The Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED), has lauded the conviction of former Plateau State Governor, Joshua Dariye for misappropriation of public funds.
This is as it said, that the 14 year jail term handed to the former governor by the Federal Capital Territory High Court, sitting in Gudu Abuja is praiseworthy, for the fact that it sends a clear signal that the looting of the public treasury is a serious crime against society.
The CHRICED Executive Director, Comrade Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, who made the statement on Tuesday, said that, “Coming on the heels of the similar conviction of former Governor of Taraba State, Reverend Jolly Nyame, the latest verdict against yet another corrupt politician is a boost for the anti-corruption crusade of the Federal Government.
“This verdict gives hope to the ordinary Nigerian that the long arms of the law is not meant for only the poor and powerless. It is a clear message that the rich, mighty and powerful who are derailing the fortunes of our country by looting public resources, can also be held to account”.
CHRICED commended the courage of the justices, who used their verdicts from the bench to make very decisive statements against the evils of corruption.
“We call on other judges across the country to emulate the courage and commitment of these judges sending a clear message against all forms of corruption. It is also pertinent that we use this opportunity to appeal to judges at the appellate courts to adopt a similar decisive approach to dealing with corruption cases. Those who stole the country dry may be banking on using legal technicalities to upturn their convictions. We call on the higher courts to exhibit courage at this critical time” he remarked.
He further stated that, the mind boggling corruption perpetrated by the convicted politicians is responsible for the denial of basic services to the Nigerian people, adding that the fact that millions of Nigerian children cannot access a basic service like education, is a direct result of the assault on the public treasury by convicted politicians like Dariye and Nyame.
“Similarly, the fact of Nigeria’s collapsing health system, the death traps that are roads, and the failure to deliver other critical services like electricity, can be traced to the monster of corruption. It is for this reason that all Nigerian patriots must commend the judges in these trials for putting the substance of justice over and above legal technicality.
“It is equally fitting that the latest verdict against corruption, is coming just one day after the newly minted June 12 Democracy Day. The new democracy day is about justice, equity and fairness. All forms of corruption are not compatible with the notion of democracy as the government of the people, for the people and by the people”.
CHRICED called on Nigerians to support anti-corruption agencies as they intensify the fight to recover looted funds, and reclaim the country from the hands of the “big thieves”, whose serious crimes have made the country a laughing stock in the comity of nations.
