President Tinubu, there should be no sacred cow in the fight against corruption

By Afeez Adegbayi

In the relentless pursuit of transparency, accountability, and the eradication of corruption, no individual should be considered above the law. This principle is foundational to a just and equitable society where the rule of law prevails.

The recent allegations surrounding Jim Obazee, the former Special Investigator appointed by President Bola Tinubu to probe the Central Bank of Nigeria, underscore the urgency of upholding these values without compromise.

A recent report by Daily Nigerian revealed how Obazee appears to be on a personal vendetta, blackmailing, intimidating and extorting government officials, particularly those associated with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), even after submitting his final report on December 1, 2023. This is unacceptable.

President Tinubu’s commitment to fighting corruption has been a focal point of his leadership, and his call for accountability has resonated across the nation. However, recent events suggest a deviation from this path, with the alleged actions of Jim Obazee raising concerns about overreach and misconduct.

In the fight against corruption, there must be no sacred cows. The credibility of any anti-corruption campaign hinges on its ability to hold everyone accountable, regardless of status or affiliation. President Tinubu’s legacy as a crusader against graft is at stake, and decisive action is imperative to restore public confidence in the anti-corruption drive.

The allegations against Jim Obazee include harassment, invasion of privacy, and intimidation of individuals associated with the Central Bank of Nigeria, even after the expiration of his investigative mandate. If proven true, these actions represent a flagrant disregard for due process and the rule of law. President Tinubu must address these allegations promptly.

President Tinubu has, in the past, emphasized the need for a corruption-free Nigeria. His words, “Corruption is a cancer that eats away at the fabric of our society,” reflect a deep commitment to eradicating this societal ill. To maintain the credibility of his anti-corruption stance, President Tinubu must ensure that those entrusted with investigative mandates operate within the confines of the law.

In the words of President Tinubu, “We must remain vigilant and steadfast in our commitment to rooting out corruption at all levels.” This commitment must extend to addressing any perceived abuses within the anti-corruption apparatus. Failure to do so would undermine the essence of the fight against corruption and set a dangerous precedent.

President Tinubu must invoke the full weight of his authority to investigate the allegations against Jim Obazee thoroughly. As guardians of justice and advocates for good governance, we must insist on a thorough and transparent inquiry into the actions of the former Special Investigator.

In conclusion, the fight against corruption demands unwavering dedication and adherence to the principles of justice. President Tinubu has a unique opportunity to demonstrate that no one is above the law and that the anti-corruption crusade is unwavering in its pursuit of accountability. The time for decisive action is now for the sake of justice, fairness, and the preservation of our democratic values.

The president should remember that political affiliations or personal allegiances do not bind the fight against corruption; it is a collective responsibility for the greater good of our nation. He would do well to address this matter promptly and take appropriate action to preserve the principles of justice and fairness.

Adegbayi, a public relations consultant, writes from Lagos.