A public affairs analyst, Mr Andrew Ibe, on Thursday, called for the strengthening of the nation’s judicial system to enhance the present administration’s fight against corruption.
Ibe told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Omu-Aran, Kwara, that putting the country’s judiciary in the right and proper perspective would assist in sustaining the fight against corruption and other vices.
He said that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) deserve adequate attention in terms of proper budgetary allocation for optimum performance.
According to him, strengthening the two anti-corruption agencies will equip them with the wherewithal to achieve effective prosecution of corrupt cases still pending in the nation’s courts.
Ibe said that the government’s anti-corruption war had highlighted some serious challenges in the capability of the courts to handle some high profile corruption cases.
“The present administration’s anti-corruption war, which is gradually extending to every sector of the nation’s economy, is no doubt enough reason to strengthen our judicial system.
“I think the judiciary, as the last hope of the common man, needs to be properly funded and with adequate personnel and conducive environment in place to function effectively.
“This is very essential and critical in moving the nation forward politically and economically,’’ the analyst said.
He also urged members of the bench to be steadfast and proactive in proffering viable solutions, saying such will guard against unwarranted distractions and undue influence in the discharge of their responsibilities.
According to him, recent development in respect of the Supreme Court judgment on Imo and Bayelsa states governorship elections that warranted a review were clear indications of the enormous challenges ahead of the nation’s judiciary system.
“Judiciary should be absolutely independent in its own right with adequate resources to effectively discharge its duty,” he said.
Ibe also used the opportunity to charge the federal government toward ensuring the optimum and judicious use of the recovered looted funds for the overall benefit of the citizenry.
“By so doing it will go a long way to increase the respect and confidence of the people on the government’s capability in ensuring the desired growth, progress and socio-economic development for the country,” he said.