Kayode Fayemi, the ex-Etiki state governor, said that Muhammadu Buhari, the president-elect, may grant an amnesty to those corrupt politicians who would return stolen funds.
Kayode Fayemi
Fayemi said this during an April 27 interview with the BBC, watched by The Punch’s correspondent.
The news may surprise many, as Buhari is famous for his tough attitude towards those involved in embezzlement.
Explaining why the amnesty option might be considered, Fayemi said that it is “a form of incentive” for corrupt officials who voluntarily come out to return their loot. He added, however, that the position of the incoming All Progressives Congress government regarding corruption remains unchanged.
“Corruption is not going to be dealt with by punishment alone. It is also going to be dealt with by incentives to those who are prepared to have a conversion. If you come voluntarily and say, look, I have stolen some money and I am prepared to return the money, Gen. Buhari would not say no to that.”
When asked if granting amnesty to such people was not against the law, Fayemi added: “if our processes and procedure are dealt with, we will definitely look at that”.
“Returning the funds is a form of justice to Nigeria because those funds will now be available for the teeming population. There would be a range of options for dealing with corruption but that does not mean that justice will not take its full course.
“Buhari said he would not interfere with the judicial process and that if anyone is found guilty of malfeasance or corruption then that the law would take its course. Buhari didn’t mention any individual but anyone who is found guilty or who behaved badly in terms of corruption would be brought to face the law.”
It should be recalled that in one of his famous speeches before the presidential election, Buhari vowed to end corruption in the country by suggesting strict punishment, including long-term imprisonment.
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