ICPC seeks special courts on corruption cases

Abuja -The ICPC  has called on the  National Assembly to pass a bill establishing special courts to fast track the prosecution of  corruption cases.

ICPC Acting Chairman, Mrs  Abang-Rose Wushishi,  made the call at the opening of the Ondo State Office of  the National Anti-Corruption Volunteer Corps, NAVC, in Akure.

 A statement issued in Abuja, Friday,  by Mr Mike Sore, ICPC’s  Head of Public Enlightenment,  said Wushishi was represented at the occasion by the National Coordinator of  NAVC, Mr  Folu Olamiti.

 Wushishi, according to the  statement,  said  the  nation’s criminal justice system was  an  impediment to the war against corruption. 

“Though we have been steadily fulfilling the mandate of the commission, Nigeria’s criminal justice system has largely remained an obstructive impediment to progress of the crusade.

 “Incessant court injunctions and unnecessary adjournments are basically responsible for the ineffective adjudication of corruption cases.

 ”This has necessitated the ICPC to establish the NAVC as one of the preventive mechanisms against corruption.

“ It is necessary that the National Assembly should look into making an Act that provides special courts to fast-track corruption cases,’’  the statement quoted her as saying.

Wushishi, however,  cautioned members of  NAVC against engaging in any act capable of tarnishing the image of the anti-graft agency.

 “As volunteers, you are not to arrest, investigate or prosecute anybody. Avoid any act of lawlessness in this office, because lawlessness is another form of corruption,” she said.

The ICPC boss said NAVC as a voluntary  body  was charged with the responsibility of monitoring the integrity of   citizens and  as well as  mobilising the public  against corruption. (NAN)