The Stop Impunity in Nigeria, SIN, Campaign, an organization that raises public awareness inorder to end impunity in Nigeria, has called on members of the National Assembly to put aside partisan political considerations and differences and act in the interest of the nation by thoroughly investigating the $9.3 million cash seized by the South African authorities early this month.
In a press statement issued in Lagos and signed by Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director, Media Rights Agenda and member of SIN Campaign’s Steering Committee, the organization condemned the attempt by some legislators to frustrate efforts to initiate an investigation into the matter, a situation, it said, would further damage the image of Nigeria and that of the National Assembly.
“Any attempt by the National Assembly to sweep such a horrendous scandal under the carpet would amount to a brazen act of impunity which would only further damage the image of Nigeria as well as the credibility of the National Assembly,” Ojo said.
While arguing that it would amount to an unjustifiable negligence of a key constitutional duty if the National Assembly ignores the matter and, by so doing, endorsing impunity and lack of accountability in governance, Ojo urged the National Assembly “to immediately institute an independent and transparent investigation into the matter and use their enormous powers to ensure that those found culpable are brought to justice.”
Ojo also said a thorough investigation would provide clues to some questions which include what the money was actually meant for, who authorized the transaction and approved the release of the funds and why the Federal Government was transacting a business of whatever nature in cash to the tune of $9.3 million in an economy that has supposedly gone cashless, among others.
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