Group offers Buhari’s govt. free legal service in prosecuting corrupt officials

A group, Progressive Lawyers Forum, has offered free legal services to all government agencies responsible for fighting corruption under the incoming Buhari administration.

Speaking Thursday at a media briefing, the group’s National Coordinator, Silas Onu, said the pro-bono service will be for government agencies saddled with the responsibility of fighting corruption against public officials, past and present.

“To demonstrate our commitment to support the fight against corruption, we have resolved to offer pro-bono legal services to all government agencies,” he said.

He said the agencies concerned can take advantage of the offer to cut down the high cost of prosecuting corrupt persons.

“There are too many thieves that need to be made an example for prospective ones to learn from, therefore the cases on corruption may overwhelm the internal lawyers of these agencies,” Mr. Onu said.

Mr. Onu said the group agreed with the president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, on the need to halt corruption.
The group called for the removal of constitutional immunity presently protecting sitting governors and presidents from facing corruption charges.

The group, which is also part of the All Progressives Congress’ legal team, said the incoming National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly should seriously consider the urgent need to remove the immunity clause from the constitution.

“This has allowed a window to disregard our laws and encourage impunity,” Mr. Onu said.

He asked the president-elect, Mr. Buhari, to be circumspect in appointing the heads of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and related offences Commission.