The Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, has called on Nigerians to rise up and fight the war against corruption, “because the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Mike Aondoakaa, is bent on empowering the social menace by his actions.”
According to a press release signed by the organisation’s publicity secretary, Mr Yinka Odumakin, the actions of the AGF were a pointer that he would “further entrench corruption into our system and equally protect the corrupt officials.”
According to the group, a situation where “the attorney general becomes protector of people indicted of corruption is worrisome and dangerous for corrupt-free environment every Nigerian is clamouring for.”
The group noted that the action of the AGF in a letter to the London court that Nigeria governent was not interested in charges of corruption levelled against the former Delta State governor, Chief Ibori , which eventually led to him getting reprieve from the charges against him, was deeming of the AGF and his position.
No protection for EFCC, ICPC, others - FG; AGF is promoting corruption - Afenifere
Lanre Adewole, Abuja and Adewale Ajayi, Lagos - 05.10.2007
http://www.tribune.com.ng/05102007/news/news3.html
THE Federal Government will not protect any law enforcement agency that detains suspects illegally. This was contained in a statement on Thursday in Abuja from the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Michael Aondoakaa (SAN).
Though the statement was silent on the culprits, his office had been bombarded with petitions in recent time over alleged illegal detention of suspects by the Economic and Finacial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The minister said that the administration of President Umaru Yar’Adua had decided not to tolerate illegal detention of any person or seizure of property under any circumstances without due process of law.
The minister also denied any involvement of the Federal Government in the temporary reprieve granted the immediate past governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, by a London court over alleged money laundering.
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the minister, Mr. Taiye Akinyemi, the minister said that the administration of President Yar’Adua would not accept the old practice where people were arrested and detained while investigation was still on.
According to him, “the Federal Government has warned in strong terms that it would no longer tolerate illegal detention of persons and seizure of property under any circumstances without due process of law.
“This warning is necessitated by recent reported cases of illegal detention of citizens in spite of commitment of Yar’Adua administration to strict adherence to the principle of the rule of law at all times.
“The Federal Government also distances itself from the reprieve granted former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, by a Southwalk Crown Court in London on Monday.
“The Federal Govern-ment’s warning is necessitated by reports that law enforcement agencies have not refrained from unlawful arrests and detention, including seizure of property and travel passport without lawful court order.
“The government also re-affirmed its commitment to the rule of law by insisting that no person should be detained before full evidence for prosecution is procured. The Yar’Adua administration will not accept the old practice where citizens are arrested and detained before investigations are completed.