Stakeholders in the fight against corruption have expressed grave concerns over prolonged delays in the justice administration system, citing these delays as a contributing factor to the worsening corruption situation in the country. The unanimous consensus among these stakeholders is a plea for a comprehensive review of existing laws to bring them in line with contemporary global trends.
This resolution was pronounced during the public presentation of the 7th edition of the Compendium of 100 High-Profile Corruption Cases in Nigeria. The event, orchestrated by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) and backed by the MacArthur Foundation, unfolded in Lagos to mark International Anti-Corruption Day.
Justice Mojisola Olatoregun (rtd), Chairperson of the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission in Lagos State, stressed the imperative for corruption cases to be treated with the same level of attention as election petition matters. She underscored the urgency of prompt action, emphasizing that delays could potentially enable wrongdoers to escape justice with the support of sympathetic administrations.
Olatoregun asserted, “Corruption undermines the very fabric of our society, eroding trust, hampering economic development, and obstructing the path to justice and equality. Transparency, accountability, and the dispensation of justice play pivotal roles in fostering a fair and equitable society.”
Lawal Pedro (SAN), the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos, also underscored the significance of combating corruption in the state through the enactment of laws governing public complaints and anti-corruption commissions. He highlighted this legislative framework as a powerful tool for investigating and prosecuting corruption cases within the state.
Pedro urged sustained efforts to establish a fair and efficient system that holds individuals accountable for corrupt practices.
In his keynote address on the rule of law, effective administration of criminal justice, and good governance in the prosecution of corruption cases in Nigeria, Wahab Shittu (SAN) emphasized the critical nature of these elements for societal survival. Shittu proposed measures to restore public confidence in the justice delivery system, including preventing delays, enhancing appointment procedures for judicial officers, and improving court infrastructure and information technology.
HEDA Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, issued a call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demonstrate unwavering commitment in the fight against corruption. Suraju urged for a resounding statement from Tinubu, conveying a dedicated interest in the anti-corruption cause and emphasizing the importance of reminding Nigerians about past corruption incidents.
