How serious is Nigerias government about political reform?
At every stage President Yar’Adua has stressed his commitment to anti-corruption and the rule of law. But some commentators have questioned the government’s resolve. As soon as the EFCC arrested and began a prosecution of former Delta State Governor James Ibori, a key ruling party donor, the head of the agency, Nuhu Ribadu, was transferred out of his job. Other people have a bleak view of the prosecutions of the eight former governors. It could go one of two ways, they say. The first would follow the course of the other EFCC prosecutions: the accused if found guilty would serve short jail sentences and have some assets seized. In the past the EFCC’s lawyers have said they will not rule out “plea bargains” for corruption cases, where the accused can give back money they have taken to avoid jail. The second scenario is that the cases could well be dismissed on technicalities, before the evidence ever comes to court. What is in the future for the war against corruption? After Mr Ribadu wa
