Buhari ‘expecting a lot’ from Justice Salami committee

President Muhammadu Buhari says there are increasing hopes that the judiciary will support the anti-graft war and commends the appointment of the Justice Ayo Salami Committee to oversee corruption cases. 

In his Independence Day message to Nigerians on Sunday, Buhari also said every Nigerian has to be involved in the fight for it to be successful.

“There are signs of increasing cooperation from the judiciary,” he said.

“Recently the chief justice of the federation directed heads of all our courts of first instance and appeal to accelerate hearings of corruption cases and dismiss any judicial officers found to have been compromised.

“Justice Salami has just been appointed to chair the Judiciary’s anti-graft committee. Government expects a lot from this committee.”

He said in a bid to boost the anti-graft war, his administration has empowered teams of prosecutors, assembled detailed databases as well as celerated the recovery of stolen funds.

He admitted that the fight against corruption has had its own challenges, adding, “we are fully aware that fighting corruption was never going to be a straightforward task.”

“We expected corrupt elements to use any weapon to fight back, mainly judicial obstruction and political diversion. But we are determined to eradicate corruption from our body politic,” Buhari said.

“We have signed multi-lateral cooperation agreements on criminal matters with friendly countries.”

The president further commended the national assembly for “refocusing on its oversight committees”.

“They should, in addition, ensure swift passage of enabling corruption laws,” he said.

“But fighting corruption is a bottom to top operation. I call on all Nigerians to combat corruption at every turn. By not asking for and refusing to accept a bribe, by reporting unethical practices or by blowing a whistle, together we can beat corruption.

“The government for its part will work for accountability at all levels – federal, state and local governments. change will then be real.”