•Prof. Dauda Saleh (Lecturer, Political Science and International Relations, University of Abuja)
The visit is an indication that there is an emerging political trend. Some politicians seem to be disinterested with the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party. The fact that they showed solidarity means that something is in the offing. They are either thinking of forming a new political party or there are new forms of alliances and solidarity.
It is also an indictment on the anti-corruption war embarked upon by the Federal Government. It seems people are not happy and it seems the anti-corruption war is not holistic. It shows people are beginning to be disenchanted with the anti-corruption war.
Agatha Osieke (An activist)
Visiting these people in custody by the APC leaders portrays a kind of collusion. These people have been indicted; they (the visitors) should steer clear of them. It means they are not practising the anti-corruption tenet they are preaching. Visiting the suspects in EFCC custody means encouraging them, either psychologically or morally. So, it is a very wrong thing. As a matter of fact, the EFCC needs to investigate the visitors as well.
For us to get this anti-corruption war right, no stone must be left unturned. Our character and attitude must be corruption-free. Whether the APC, the PDP, civil society or civil service, we have to be thorough. There must not be sentiments
Idris Miliki (Director, Centre for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution)
The visit of the APC leaders to those in the EFCC custody is not wrong. They may want to ascertain the facilities in the EFCC. Journalists or members of the civil society can also visit facilities such as prisons or rehabilitation centres. Right groups visit cells to ascertain their conditions. But I hope they (APC leaders) don’t have any ulterior motive for this visit.
those who are visiting the custody should be put under watch in order to monitor the objectives of their visit. But there is nothing bad in visiting inmates.
Politicians are partisan. There is no way a partisan person will not have a partisan interest. We are in a democracy. So, if there are partisan interests, we may not bother ourselves. But partisan activities must be monitored to see if they conform with the rule of law which we are all agitating for.
Oladiran Ajetumobi (A civil servant)
It is quite unfortunate this is happening. People, who support the visit to the ‘celebrities’ in custody, will pontificate that they have the freedom to visit anyone they desire anywhere. I think it is against the spirit of our nation at this time to so do. What message exactly are they passing – that those in custody are victims of circumstances or that they are in the opposition?
They are being held in custody because they allegedly squandered funds meant for the procurement of arms to fight terrorism, which has resulted in the loss of civilians’ lives and loss of our soldiers. For the sake of the current poor condition of our country, people should allow them to face their cases. When they go to the courts and the courts discharge and acquit them, we can then celebrate them. There is too much impunity in this country.
Credits: Punch