SGF, other govt officials should be prosecuted – Charly Boy’s Group

 

 

An alliance of civil society groups led by entertainer, Charly Boy has demanded the prosecution of a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal and other senior officials probed for corrupt practices.

Organising a sit-out on Tuesday, at the Unity Fountain, Maitama, Abuja, expressed displeasure at President Muhammadu Buhari’s apparent passive behaviour towards senior officials accused of corruption by the antigraft agencies.

The alliance included #OurMumuDonDo Movement led by Charly Boy, Coalition in Defence of Nigerian Democracy headed by Ariyo Atoye, Concerned Nigerians led by Deji Adeyanju, Campaign For Democracy organised by Baku Usman and MAD Connect coordinated by Moses Paul.

During the sit-out, Adeyanju told newsmen that they had rallied on the streets requesting to know the genuiness of President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption war.

He queried the alleged failure of the Federal Government  in prosecuting the suspended Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mr. Ayo Oke, over the $43m found in Osborne Apartments in Lagos.

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Adeyanju also questioned the government on reasons for not investigating the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Dr. Maikanti Baru, over the allegation of  $26bn contracts awarded by him against the stipulated process.

He said, “President Buhari once ordered the raiding of the homes of judges suspected to be tainted with corruption and also directed the handcuffing and dragging to court of alleged corrupt members of the opposition, we demand similar treatment for the suspended SGF, Babachir Lawal and other top government officials.”

Also speaking during the protest, Atoye appealed to the National Assembly not to approve the $5.5bn foreign loan request by the Federal Government  except there is a display of sincere dedication to tackle corruption within the Buhari-led government.

“There is no basis for the $5.5bn foreign loan request, if corruption has not been fought to a standstill. President Buhari also needs to tell Nigerians how the loan would be repaid,” he added.

READ ALSO: Agbakoba asks Abuja court to sack Buhari as petroleum minister

The Convener, Campaign for Democracy, Bako Usman, requested that Buhari resigns from the Presidency if he could not take decisive action against alleged corrupt members of his cabinet.

Adeyanju also questioned the government on reasons for not investigating the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Dr. Maikanti Baru, over the allegation of  $26bn contracts awarded by him against the stipulated process.

He said, “President Buhari once ordered the raiding of the homes of judges suspected to be tainted with corruption and also directed the handcuffing and dragging to court of alleged corrupt members of the opposition, we demand similar treatment for the suspended SGF, Babachir Lawal and other top government officials.”

Also speaking during the protest, Atoye appealed to the National Assembly not to approve the $5.5bn foreign loan request by the Federal Government  except there is a display of sincere dedication to tackle corruption within the Buhari-led government.

“There is no basis for the $5.5bn foreign loan request, if corruption has not been fought to a standstill. President Buhari also needs to tell Nigerians how the loan would be repaid,” he added.

The Convener, Campaign for Democracy, Bako Usman, requested that Buhari resigns from the Presidency if he could not take decisive action against alleged corrupt members of his cabinet.