Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has
filed another lawsuit against President Muhammadu Buhari.
The body wants the Federal High Court in Lagos to reverse
the pardon granted to former governors of Plateau, Joshua Dariye, and Taraba,
Jolly Nyame.
The duo, serving jail terms for corruption, were recently
pardoned alongside 157 others convicted for various offences.
The ex-governors were investigated, prosecuted and sentenced
for stealing N1.16 billion and N1.6 billion respectively from their states between
1999 and 2007.
In suit number FHC/L/CS/825/2022, SERAP told the court to
determine whether the exercise of the power of prerogative of mercy is
compatible with the public interest and the corruption fight.
SERAP is asking the court for an order setting aside the
pardon for the sake of the integrity of Nigeria and the country’s international
obligations.
The rights group argued that by allowing the presidential
pardon, many influential politicians will continue to escape justice for their
alleged crimes.
“The presidential pardon power must be exercised in good
faith, and in line with the provisions of Chapter 4 of the Nigerian
Constitution on fundamental rights”, the suit reads.
Joined as a defendant is Abubakar Malami (SAN), Attorney
General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The suit filed by Kolawole Oluwadare and Opeyemi Owolabi
said section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) provides that “The
State shall abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”
“Article 26 complements the more general requirement of
article 30, paragraph 1, that sanctions must take into account the gravity of
the corruption offences.”
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
In the latest Transparency International’s Corruption
Perception Index, Nigeria scored 24 out of 100 points, ranking 154 out of 180
nations surveyed.
The country fell five places from the rank of 149 in 2020,
placing it the second most corrupt country in West Africa.
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