By NELSON EKUJIMI
January 26, 2016 – If there was one thing for which President Muhammadu Buhari was noted for and had built a reputation around over the years during his military career and even after he left service, which endeared his Presidential candidature to millions of patriotic Nigerians prior to the 2015 polls, it was his spartan lifestyle, character and strong aversion for corruption.
This reputation of Mr. President was a very strong factor which made Nigerians resolutely resolve to vote for this anti-corruption crusader in view of the threat to the existence of the Nigerian state by this monster which had become a state policy before now.
Thus, on assumption into office after his electoral victory at the 2015 general elections, President Buhari as expected and in tandem with the democratic wishes of Nigerians who were desirous of seeing a break from our inglorious and shameful immediate past of stealing is not corruption, launched his administration’s anti corruption war by setting up an investigative panel to begin with, examine how the security funds meant for prosecuting the war against boko haram was utilized and as well, directing the anti corruption agencies who have been in the cold for some time, to wake up to their constitutional responsibility.
After the investigative panel submitted its report to Mr. President, the security agencies were mobilized to perform their functions which involved the prosecution of indicted persons and groups for violations of the law in the courts.
However, since the revelations and prosecution of indicted persons in what is now known as Dasukigate which is about the diversion and sharing of security funds to prosecute the political ambition of an individual at the expense of national interest and security began, a section of the Nigerian people have been shouting themselves hoarse futilely, trying to blackmail the government’s war against corruption as being selective, vindictive, persecution, witch hunt, etc.
But one thing stands out in this revelations and prosecution of beneficiaries of the Dasukigate, of all the persons so far indicted, none has on the basis of incontrovertible evidences produced by the anti corruption denied receiving the largesse, rather they have all been trying very hard to justify reasons for collecting the money, ranging from media and publicity, spiritual exercise, consultation, a job done for Ex President without documentation, I didn’t collect it directly from Dasuki, but from Anenih, Even ex President Jonathan is owing me an outstanding balance, i didn’t know it was from arms purchase funds, etc.
While it is appropriate in line with the tenets of democracy and justice to allow these indicted characters to express their various explanations, it is important to state that so far, from available evidences adduced, their argument cannot hold water because the money meant for prosecuting the war against terrorism, were diverted and disbursed for a job for the boys not appropriated for and also in violation of government procedure of doing business because there was no documentation that it went through the statutory tender and vetting process to allow for accountability and transparency in line with best global practices.
Furthermore, we must educate all these indicted persons and their supporters that according to the laws of the federal republic of Nigeria, a receiver of stolen goods is as culpable as the person who committed the crime itself because like they say, it takes two to tango, without a receiver, there won’t be a giver. In summary, the person who alledgedly committed the crime and the receiver are both accomplices in the eyes of the law.
Also, so far, from all the indicted persons mentioned, we are yet to hear or read of any innocent person who was not a beneficiary of Dasukigate but was wrongly or unjustifiably indicted and prosecuted, which from all intent and purpose, will have amounted to persecution and is at variance with the course of justice.
Therefore, as the campaign of blackmail and calumny of witch hunt, persecution, Selectiveness, persecution, etc trail President Muhammadu Buhari’s pro people’s war against corruption in the polity, may the war remain resolutely focused and selectively directed against only those who have illegally received the people’s money for reasons other than our collective good and national interest.
And so may it be, by God’s grace.
