka’ahs, K. M. O. Kekere-Ekun, J. I. Okoro, among others.

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