The United States of America says corruption is being perpetrated as a
result of the “failure” of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration
to implement laws against such practices.
According to its 2017 Human Rights Report, US said numerous cases of corruption were evident across all levels of government…
The
Cable reports that it added that while the government took steps to
investigate alleged human abuses, “impunity remained widespread at all
levels of government.”
“Although the law provides criminal
penalties for conviction of official corruption, the government did not
implement the law effectively, and officials frequently engaged in
corrupt practices with impunity. Massive, widespread, and pervasive
corruption affected all levels of government and the security services,”
it said.
“The constitution provides immunity from civil and
criminal prosecution for the president, vice president, governors, and
deputy governors while in office.”
The report also faulted the
the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over its failure to follow
due process in the prosecution of corruption cases.
It cited
the case of Sambo Dasuki, former national security adviser, who has been
in custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2015,
despite court orders demanding his release.
It listed the most significant human rights issues during the year to include:
detentions; torture, particularly in detention facilities, including
sexual exploitation and abuse; use of children by some security
elements, looting, and destruction of property; civilian detentions in
military facilities, often based on flimsy evidence.”
Also
included are “denial of fair public trial; executive influence on the
judiciary; infringement on citizens’ privacy rights; restrictions on
freedoms of speech, press, assembly, and movement; official corruption;
lack of accountability in cases involving violence against women and
children; trafficking in persons; and early and forced marriages.”
The
US also frowned at the judicial system in the country which it said was
compromised during the period. It said while there were avoidable
delays in court processes, the executive and legislative arms of
government continued to interfere with the judiciary.
“Although
the constitution and law provide for an independent judiciary, the
judicial branch remained susceptible to pressure from the executive and
legislative branches. Political leaders influenced the judiciary,
particularly at the state and local levels,” it added.
“Understaffing,
underfunding, inefficiency, and corruption prevented the judiciary from
functioning adequately. Judges frequently failed to appear for trials.
“In
addition, the salaries of court officials were low, and they often
lacked proper equipment and training. There was a widespread public
perception that judges were easily bribed and litigants could not rely
on the courts to render impartial judgments.
“Citizens
encountered long delays and received requests from judicial officials
for bribes to expedite cases or obtain favorable rulings.”
