CNPP Seeks Travel Ban against Corrupt Leaders

EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has asked the international community to impose sanctions against corrupt Nigerian leaders in order alleviate the sufferings of the people.

The group said such instruments as freezing of foreign assets, travel bans on politicians, high government officials and their known associates especially those who have been indicted by the police, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or other anti-corruption agencies should be adopted by the international community to bring about  significant improvement in the overall situation in the country.

It said what is happening in the country with regards to corruption and impunity of governance deserved sanctions similar to those imposed on South Africa during the apartheid era, and that such sanctions be sustained until the country’s corruption perception index improves.

In a statement issued yesterday by the Secretary General of CNPP, Mr. Eilly Ezugwu, the group blamed the three arms of government for failing in their constitutionally assigned roles to give vent to good governance for the people.

Instead, CNPP said the three arms of governments have pursued only their selfish interests.
“It is on this note we urge nations of earth and the international community to strongly consider International sanctions against corrupt Nigerian leaders, similar to those imposed on South Africa during the apartheid era, until the country’s corruption perception index improve,” he said.

CNPP said corruption has been allowed to permeate every part of our national life, from the top to the bottom.

Apart from imposing travel bans on politicians, high government officials  indicted by the police, EFCC or other anti-corruption agencies, CNPP suggested a total freeze and or closure of questionable International Bank Accounts especially those in Switzerland, Cayman Island, Dubai, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Argentina, the US and UK.

It also said there should be vetting of all international businesses that require specified amount of transfers.
It said what has become very worrisome was the fact that the  President appeared not to have come  to terms with the reality on ground, adding that through  his actions throughout 2012, the President gave Nigerians an impression of “a man who will rather groom corruption to thrive to get whatever reprieve he seeks for himself.”

According to CNPP, the President has continued to surround himself with questionable characters and persons who are neck-deep in sleaze from Ministers, Special Advisers to heads of extra-ministerial departments.

The conference lamented that corruption appeared to have literally infested every level of governance as was acknowledged by President Jonathan, when he admitted that some directors are now richer than governors.
-CULLED FROM THISDAY (By Onyebuchi Ezigbo )