THE resurgence of anti-corruption crusade in the country has of late appropriately directed focus on a cankerworm that is fast stalling the country's development, if not gradually destroying it. Although the renewed clamour is more of motion than movement, it may well be the tonic that the nation requires to deal decisively with a problem that has so far defied all logic and remained intractable. Nigerians are interested in seeing the conversion of verbal campaign into concrete action that will lead to arrest and prosecution of offenders; and recovery of stolen loot.It is important, firstly to take the admonition of Mr. Ekpo Nta, the Acting Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) seriously. While presenting an address, four days ago, at a seminar in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, the ICPC chief called on Nigerians to see the menace as a national emergency. In particular, he emphasised that instead of taking a 'siddon look' approach to the hydra-headed monster, thinking that it is only the Federal Government's business, all hands should be on deck to check corruption and related vices.Nta's summary of the damage corruption has done to the country is apt, to the effect that: 'corruption has destroyed our national and communal life. It has destroyed spirits, visions, goals, aspirations of millions. The more these occur, the more hopeless or worrisome situations in terms of poor infrastructure, pothole-ridden roads, unemployment, dilapidated health facilities and in educational institution at all levels.' It is in the same vein that a former Minister of Housing, and one-time Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption, Nduese Essien called for a radical approach, particularly to reposition agencies such as the ICPC, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Code of Conduct Bureau in fighting the scourge.Against this background, it is instructive that the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke has restated government's determination to prosecute all those indicted in the petroleum subsidy investigation conducted by the House of Representatives. But again, the minister should be mindful that Nigerians are patiently waiting to see the trial, and would be thoroughly disappointed if the minister's expression counts for nothing, as happened to many previous official expressions. It would appear that government functionaries tend to play along with the people's angst on the spur of the moment, and back track once the heat recedes. Adoke's pledge should not end up the way of past pledges.Already, the international community, apart from seeing Nigeria as one of the most corrupt countries in the world, has also scored the country low on anti-corruption drive, especially regarding anti-money laundering. A recent report by the United States Annual International Narcotics Control Strategy indicated that government's efforts last year were not sufficient, as they were lacking in 'adequate progress.' The report stated that 419 fraud 'remains a lucrative financial crime that generates hundreds of millions of illicit dollars annually.'Certainly, laundering of public fund by public officers remains a leading avenue for corruption. Last year, according to the U.S report, the number of Suspicious Transaction Reporting in Nigeria was 2,306 between October 1, 2010 and September 30, 2011.It is heartening that Chief Justice Dahiru Musdapher recently reiterated his commitment to the war against corruption, by promising to ensure speedy trial of accused persons especially high profile cases on corruption. This is to form the major aspect of the CJN's judiciary reform initiative. To this end, the CJN demanded list of pending corruption cases from both EFCC and the ICPC. The latter has already submitted a list of 263 cases filed between 2001 and 2011, involving 495 accused persons.There is no doubt that the judiciary's role in fighting corruption is crucial; and that the institution is in the eye of the storm for much of the perceived lack of progress. Not only is there need for speedy trial, corrupt cases must not be anchored on legal technicalities that often allow culprits to go scot-free. Even now, many decisions of the courts on high-profile corruption cases remain dubious, as the trials appear to have been compromised.The CJN's reform should highlight the need for greater integrity on the part of judges, bearing in mind that the average Nigerian still considers the judiciary as the last hope of the commonman. To lose that hope is to invite anarchy and resort to self-help. There must be a way to curb the penchant of lawyers to delay the hearing of corruption cases and frustrate the substance on legal technicalities. If speedy trial on merit can be achieved with the recruitment of more judges, the CJN should proceed accordingly with his plan for such recruitment.The proposal for speedy trial may be late, but it is better than never. Itis equally important however for other arms of government dealing with corruption to embark on initiatives to revolutionise anti-corruption and bring sanity to public finance. For instance, the investigative arms ' EFCC, ICPC and the police ' have been found wanting in diligent investigation and consequently prosecution, thus making it easy for accused persons to wriggle out of the charges.The CJN's reform should fish out and sanction judges that compromise accordingly. The fight against corruption may indeed be for all Nigerians, but the judiciary and the agencies set up specifically for that purpose should lead the way by setting good examples for others to emulate.
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