DON’T KILL CORRUPT POLITICIANS

10^th September, 2015

PRESS RELEASE:

DON’T KILL CORRUPT POLITICIANS

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have advocated capital punishment for corrupt officials as obtained in China and India. The call was made at a joint news conference held in Abuja yesterday.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) commends both the NLC and TUC for drumming support for the war against corruption in Nigeria. But we throw in a caveat.

We warn against the killing of corrupt politicians. It is not in Nigeria’s law books. It is therefore unlawful, illegal and unconstitutional. It is not only barbaric but also Bohemian.

President Muhammadu Buhari is advised to weigh the call by the trade unions very carefully against the backdrop of attempts already being made by enemies of progress to blackmail him.

A Jerry Rawlings treatment for looters can only be possible under military rule but the latter has become an anachronism in modern day Africa. Getting Nigerian legislators who are already neck-deep in corruption to change the books in favour of capital punishment for treasury looters is a tall dream.  

We remind Mr. President that only yesterday opposition governors called him a dictator and alleged that Nigeria was sliding into a dictatorship. Although discerning Nigerians know better, the gullible majority are easily deceived by sugar-coated rhetoric.  Buhari must avoid this trap.

What became of the attempt by the Buhari-Idiagbon duo to wipe out the drug business in the 80s? Who was there to defend the ascetic Buhari when the chips were down? Some mean critics still use the incident to spite Mr. President up till today. Buhari must therefore look before he leaps.

MURIC sends a strong solidarity message to the trade unions as they embark on the mass rally in Abuja today. We know they mean well for Nigeria. Our members in the Abuja chapter are hereby directed to join the rally in the spirit of camaraderie.

In conclusion, we call on Nigerians from all walks of life to rise up in support of the Federal Government as it counters the evil forces of corruption.  

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)