Why Buhari Has Refused to Reveal the Identities of Nigerians Who Stole Huge Sums from the Country

President Muhammadu Buhari

The reason why President Muhammadu Buhari has refused to reveal the identities of some Nigerians who stole from the country has been revealed. The Minister for Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed on Sunday revealed why President Muhammadu Buhari has refused to reveal identity of looters even after a court order was given months ago. He said the reason is due to the legal implications of such an action after he was advised against it. Mohammed made the disclosure while featuring on the First Year, a Channels Television Programme. Many Nigerians will be disappointed with Buhari because he had earlier promised to publish the identity of looters during his democracy day speech.

Reacting to the development, Mohammed said, “Yes, he initially said so (that he’ll give specific details about recovered loot), but he was advised against doing so for legal reasons. “Of course, for obvious legal reasons. The president said he was going to release the amount recovered and where the recovered assets are. “Yes he initially said so (naming looters), but he was advised against doing so for legal reasons. Of course, he has a right to reverse himself on that.” "The Minister further assured that the list will soon be out. “We will get the list, but not today, but before the end of the week. But I must say, not with the names,” he said.

It would be recalled that a Federal High Court in Lagos in July 2017 ordered the federal government to immediately release to Nigerians information on the names of high ranking public officials from whom public funds have been recovered and the circumstances under which the funds were recovered, as well as the exact amount of funds recovered from each public official. The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), assured Nigerians that the federal government would comply with the judgment of the court by publishing the names of public officials who have returned looted funds to the treasury. Sadly, the government has failed to keep to its promise and has rather chosen to disobey the court.