The Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria, MMWG, has called for a holistic review of the remuneration of National Assembly members and the outright abolition of plea bargaining for economic crimes, saying weak laws are fueling corruption and insecurity.
In a statement jointly signed by its National Coordinator, Ustaz Ibrahim Abdullahi, and National Secretary, Dr. Nasir Balogun, to mark 1st Muharram 1448 AH, the commencement of the New Islamic Calendar Year, MMWG said corruption remains one of the most significant causes of insecurity in Nigeria.
The group argued that the nation lacks strong legislation to prevent serious economic crimes, a gap it said has promoted poverty, unemployment, injustice and educational disadvantages for young Nigerians.
Still on corruption, MMWG reiterated its call for “benchmarking of bailable economic crimes and abolition of plea bargaining.”
“There should be no bargaining with looters of our Treasuries no matter their positions,” the group said, adding “we are having unimaginable proportions of corruption cases because our laws have been weak in dealing sternly with the crime.”
The group also called for a “holistic review of remuneration packages of the members of the National Assembly.”
Linking corruption to the current security crisis, MMWG said insecurity has reached “an alarming proportion” and poses a threat to the forthcoming general elections and the well-being of citizens.
It urged the Federal Government to “utilize the benefit of its international connections to stop the menace of insecurity” and to deploy technology urgently to fight terrorism, banditry and kidnapping for ransom.
While commending the military and other security forces, the group asked governments at all levels to promptly release annual budgetary allocations approved for them in the budget “so as to position them properly to fight the battle of insecurity confronting the Nation.”
1st Muharram 1448 AH marks the Hijra, the migration of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, SAW, and his companions from Mecca to Medina after persecution by idol worshippers.
Muslims in Nigeria have since 1980 marked the New Islamic Calendar Year with mass rallies, public lectures and parades by students.
