War Against Corruption: Buhari appoints Sagay as head of advisory committee against corruption
Adetokunbo Fakeye
In its resolve to tackle corruption, Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari on Monday appointed Itse Sagay, a prominent, Professor of law and Human Rights Activist as the head of Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption, which he inaugurated.
According to the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the Committee’s brief is to advise the present administration on the prosecution of the war against corruption and the implementation of required reforms in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
Other members of the Committee, which is also expected to develop comprehensive interventions for achieving recommended reforms, are:
(i) Prof. Femi Odekunle
Professor of Criminology, Ahmadu Bello University – Member
(ii) Dr. (Mrs) Benedicta Daudu
Associate Professor of International Law, University of Jos – Member
(iii) Prof. E. Alemika
Professor of Sociology, University of Jos – Member
(iv) Professor Sadiq Radda
Professor of Criminology, Bayero University, Kano – Member
(v) Hadiza Bala Usman
Civil Society Activist – Member
(vi) Professor Bolaji Owasanoye of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies would serve as member and Executive Secretary of the Committee.
Also, in support of the Federal Government’s efforts, an Anti-Corruption and Criminal Justice Reform Fund has been established by three international development partners namely the Ford Foundation, MacArthur Foundation and Open Society Foundation with $5m.
The $5 million fund, it was disclosed is to assist implementation of key components of the Action Plan and the work of the Presidential Advisory Committee.
According to Adesina, the fund will be managed by Trust Africa, an international development Civil Society Organisation with programme presence in more than 25 African countries.
