Pardon For Dariye, Nyame: Reverse Decision Else… – Northern CSOs Dare Buhari
BY WILLIAM ATTAH, GOMBE – The Conference of Northern Nigerian States Civil Society Networks, a forum of States based society networks operating in the 19 Northern States of Nigeria, has warned that it will mobilize support from other organizations across the country and beyond to pass a vote of no confidence on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government if it fail to rescind its decision in granting former Governors Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame state pardon.
Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame, both former Governors of Plateau and Taraba States respectively, were in 2018 sentenced to various jail terms after being found guilty of corruption charges during their tenures.
But President Muhammadu Buhari, after a National Council of State meeting recently, announced a State pardon for the two former Governors.
The development, the network said, could force it to pronounce a vote of no confidence on the Federal Government which could further lead to a total loss of public trust and by implication, the Government may further loose its integrity and support of the Nigerian citizens.
A statement by its Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim A Waiya and Secretary, Amb Ibrahim Yusuf, the network condemned the state pardon in totality and urged President Buhari to as a matter of urgency reverse the decision in the interest of Nigerian citizens.
It stressed that the decision was uncalled, unfortunate, shocking and at best, paradoxical coming from a man who rode to the corridor of power under the guise of anti-corruption.
The network noted that corruption over the years in Nigeria had gradually succeeded in causing a loss of trust and a breakdown of social capital in Governance.
The statement further stated; “We all know that corruption is a threat to development, democracy and stability. It distorts markets, curbs economic growth and discourages foreign investments. It also erodes public services and trust in Government officials”.
It reminded President Buhari that the fight against corruption was the pillar of his campaign promises and administration agenda upon which many Nigerians believed and support his presidential bid.
The network also said; “In recent time, the anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria, most especially the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), reignited the hopes of Nigerians through its diligent prosecution of high profile corruption cases, where the current chairman had to stand in the witness box for several hours to ensure that corrupt individuals are brought to book.
“AbdulRasheed Bawa recovered over ten billion naira, several properties and secured 185 convictions across EFCC Zonal offices in just 100 days in office. He also launched an application called ‘Eagle Eye’ to ease the reporting of corruption related cases across the country to ensure that swift response and interventions are provided through dedicated team of the commission”, it stated.
