NBA advises Buhari on corruption, rule of law

The Nigerian Bar Association, Akwa Ibom State chapter, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to observe the rule of law in his fight against corruption.

The NBA, which commended the president on the anti-graft war, noted that corruption had crippled Nigeria’s development drive over the years.

Speaking in an interview on Wednesday in Uyo, the state NBA chairman, Mr. Aniekan Akpan, expressed worry over the endemic nature of corruption in the country’s polity.

Akpan, who noted that corruption remained the single most critical factor that should be curbed for the nation to move forward, appealed to Nigerians to be in the forefront in the fight to eradicate the scourge.

“Corruption is a national emergency and everything that is needed to be done should be done to tackle corruption but within the confines of the due process of law,” he said.

According to Akpan, any accused person remains free until found guilty. He urged the President to work in line with the law in prosecuting the anti-corruption war in Nigeria.

Akpan said the Senate President, Bukola Saraki’s trial was in order and ruled out any form of political motivation.

According to him, the law does not provide for any limitation concerning investigation and prosecution of criminal matters, no matter when the offences were committed.

Akpan, who has just been elected NBA chairman in the state for two years, said he was on a mission to reform the legal system for the benefit of members and for the very poor to have access to justice.

He stated that he was worried about the welfare of his colleagues in public and private services, adding that he would intervene to ensure that relevant authorities implemented the laws relating to their welfare.