EFCC Chairman Waziri blames Judiciary for delaying prosecution of corrupt Ex Governors. Eg. the likes of Ibori. The

Nigerian Judiciary's Integrity is at stake here. It is giving itself a very bad image at home and internationally. No

wonder Transparency International Rated Nigeria lower than ever before on corruption globally in the last few days.

This must have played a major part in The Global body (TI) in arriving at that decision. Below is the speech by Waziri the EFCC chairman



------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs. Farida Waziri, on Wednesday, lamented the delay in the probe and prosecution of some former governors named for alleged corruption, saying that “frivolous” perpetual injunctions being granted by courts had conferred permanent immunity on the affected former public officers.

Waziri, who was speaking to judges at the ongoing Nigeria Judges Conference in Abuja, where she delivered a paper entitled “Corruption and Economic Crimes: The Challenges before Judicial Officers,” also noted that some high-profile cases had not gone beyond the plea-taking stage for four years.

According to her, “I speak of the grant of ex parte injunctions which undermine investigations. At the moment, we are battling with several court orders restraining the commission from ever investigating certain individuals and corporate bodies.

“We are yet to understand the legal reasoning behind a high court restraining the commission from carrying out its statutory duties, particularly in the face of notable pronouncements on this point to the contrary by the highest court of the land. I speak of perpetual injunctions, which in some cases have become permanent immunity to some people who are under investigation, even where they have lost their constitutional immunity.”

She added that only special courts could deliver the anti-corruption war, especially in the trial of top public officers who will engage in all manner of technicalities to frustrate their trial.

In her words, “I believe and rightly so, that judicial officers are partners of the commission in overpowering those I call ‘barbarians within the gates’ of the system. These are the corrupt individuals that stand in the way of economic progress of the country and will, at all times, corrupt the system for their selfish needs and greed.

“Judicial officers must help this country, because so much hope is reposed in them. I believe that the proper, judicious, courageous and innovative use of judicial powers can achieve results.

“I earlier cited the case of Bode George, where a conviction was secured within 15 months or so and will want to contrast it with other equally important cases which were filed and have been pending for over four years, not moving beyond the plea stage. I believe that the only difference lies in the innovative and judicious use of the powers of the courts.

“The courts can deny the corrupt the comfort of enjoying their ill-gotten loot by ensuring that they do not abuse basic remedies provided in law for good cause”.

The EFCC chairman, while acknowledging the commendable efforts of the judiciary in the war against graft, especially with the recent conviction of the former chairman of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Board, Chief George, however, regretted that some high-profile cases had been almost completely stalled.

She said: “No amount of good investigation and prosecution will deliver the desired results if the judicial officers are the weak link in that value chain.”

She listed her achievements in office to include securing of over 75 convictions, recovering of over N240 billion lost funds and an aggressive anti- corruption enlightenment campaigns.

Waziri, also reiterated her call for the establishment of special courts, which she said, would fast-track judicial processes in corruption cases.

Waziri, while also decrying the ambiguity in the Evidence Act, calling for its amendment, revealed that EFCC had adopted the smart use of technology in fighting cyber crimes and money laundering.

“It is beyond cavil that the issues Nigeria faces with corruption are analogous to the issues of terrorism in other jurisdictions. Special problems require special solutions and it is absolutely necessary that there should be special courts to try cases of corruption and economic crimes. I urge judicial officers to lend their strong voice to the call for the creation of special courts for the trial of corruption cases. It may be necessary that my position is properly understood. I have not lost faith in the conventional structures of the court system.

“However, we face a situation where unscrupulous accused persons have perfected the art of delaying justice by utilising the technicalities of procedure of the conventional courts. In several judgments, you yourselves have condemned delay of cases occasioned by deliberate antics of some counsel.

“In spite of this, nothing seems to have changed. In many jurisdictions such counsel are now punished through imposition of heavy fines and sometimes, suspension from practice. That is not yet happening in Nigeria and, so counsel continue to take liberty. Perhaps, special courts will help address this problem,” she added.

http://www.tribune.com.ng/19112009/news/news3.html

Typical 9ja way of doing things.