Public letter to President Tinubu: Reinstatement of Chief Obla and the anti-corruption panel

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President Bola Tinubu

July 1, 2024:

To:
His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
State House, Aso Rock, Abuja, Nigeria:

Urgent call for the reconstitution and empowerment of the anti-corruption panel under Chief Okoi Obono Obla:

Your Excellency,

I write this letter with a profound sense of urgency and an unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and accountability that form the bedrock of any prosperous and ethical society. The revelations brought forth by Chief Okoi Obono Obla regarding the pervasive corruption within the previous administration are not merely startling; they are a clarion call for immediate and decisive action. The magnitude of the corruption unveiled is nothing short of a national emergency, one that demands your immediate intervention and the reinstatement of a rigorous anti-corruption framework.

During his tenure as the head of the investigative panel established by the Buhari administration, Chief Obla demonstrated unparalleled dedication and fearlessness in his pursuit of justice. His mandate to investigate and recover stolen government funds and properties, expose corrupt officials, and ensure the prosecution of these malefactors was executed with commendable diligence. However, it is with great dismay that we witnessed the systemic undermining of his efforts by entrenched corrupt elements, leading to his unjust removal and the disbanding of the panel. This, Your Excellency, was a grievous miscarriage of justice and a significant setback in our nation’s fight against corruption.

In light of the recent disclosures by Chief Obla, which implicate high-ranking officials,it is incumbent upon your administration to act with resolute determination. The Nigerian populace demands, and rightly so, a thorough investigation and recovery of the stolen billions of dollars that have severely hampered our national development.

Therefore, I urge you to take the following actions with immediate effect:

1. Reconstitute the Anti-Corruption Panel: Reinstate Chief Okoi Obono Obla as the head of the panel. His proven track record and unwavering integrity make him the ideal candidate to lead this critical initiative.
2. Empower the Panel with Adequate Resources: Ensure that the panel is well-funded and equipped with state-of-the-art investigative tools and technologies. The fight against corruption requires substantial financial and technical resources to be effective.
3. Provide Security: Guarantee the safety of Chief Obla, his staff, and their families. The threats posed by corrupt elements are real and significant. Comprehensive security measures must be implemented to protect those who stand at the forefront of this battle.
4. Define Clear Terms of Reference: The reconstituted panel should operate under well-defined terms of reference, including:

• Conducting thorough and transparent investigations into all allegations of corruption within the government.
• Recovering stolen assets and funds, both domestically and internationally.
• Proseciting implicated individuals, regardless of their position or influence.
• Collaborating with international anti-corruption agencies and financial institutions to trace and repatriate illicit funds.
• Providing periodic public reports on the progress and outcomes of the investigations.

1. Establish Accountability Mechanisms: Implement robust oversight mechanisms to ensure that the panel operates with transparency and accountability. This will enhance public trust and deter attempts to undermine its operations.

Your Excellency, the time to act is now. The Nigerian people are watching, and their patience is waning. The restoration of Chief Obla and the reconstitution of the anti-corruption panel represent a decisive step towards reclaiming our nation’s integrity and ensuring that justice prevails. History will judge your administration not by its promises, but by its actions. Seize this moment to demonstrate unwavering leadership and commitment to eradicating corruption from the fabric of our society.

In conclusion, the reinstatement of Chief Okoi Obono Obla and the empowerment of the anti-corruption panel is not merely a necessity; it is an imperative. The fight against corruption is a fight for the soul of our nation. Let us rise to the occasion and ensure that Nigeria’s future is one of justice, prosperity, and integrity.

Yours sincerely,

Sam Eno, PhD
Public Awareness commentator