An anti-corruption organisation, the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL), has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the judiciary for the prosecution, conviction and sentencing of a former Minister of Power, Alhaji Saleh Mamman.
The former minister who served in the immediate past regime of former President Muhammadu Buhari was convicted for fraud and money laundering amounting to over the N33.8 billion. The position of CACOL is contained in a statement issued by its Director of Administration and Programmes, Mr. Tola Oresanwo obtained by Saturday Telegraph yesterday.
Oresanwo who wrote on behalf of the organisation’s Chairman, Comrade Debo Adeniran, described the judgment sentencing the former minister to 75 years imprisonment as a landmark victory in the fight against corruption, adding that the imprisonment sends a strong signal that no public office holder is above the law.
CACOL further noted that “The conviction reinforces public confidence in the anti-corruption war and demonstrates that accountability and justice can still prevail despite the numerous challenges confronting the nation’s judicial and law enforcement institutions.”
The organisation further called on all relevant local security agencies to work in synergy with INTERPOL to facilitate the immediate arrest of the convict as he is currently evading justice, and ensure that he serves his jail term accordingly.
The anti-corruption group stressed that all properties, assets, investments, and valuables acquired by the former minister through illicit means must be identified, seized, and permanently confiscated by the government.
The statement reads: “Every kobo stolen from the Nigerian people should be fully recovered and returned to government coffers based on the prevailing exchange rate and current economic realities.
“Funds meant for improving electricity generation, transmission, and distribution should never be converted into private wealth by corrupt public officials, who place personal enrichment above national development and the welfare of the people.
“CACOL therefore ap- plauds the EFCC for its resilience, professionalism, and commitment in prosecuting the case to a logical conclusion despite possible pressures and distractions. It also praised the judiciary for demonstrating courage and impartiality in ensuring that justice was served.
“This remarkable feat should serve as a strong deterrent to all individuals occupying one public office or another across the country. “Public office holders must understand that power is a trust bestowed upon them by the people and that their actions or inactions while in office will someday be brought to book, while the judgment they deserve will eventually be meted out to them.”
The organisation lamented that individuals like Mamman are among the major reasons Nigerians continue to suffer perennial darkness, unstable electricity supply, and the collapse of critical power infrastructure across the country.
It maintained that greed, corruption, and reckless diversion of funds meant for the development of the power sector have consistently truncated the efficiency and smooth functioning of the national power grids, thereby worsening the economic hardship faced by millions of Nigerians.
