Lagos-based constitutional lawyer, Fred Agbaje has urged the incoming ministers to learn from the ongoing trial of former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke.
Diezani is being tried in the United Kingdom (UK) by Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) for alleged bribery and corruption-related charges.
In an interview with Daily Independent, Agbaje said Diezani’s trial was a manifestation that the war against corruption spearheaded by President Muhammadu Buhari was gaining ground and that looters of the nation’s patrimony would not escape justice.
He lamented how Diezani behaved like “a thin god and was so powerful that even her boss, former President Goodluck Jonathan could not tame her.”
“It is not only a welcome development but also a manifestation that the war against corruption is being recognised both locally and internationally. It is a testimony to the fact that there is no hiding place for any criminal in Nigeria again”.
“The world has indeed become a global village. Anybody who commits a crime in Nigeria and takes to his or heels by seeking sanctuary abroad cannot escape justice. Anywhere you are in the world, you will be smoked out to come and face trial.
“The likes of Diezani, who became a thin god in Nigeria when she was in office should know that the end of culture of impunity has come with the war against corruption in Nigeria. They were the laws of the land during Jonathan’s regime.
“Jonathan became so helpless in taming the ministers he appointed. The ministers became so powerful beyond redemption.
“One is happy that one of them is being tried internationally now. It is a good show for the fight against corruption and will make the incoming ministers know that there is fire on the mountain. They themselves will have to run”, he said.
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