Ex-governorship candidate lauds UK’s move against corruption in Nigeria

NIGERIA: FOR taking the step to investigate corrupt cases relating to Nigeria, the British government deserves commendation, a governorship candidate in the last general election has said.

The flag bearer of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in the last general elections in Ogun State, Prince Olatunde Rotimi Paseda said that the David Cameron administration should be commended on the establishment of International Corruption Unit (ICU) to carry out the task.

Prince Paseda noted that the move would further assist Federal Government to recover the nation’s stolen funds being kept in bank and financial institutions overseas.

“I’m impressed by the move by British authority to investigate corrupt cases affecting developing nations including Nigeria through the newly formed International Corruption Unit; not only that it will prevent our politicians from transferring our money to overseas, but equally help to recover the stolen funds transferred in banks abroad,” he said.

He added that the unit should beam its searchlight beyond recovering looted Nigeria’s fund, but to also partner with the Federal Government to investigate corrupt Nigerian politicians and public office holders living in the country and UK.

The governorship candidate, who lost to incumbent Governor Ibikunle Amosun, equally demanded that politicians contesting the 2019 general elections should be adequately investigated and screen by the UK’s ICU team irrespective of their location personality and businesses.

While stressing that the findings should form the yardstick for qualifying to contest the 2019 general elections, Prince Paseda explained that the process would further eliminate corrupt politicians from the polity and strengthen the democracy.

“The searchlight should cut across all politicians regardless of their location, business, personality, so far they will contest come 2019.  America has thankfully done the same as UK and as a matter of fact their findings should form part for qualifying to run for office in the first place,” he said.

He further said: “Integrity and source of money check on anyone intending to contest any public office should be a criteria. Some of us have nothing to worry about as we already have a clear enhanced CRB (Criminal Record Bureau) clearance, because of our various business interests. “As a matter of fact enhanced clearance check from the authorities in UK and USA and all other countries where interested public office holders and their immediate family must have worked, lived or had business interest should be included.”

“This way, we will filter corrupt from good intent. 2019 will be integrity based election. Many will not attempt to step out. We shall see who amongst those jostling to contest for 2019 survive the eminent microscope. We are over 50 years as a democratic nation and we are just starting to get it right”, Paseda added.