The Federal Government disclosed yesterday that it will gather the needed political will to ensure the enforcement of the Freedom of Information Act, FOI, and other instruments to help in the fight against corruption in the country.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, made this known when the Board of Governors, Freedom of Information Coalition, Nigeria (FOICN), paid him a visit him in Abuja.
Malami, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Comrade Salihu Othman Isah, pointed out that the FoI Act is one legislative instrument that is very instrumental in the fight against corruption.
The minister said the ministry was ready to join hands with civil society groups on the advantage provided by the act to stem corruption in the system.
He said said in a bid to realise its fight against corruption, the government had made moves to send more bills to the National Assembly on how to check graft in the country.
Among such Bills include: the Whistle-blowers Bill and the Asset Forfeiture Bill also known as FATF Bill which the Minister is spearheading, the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Centre (NFIC) Bill that will domesticate the full remit of the FAFT Recommendation 29, the Proceeds of Crime (POCA) Bill, and the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Bill as well as the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill.
“So far, two of these bills, the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) as well as the Mutual Legal Assistance Bills have been read on the floor of the House of Representatives on January 27th, 2016.
He said: “It is the belief and hope of the Federal Government that these bills will not only support the policies of this administration in combating corruption and stolen asset return, they would also respond to the requirements of FAFT and international conventions.”
The Minister gave the assurance that the Freedom of Information Act will not be dumped and that there will be no succor for corrupt officials in any public institution in the country anymore.
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