'Corruption probe should be extended beyond Goodluck Jonathan's regime'

A member of the Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption has called for the probe of previous Nigerian administrations, beyond the government of Goodluck Jonathan.

Femi Odekunle, a professor and career criminologist, also called for the revocation of national honours bestowed on corrupt individuals.



He spoke Thursday at a lecture organised by Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria in Abuja.

Mr. Odekunle, while decrying the systemic corruption in the country, said officials of previous governments going back to the military regime of Mr. Babangida should also be probed.

Mr. Babangida held power between 1985 and 1993.

“Tell the government to revoke the national honour on those who are corrupt,” Mr. Odekunle said, referring to the FRCN. “Tell truth to power. If we are to truly fighting corruption, we must go as far back as possible. Pick two persons starting from the regime of Babangida and then take 100 from Jonathan.”

He urged the station to stop singing the praises of President Muhammadu Buhari, and to also deploy propaganda in humiliating “corrupt” elements in the society.

“Radio Nigeria must be at the forefront to not only propagate but do propaganda for good by naming and shaming people who are corrupt,” he said. “Radio Nigeria tell Buhari that there are many more rivers to cross and not just singing his praise.”

Mr. Odekunle welcomed the raid of judges’ home recently by the State Security Service.

President Buhari established PACAC last year to coordinate his anti-corruption war and complement the efforts of the anti-corruption agencies.
Messrs Babangida and Jonathan are holders of Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic.

The honours are awarded annually by the National Awards Commission which was created by the National Honours Act, 1964.