President Muhammadu
Buhari says he expects the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and
the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offence Commission (ICPC)
to “proceed with investigation” involving the two top government officials he sacked
some hours ago.
Buhari
had ordered the dismissal of Babachir Lawal, secretary to the government
of the federation (SGF) and Ayo Oke, director-general of the National
Intelligence Agency (NIA), who were accused of corruption.
In
a statement late Monday, Buhari said he would not shield anyone found
guilty or frustrating the anti-corruption war.
Buhari
spoke through Garba Shehu, his senior special assistant on media and publicity.
“Those
who ask the question of what next? The president has taken the administrative
action; all other actions will be taken by relevant government agencies,” the
statement read.
“When
and where they (the agencies) have reasonable grounds to charge former or
serving officers to court under our laws, they do not require the permission of
the president to do so.
“The
position of the president, therefore, is that investigation agencies that have
already commenced the investigation of the two officers removed from office
will go on with their work of investigation without any interference or
hindrance.”
Shehu
said President Buhari is fully conversant with the provisions of the
constitution and will not stop the investigation of anyone because “he has no
such power under our laws. This is a decision of the Supreme Court”.
“The
President, under our laws can, through the attorney-general, enter a ‘nolle
prosequi’ to stop an ongoing trial. He may upon conviction, order a pardon.
Beyond these, the president cannot order investigation agencies to not
investigate anyone and does not intend to do this, or any other circumstance.
“Based
on his wish and desire for a strict observance of the law, the president
expects the EFCC, ICPC and such agencies to proceed with ongoing
investigations.”
- The Cable
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