Nigeria would have either disintegrated or be confronted with harsh economic crisis similar to that of Zimbabwe had Dr. Goodluck Jonathan been re-elected as president in 20015, eminent lawyer, Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), declared on Thursday.
Sagay, who is Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), faulted those comparing the current administration with the immediate past regime and seeking a return to the lawless past because of the prevailing economic challenges.
The lawyer, who said the government was laying a solid foundation and building solid structures to combat corruption, hinted of plans to establish a special court to try corruption and kidnapping, among others.
He spoke at an Anti-Corruption Summit organised by the Federal Ministry of Justice in conjunction with a group, Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) and One Africa in Abuja.
Sagay said his committee has completed a draft bill for the establishment of special court.
He said the draft bill, which is being taken through the required legal processes, will aid the establishment of special court to deal with special cases speedily.
The summit was put together to propose and harmonise anti-corruption positions to be tabled by Nigerian delegation, to be led by President Muhammadu Buhari, at the forthcoming International Anti-Corruption Conference slated for London on May 12.
British Prime Minister, David Cameron, will host the conference that will be attended by several world leaders.
“Also we have completed a draft on special crimes court. It is very comprehensive. These courts will have jurisdiction over economic and financial crimes, corruption cases, narcotic drug cases, money laundering cases and cybercrime cases.
“That is the proposal. There will be special courts and they will have advantage of speed in dealing with cases.”
On corruption and impunity under Jonathan, Sagay said “considering the unrestrained looting and brigandage” witnessed under the last administration and the “sharp drop in petroleum prices from $140 at one stage to $30 per barrel as it is now, it is no surprise that the Nigerian economy lies completely prostrate.
“In in fact, I heard some people declaring their preference for corruption, because under corruption, life was easier and more pleasant for them. To me, this is the ultimate demonstration of perverse mentality, immaturity and ignorance.
“If the former government had been returned to power in 2015, by now, Nigeria would have become would have become a completely failed state.
“We could have gone the way of Zimbabwe, where they had an inflation rate of over a billion per cent, and where you needed a trillion in Zimbabwean currency to have $300. Their currency was in fact suspended and they are now using American dollars.”
