THE Anti-Corruption and Research Based Data Initiative (ARDI), on Wednesday, said the anti-corruption fight of President Muhammadu Buhari has received significant value and boost with the role of the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami (SAN) in the past five years of this administration.
This is against the backdrop of criticisms from some quarters who think otherwise, especially on his role in the release of Colonel Sambo Dasuki (Rtd) and Omoyele Sowore from detention.
In a statement issued and signed by the Executive Secretary of ARDI, Chief Dennis Aghanya, a copy of which was made available to the Nigerian Tribune in Abuja, the group said the role of the AGF was very clear, to advise the government on necessary legal issues, and this, he had discharged very perfectly.
According to the statement: “As a youth, he has not disappointed for the much too young call for leadership in Nigeria. His door is always wide open to consultations and he has acted promptly to issues.
“His interventions on matters of gross violations of human rights has demonstrated the resolve of the Buhari administration to deepen the rule of law and the administration of justice in general.
“Malami took over the case of Omoyele Sowore from the Department of Security Services (DSS) and immediately ordered for his release, same for of Colonel Sambo Dasuki in obedience to court orders. This did not take away the fact that there was barrage of criticisms from dissenting opinions which is normal in energetic society.
“ARDI will ever remain grateful for his intervention the case of the murder of one widow, late Mrs. Helen Okoro in Abia State by one suspected Tony Ndu. The AGF took over the case file as soon as he received our petition against the Nigeria Police who compromised in their investigation against the complainant, Mrs Blessing Tete, the deceased daughter.” He stressed.
The executive secretary said the AGF’s judicial reforms and approaches to issues was no doubt placed him on a higher scale comparing him with his predecessors, saying this has clearly improved the human right records of the current administration both locally and internationally.
On repatriation of stolen funds starched away in foreign accounts over the decades, he said the AGF’s diplomacy and sagacity has achieved much for the Buhari administration.
“So much have been repatriated and more negotiations are still ongoing. This has assisted in the funding social intervention programs.
“The judgement of Justice Butcher of the British Commercial Court against Nigeria on the P&ID case was a test case for the ingenuity of the AGF to save the country both on the economic and political front. Although, the case has not been completely dispensed, Nigeria is on course and less harm will be achieved.” He opined.