Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has called for the exclusion of individuals convicted of corruption from benefiting from state pardons, emphasizing the need to prevent them from enjoying the prerogative of mercy.
Speaking at a roundtable event organized by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in Abuja on Monday, Fagbemi said he would propose this change during the next constitutional review.
“I will suggest in our next constitution review exercise that we expunge those found guilty of corruption from benefiting from powers of the prerogative of mercy to serve as a deterrent to others,” said Fagbemi, who also serves as the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
Fagbemi further stressed the importance of cooperation among key stakeholders in the fight against corruption, particularly the attorneys-general.
He urged them to act without bias or undue influence, avoiding nepotism, political manipulation, rivalry, or bigotry, to appease state governors.
The minister also advised anti-graft agencies to ensure thorough investigations before arresting suspects, urging them to avoid what he termed media trials.
“We should not give in to public sentiments.
In Nigeria, we are polarized along political lines.
Let us be thorough and take our time before inviting someone for questioning.
Don’t do a shoddy job and be quick to say we have caught a big fish.
You will catch a big fish”, Fagbemi said.
“If it is two or three big fish you are able to get in a year and you are thorough, it is alright,” Fagbemi added.
His remarks underline the need for greater precision and diligence in the country’s anti-corruption efforts, aiming to ensure that justice is served without bias or undue haste.
