Deputy senate president calls for anti-corruption courts as he is made EFCC ambassador

DEPUTY senate president Senator Ike Ekweremadu has called on the federal government to establish special anti-corruption courts if it is serious about combating graft and kleptomania in public office.

 

Speaking yesterday while being decorated as an anti- corruption ambassador by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Senator Ekweremadu noted that the setting up of such courts would help reduce the burden on regular courts and fast-track trial of corruption cases. He added that the National Assembly needs to amend the constitution to bring it about under section 6, for the purpose of trying corruption cases.

 

Senator Ekweremadu said: “I have been an advocate of special courts for the trial of corruption cases and I believe that other countries, who have enacted laws establishing such, are not fools because there are benefits to be derived therefrom. The idea is to expedite trial to make sure that those who are involved in corruption matters will have their day in court.

 

“When we have special courts, just as we have the National Industrial Court, such courts will do better than they are doing now. The establishment of special courts is not just something that will be done by an Act of the National Assembly."

 

While advocating for value reorientation of Nigerians at all levels, with a view to returning to values of the good old days, the deputy senate president also cautioned the EFCC to ensure that in fighting corruption, it must respect the rule of law. He added that it must ensure that the provisions of the constitution regarding fair hearing and treatment of an accused are also respected.

 

While thanking the EFCC for decorating him as an anti-corruption ambassador, Senator Ekweremadu assured that he would live up to the trust reposed in him. He added that the National Assembly would do everything within its powers to ensure that the bills before it, aimed at strengthening the fight against corruption, got speedy attention.

 

Senator Ekweremadu is currently acting as senate president as his boss Senator Bukola Saraki is facing corruption charged before the Code of Conduct Bureau over the false declaration of assets while he was Kwara State governor. If Senator Saraki is forced to resign, Senator Ekweremadu is being tipped to take over as senate president.