A group, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), on Tuesday, September 8, advocated for the establishment of special courts to try corruption cases and the imposition of the death penalty for those found guilty of graft.
This was contained in a statement issued by the MURIC director, Prof Ishaq Akintola.
Akintola’s stance was in the aftermath of the call by the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), Mr. Umar Abba Mohammed, for the establishment of Special Courts to try corruption cases.
According to MURIC, many certified kleptomaniacs are still hiding under the indulging umbrella of legal razzmatazz to delay and consequently frustrate and escape justice.
An excerpt from the statement reads, “Many certificated kleptomaniacs are still hiding under the indulging umbrella of legal razzmatazz to delay and consequently frustrate and escape justice.
“Special courts will remove such obstacles and ensure that cases are speedily and efficiently disposed of. We, therefore, reiterate our call for the establishment of special courts for trying those who steal public funds.
“Life imprisonment and death penalty may appear too radical but that is exactly what will scare rogues and fraudsters away from the Nigerian political landscape leaving room for honest and hardworking citizens who nurse a genuine wish to contribute their own quota to national development.
“A special prison should be constructed for those who steal pensioners money. The inmates of this jail should be in chains 24-7.
“We, therefore, charge the National Assembly to expedite action on the establishment of special courts; particularly to try corrupt public officials.
“The present NASS is on course and it should not relent until it gives Nigeria special courts. The machinery for enacting a bill on special courts for corruption into law; should be set in motion in the NASS without any delay.
“The infrastructural developments which we see in various places have been made possible; by the fact that Nigeria now has an incorruptible leader.
“Our assessment is devoid of political sentiment. We are motivated by patriotic zeal for our beloved country. We will continue to support the war against corruption; because we know that the latter is the bane of development in this country.
“Our support will continue even after the exit of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Father of New Nigeria; and it will be for any leader (regardless of political leaning) who shows the will to fight corruption; the way the current leader is doing it,” it concluded.
