MURIC HAILS GOV NGGILARI’S JAIL SENTENCE

7^th March, 2017

PRESS RELEASE:

MURIC HAILS GOV NGGILARI’S JAIL SENTENCE

The former governor of Adamawa State, Bala Nggilari, was yesterday sentenced to a five-year jail term by the Adamawa High Court, Yola, for corruption.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) hails this judgement. We commend Justice Nathan Musa for his boldness in handing down the judgement despite the ex-governor’s high profile. By the same token, we salute men of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its commitment to the fight against corruption.

This judgement is a game changer. It is a yellow card for fraudulent governors who believe that state government houses are meant for personal aggrandizement. Now they know it is no longer business as usual.

The sentence handed down to the ex-governor will reassure ordinary Nigerians that justice is no longer for sale and that Nigerian prisons are no longer meant for the poor alone.

MURIC certifies that this is an indubitable evidence of change in the Nigerian legal system. We recall that the Buhari administration anchored its campaign during the 2015 presidential election on ‘change’. This judgement shows that the campaign promise is being fulfilled. The change mantra is on course.  

Nigerians are used to hearing of governors stealing their states dry without anyone challenging them. For the first time in the history of this great country, a governor has not only been prosecuted for corrupt practices, he has also been jailed. Gone are the days of stealing with impunity and the fear of Buhari is now the beginning of wisdom.

As we round up, we jog the consciences of all sitting governors and other public officials around the country. The handwriting is on the wall. They should take a cue from Nggilari. Those eyeing public offices for the purpose of enriching themselves should also watch out. We charge Nigerians to take charge of their own destiny. They should not allow yam thieves to deceive them. It is only looters who wish Buhari dead and spread negative propaganda about the current war against corruption.

Professor Ishaq Akintola,
Director,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)