The United States has scored the
President Muhammadu Buhari administration low, saying corruption is evident
across all levels of government.The observation was stated in the US 2017 Human
Rights Report. It said the Federal Government led by Buhari failed to implement
laws against corrupt practices.
The report added that although the
government took steps to investigate alleged human rights abuses,
"impunity remained widespread at all levels of government." It said
in part, "Although the law provides criminal penalties for conviction of
official corruption, the government did not implement the law effectively, and
officials frequently engaged in corrupt practices with impunity. Massive,
widespread, and pervasive corruption affected all levels of government and the
security services.
"The constitution provides
immunity from civil and criminal prosecution for the president, vice president,
governors, and deputy governors while in office."
The report also faulted the operations
of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in prosecuting
corruption charges. It said the Commission failed to follow due process. It
cited the case of the embattled former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki, who has been in custody of the
Department of State Services (DSS) since 2015, despite court orders demanding
his release.
The report listed the most significant
human rights issues during the year to include: "Extrajudicial and
arbitrary killings; disappearances and arbitrary detentions; torture,
particularly in detention facilities, including sexual exploitation and abuse;
use of children by some security elements, looting, and destruction of
property; civilian detentions in military facilities, often based on flimsy
evidence."
The list also included, "denial
of fair public trial; executive influence on the judiciary; infringement on
citizens’ privacy rights; restrictions on freedoms of speech, press, assembly,
and movement; official corruption; lack of accountability in cases involving
violence against women and children; trafficking in persons; and early and
forced marriages."
The report also berated Nigeria's
judicial system, saying it was compromised during the period under review.
In-view
with judiciary
The US said the executive and
legislative arms of government continued to interfere with the judiciary. It
added, "Although the constitution and law provide for an independent
judiciary, the judicial branch remained susceptible to pressure from the
executive and legislative branches. Political leaders influenced the judiciary,
particularly at the state and local levels.
"Understaffing, underfunding,
inefficiency, and corruption prevented the judiciary from functioning
adequately. Judges frequently failed to appear for trials.
"In addition, the salaries of
court officials were low, and they often lacked proper equipment and training.
There was a widespread public perception that judges were easily bribed and
litigants could not rely on the courts to render impartial judgments.
"Citizens encountered long delays
and received requests from judicial officials for bribes to expedite cases or
obtain favorable rulings."
The report is coming at a time the
Buhari's administration is under heavy criticisms by prominent and ordinary
Nigerians.
Ex-Nigerian leaders including former
president Olusegun Obasanjo and former head of state Ibrahim Babangida had at
separate times written an open letter to President Buhari, highlighting the
failures of his government and urging him not to seek re-election in 2019.
Despite these appeals, Buhari on
Monday, April 9, 2018, officially declares he is seeking re-election.
Source: Pulse nig
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