Victoria Benedict
Timi Frank, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has faulted Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s claim that he will make graft unattractive in the Judiciary.
While describing the statement as a lie, Frank noted that Tinubu does not have the capability to fight corruption in the Judiciary.
Recall that Tinubu, while speaking in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, during the inauguration of a Magistrate’s Court Complex built by the Governor Nyesom Wike administration, reportedly promised to make corruption unattractive.
Frank, in his response in a statement released on Saturday in Abuja, said that Tinubu’s track record on graft fights is abysmal.
According to Frank, “It is an insult to the sensibility of majority of Nigerians, that Tinubu who has been linked to several corrupt practices, including the famous bullion van episode, will suddenly become the anti-corruption Czar.
According to Frank: “A man who is unable to answer questions on the activities of the Alpha Beta Company and several other properties linked to him, obviously does not possess the prerequisites to fight corruption.
“It is, however, ironic that Tinubu, whose political career is peppered with allegations of corruption, would try to position himself as a champion of anti-corruption, only aimed at fooling the gullible.
“Of utmost importance is the calibre of persons currently hobnobbing around the President-elect for one favour or another. These individuals who are busy outwitting one another, all in a bid to grab juicy government portfolios with statutory immunity, may all have a case or more to answer with the anti-graft agencies.”
“These characters who are currently vying for leadership positions in all arms of government, including the Executive, Legislature, and the Judiciary will most likely be cleared for public service, thereby jeopardizing the fight against corruption ab initio,” he said.
Frank believed that the incoming administration, if confirmed by the Judiciary, will harbour many politicians of questionable characters, giving them a safe haven to operate.
“A closer look at these individuals reveals that they are made of high networth personalities who may have previously been convicted of crimes or are currently facing investigations or prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other sister anti-graft agencies.
“The jostle for the position of the Senate President by one of the leading contenders is a clear testimony to the fact. It is, therefore, pertinent to ascertain whether Tinubu’s potential administration will be comprised by these glaring associations.
“Consequently, the statement credited to the former Lagos State governor in Port Harcourt is laughable, given that the facts prove otherwise as clearly evident by the current realities.
“It’s worthy to note that Tinubu, whose ruling party campaigned on an anti-corruption mantra, will suddenly drive an anti-corruption fight when even the incumbent President, who has no known history of corruption, is unable to tackle the menace; rather the corruption index has risen exponentially under this administration.”
Frank said that it will be difficult to take Tinubu’s words on fighting graft seriously.
According to Frank: “Evidence of corruption linked to his interests continues to surface, as even the recently concluded general elections were grossly compromised. Tinubu should note that he is yet to be sworn in and should focus his attention on the pending cases challenging the legitimacy of his victory at the polls rather than making any such promises on illegality pending before the tribunal.
“Lastly, as a nation seeking a change, we must demand accountability from our leaders, regardless of their party affiliations. We cannot afford to remain silent while corruption continues to plague our democracy.
“Those who seek to lead us, must henceforth show by their actions that they are committed to a corruption-free Nigeria.”
