Bank chiefs to be tried for aiding corruption – Sagay

The Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), Prof. Itse Sagay, said on Tuesday the body would push for the prosecution of bank chiefs who connived with looters to move and hide stolen funds.

He said the “monstrous epidemic of high profile corruption” could not have afflicted Nigeria without bankers’ collusion.

“They must not get away with it.

“In my own little way, we are going to push for the prosecution of such bank chiefs. They must be prosecuted,” Sagay said.He said the legislature, senior lawyers, especial Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), and some “hostile and powerful judges” work against efforts to rid the country of corruption.The total allowances, he said, amounts to N29.5million per month and N3.2billion per annum.

“Perhaps the most notorious example of the legislators’ resistance to the war against corruption is the rejection of the right of the executive to choose the persons who will spearhead that struggle.

“The clear impression is created that Nigerian legislators are in office for themselves and not for the populace.

“Not surprisingly, the National Assembly has not passed a single bill for the promotion of anti-corruption war since it commenced business in July 2015. The Whistle Blowers Protection Bill, the Proceeds of Crime Bill and the Special Criminal Court Bill remain in a virtual state of stagnation.

“What evidence do we need to establish the hostility of the eighth Assembly to the anti-corruption war?” Sagay said.