Nigerians for Better Nigeria (NBN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to grant the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other anti-corruption agencies the necessary authority and support to investigate and prosecute former governors, ministers, and other public officials suspected of corruption and abuse of office.
In a statement issued by its National Secretary, Abdulmumin Sanusi, the group emphasized that it is unjust for individuals who have allegedly embezzled public funds to live freely while the nation struggles to find resources to address critical issues. NBN argued that if President Tinubu demonstrates the political will to combat corruption and recover looted funds, the country could avoid the need for external borrowing.
“We are concerned that the Federal Government is searching for funds everywhere, imposing additional burdens on citizens and businesses through tariffs, taxes, levies, and more,” Sanusi said. “Yet, evidence shows that former governors, ministers, heads of parastatals, and other top officials looted the nation’s economy, with their illicit gains stashed in both domestic and international banks.”
NBN urged President Tinubu to grant sweeping powers to the EFCC and other anti-graft agencies to pursue these former officials and reclaim the looted funds. The group argued that recovering these assets would significantly improve the country’s financial stability, reducing the need to impose further economic strains on the populace.
“Innocent Nigerians should not have to suffer because of the actions of past leaders who continue to enjoy their ill-gotten wealth at the nation’s expense,” Sanusi continued. “The more the government allows these individuals to enjoy their loot without consequence, the more it appears to be condoning corruption. We strongly advise the President to muster the political will to fight corruption effectively and transparently.”
