The convener of the Alternative Movement, Chief Segun Showunmi, has dismissed the claim that the nation’s democracy is being threatened based on investigation (s) of corrupt practices against public office holders.
Showunmi in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday, in Abeokuta, said the nation could only be under threat when political actors attempt to weaponise opposition status as immunity from the law.
He noted that the Nigerian constitution did not exempt former political office holders, opposition leaders and political coalitions from being investigated for corrupt practices.
“What truly threatens Nigeria’s multiparty democracy is not the EFCC doing its job, but the growing attempt to intimidate, delegitimise, or blackmail anti-corruption institutions whenever investigations touch politically exposed persons.
“Democracy does not mean freedom from scrutiny. It means submission to the law, especially by those who once held public trust.
“The argument that ‘others are also corrupt’ is unknown to Nigerian law. Courts have consistently held that the alleged wrongdoing of others does not excuse or absolve an accused person.
“Accountability is personal. Justice is individual. Guilt is not suspended because someone else has not yet been charged,” he added.
Showunmi explained that anti-corruption is not anti-opposition and that investigation is not persecution.
“Accountability is not authoritarianism. Those with clean hands have nothing to fear.
“No one was forced to misappropriate public funds. No one was compelled to abuse office. No one was instructed to breach financial regulations.
“Public office is a trust. When that trust is breached, consequences follow.
“The appropriate response to investigation is not alarmism, not international lobbying, and not political noise. It is competent legal defence and respect for due process,” the Alternative Movement convener said.
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