Senate to fast-track review of anti-corruption laws

The Senate has expressed its readiness to fast track the review of anti-corruption laws in the country to ensure improvement in the wat against graft.

The chairman of Senate committee on anti-corruption, Senator Suleman Kwari, said this at the launch of the second corruption report in the country held at the presidential villa, Abuja.

Kwari, who spoke through the senator representing Oyo South senatorial district, Senator Kola Balogun, said the upper chamber was more concerned about the prevention of corruption as it is cost-effective.

According to him: “Effective laws would make the fight achieve the desired results.

“On our side, the National Assembly is concerned with the aspect of corruption prevention, for the obvious reason of it being cost-effective. To do this, we believe that there is a need for the provision of groundwater clarity. This clarity is needed, with respect to the various overlapping mandates and jurisdictions amongst Law Enforcement Agencies, as well as the Anti-Corruption Agencies. Therefore, this Inter-Agency cooperation is key.

ALSO READ: We won’t allow local printing, publishing industries to collapse ― FG

“In a country where corruption is deeply systemic, all the stakeholders have to work together by sharing information and intelligence in a timely manner.

“To achieve this, thresholds for institutional intervention will need to be clearly defined, especially in the areas of investigation, prosecution as well as successful conviction.

“A review of existing anti-corruption related legislation has commenced. This is bearing in mind, the current proposals for new bills that are at various stages before parliament, such as The Proceeds of Crime Bill, Witness Protection Bill, Whistle-Blower Bill, Jury System Bill and that for special anti-corruption courts.”

He, however, said the Senate, as part of its oversight duties, would also be holding the anti-corruption agencies and anti-corruption service providers established by law accountable.

Kwari said: “The engagement of the National Assembly in these types of conversations is crucial and commendable. It will make it much easier to enshrine the desired national and international aspirations of a corruption-free society in our law books.”