A civil rights group in Abuja, the Center for Reform and Public Advocacy, has expressed concern over the alleged selective prosecution of opposition leaders in Nigeria’s fight against corruption. The group warns that this trend may undermine democracy if left unchecked.
According to the group, the use of security agencies to intimidate, harass, and prosecute opposition leaders is a worrying development that threatens the country’s democratic history. Barrister Kalu Kalu Agu, the head of the group’s legal department, stated that it is disturbing to see security agencies being used as tools against opposition leaders, sending a message that dissent will be punished and those in power are above the law.
The group cited several cases, including the alleged corruption cases against former Zamfara State Governor Mohammed Bello Matawalle and former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, which have not been pursued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). In contrast, the EFCC has been actively investigating and prosecuting opposition leaders, such as Abubakar Malami, a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, who is a member of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The group also mentioned the case of Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, who has been accused of sponsoring terrorism and has had his commissioners harassed and detained by the EFCC. The group argues that the EFCC’s actions are motivated by political considerations, rather than a genuine commitment to fighting corruption.
The Center for Reform and Public Advocacy is calling for systemic neutrality and equal treatment under the law for all Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliations. The group condemns the use of security agencies as tools for political persecution and urges the EFCC and other agencies to refrain from settling scores or silencing critics.
The group’s concerns are echoed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has complained about the assignment of cases involving the party to specific judges who are perceived to be biased. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has also expressed concerns about the assignment of cases to judges who may have a conflict of interest.
The Center for Reform and Public Advocacy is warning that the independence of the judiciary is compromised when judges are used as instruments of political persecution, and justice is brought into disrepute. The group is calling for urgent action to address these concerns and ensure that the rule of law is upheld in Nigeria.
