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Ex-Govs Dariye, Turaki, Kalu Diverted Over N40bn Public Funds -- EFCC
http://allafrica.com/stories/200707160641.html

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May we be strengthened with the ability, willingness and capabilities to be good ambassadors of Nigeria contributing to its uplifting, rather than its detriment. - Cxsm

admin · Site Admin Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 5404

EFCC Fresh Offensive Against ex-Governors: Nnamani, Turaki On Their Own!- Kuta, Mamora, Other Senators
http://allafrica.com/stories/200707160894.html
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May we be strengthened with the ability, willingness and capabilities to be good ambassadors of Nigeria contributing to its uplifting, rather than its detriment. - Cxsm

admin · Site Admin Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 5404

I'll Not Defend Corrupt Ex-Governors - Gani

Daily Champion
Etaghene Edirin
15 July 2007

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Chief Gani Fawehinmi yesterday vowed not to defend any Nigerian especially former State governors accused of corruption in the law court even as he commmended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the arrest of some ex-governors.

Speaking in similar vein, President of the West Africa Bar Association (WABA), Mr. Femi Falana described the crackdown on former governors as a good omen in the war against corruption in the country.

Four immediate past state governors, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia), Chief Joshua Dariye (Plateau), Alhaji Saminu Turaki (Jigawa) and Rev. Jolly Nyame (Taraba) were arrested by EFCC operatives last week for alleged corruption. The quartet were remanded in prison custody last Friday following allegations of concealment and money laundering totalling over N40 billion. They were arraigned before three Federal High Courts in Abuja.

Reacting to the arrest however, Gani said he would not take any brief from ex-governors accused of corruption on principle. "I will never take any brief from any corrupt person including the former governors because our people have been pauperised due to corruption of our leaders. "The battle against corruption is a serious one and I hope many more former governors should be arrested and charged to court," he said.

Speaking in a telephone interview with Sunday Champion, Gani argued that the war against graft required the support of all Nigerians. He said the vice has had negative repercursions for the country socially and economically. Though he said he has not been contacted by any of the ex-governors accused of corruption for legal services, Gani vowed to reject such request.

Answering a question, Gani said contrary to insinuations, ongoing war against corruption was not selective. Said he: "The chairman of EFCC, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu is doing well, I believe in him and his team of able lieutenants and they are determined to rid the society of corruption. That war must be intensified and won."

Also reacting, Mr. Falana commended the EFCC for its efforts and noted that the arrested former governors should be prosecuted on time. He said, "the EFCC is doing a good job, and once they are arrested they should be taken to court on time." He further stated that "they (the former governors) have the right to get the best lawyers to defend their cases."

Sunday Champion recalls that the EFCC last Friday docked Dariye, Turaki and Nyame over allegations of concealment and money laundering before the Federal High Courts in Abuja. Although Kalu was also brought before an Abuja Federal High Court, he was however not arraigned as he remained in the EFCC Peugeot vehicle from where he conferred with his lawyers. Kalu, Turaki and Dariye will take their plea tomorrow.

Copyright © 2007 Daily Champion

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May we be strengthened with the ability, willingness and capabilities to be good ambassadors of Nigeria contributing to its uplifting, rather than its detriment. - Cxsm