The discussion kicked off with Saliu Samuel and Obiakor Ifeanyi
representing Jus Naturalis, affirming their view that although the campaign is a
good development, the manner in which it is being executed showed that it is
“Two-faced”. Ifeanyi stated that it was a system of fighting corruption with
corruption and gave an example of the senate president who was currently
battling many corruption allegations while still serving as senate president.
Next we had Omoregie Sharon, representing Aequitas who
rightly stated that if you do not deal with the past it will affect the future.
She therefore called for sanctions which could serve as a deterrent for future
public office holders.
Praise Eyo, represented Jus Civile and was quick to state
that corruption is the bane of the Nigerian Society. Praise seemed to be an
advocate for the APC affirming that the party was formed with the intention of
curbing corruption. Praise also pointed out that the country is still
recovering from 16 years of PDP misrule .He finally states that this
government’s focus is on corruption and the gospel of change is now here.
Anyaogu. C and Olunlade. M both represented Jus Gentium. They
were of the opinion that the mind-set of the country encourages corruption and
that the government cannot punish everyone who is corrupt and as such the
exercise may amount to a waste of time.
Esu Raphael's contribution elicited further discussion as he
gave an example of the level of corruption which pervades the civil service
while also castigating the judiciary’s role in fighting corruption, citing the
fact that D.S.P Alameseigha remains the only high profile conviction.
Raphael’s statement led to a question being thrown to Offor
Debra on the need for judicial reforms. She stated that it is a known fact that
many judges are corrupt and she does not see any reason why certain rules
cannot be suspended for the government to achieve its aim. She further stated
that President Buhari has good intentions but surrounding circumstances
including his appointments will make it difficult for him to achieve his aim.
She finally stated that the only way to fight corruption is to break protocol.
Adimula Ayo, also a judge was invited to comment on the same
question and she held the opinion that independence of judiciary is relative and
that President Buhari picking judges for special courts was not an abrogation
of powers. Eyo jumped in at this point to praise the CJN, and wondered why the
Itse Sagay committee on corruption activities, were yet to be published.
The audience was then invited to comment at this point and
Omowole Tobi inferred that there was the need to change the orientation of the
average Nigerian with respect to corruption, also Oladipupo Pamela was quite
critical of Debra’s opinion, affirming that tampering with the activities’ of
the judiciary was tantamount to a return of an autocratic regime and also
cautioned that there is a need to apply natural law in dealing with certain
issues especially corruption.
Fadipe B. gave an analogy comparing the present debacle to the
one that Italy faced in the early 90’s and advocated a study of the way they
resolved their issues in dealing with corruption in Nigeria. Esu Rapheal before
leaving opined that President Buhari should not prosecute anyone but must
encourage institutions which will in turn fight corruption.
In conclusion, the moderators gave an overview of the
positions and put it to a vote. It was evident that most of the attendees were
of the opinion that the corruption campaign is a development in Nigeria. Offor
B. suggested that the discussion should continue on the blog and other media
platforms, so here we ask: Is President Buhari’s corruption campaign, a setback or development for Nigeria.
Prepared by
Adesemowo Oluwatobiloba and Adewumi Adekunle
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