Former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has gone on the offensive, defending the anti-corruption record of the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration July 16, 205.
Speaking hours after Buhari’s burial during an interview with ARISE Television on July 15.
Malami dismissed claims that corruption flourished under Buhari’s leadership.
Thousands of High-Profile Convictions Cited as Evidence
Malami emphasized that Buhari’s government secured thousands of high-profile corruption convictions.
According to him, these convictions are concrete proof that corruption did not thrive during the administration.
“Corruption was not thriving at all during Buhari’s tenure,” Malami asserted.
“If you talk of convictions linked to high-profile corruption cases, the government recorded convictions in the thousands.”
This declaration clashes with the public perception that corruption remained rampant despite the administration’s promises to curb graft.
Over $2 Billion in Recovered Assets Branded a Major Success
In his defense, Malami cited the recovery of more than $2 billion in stolen assets.
This recovery, the former AGF argued, reflects the firm anti-corruption stance of the government.
“These assets are tangible evidence of Buhari’s commitment to fighting corruption,” he said.
However, critics argue that billions in recovered funds pale in comparison to the scale of looting allegedly still ongoing during the same period.
International Accolades Spotlighted to Bolster Claims
Malami proudly recalled Buhari’s international honors.
The former president was named Africa’s anti-corruption champion by the African Union and praised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
“These accolades reflect global acknowledgment of the strides made,” Malami said.
Skeptics respond that international kudos do not erase the persistent allegations of impunity and inconsistent enforcement domestically.
Key Reforms Blamed for Plugging Financial Leakages
Malami credited the introduction of the Single Treasury Account (TSA) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) for improving financial governance.
He described these tools as crucial in plugging systemic loopholes.
“The TSA created governance-wide visibility on government finances,” Malami said.
“The BVN ensured the integrity of banking transactions.”
Yet, many analysts note that despite these reforms, endemic corruption, especially at sub-national levels, continued unabated.
Shielding Political Allies? Malami Insists No
Some Nigerians accused Buhari’s administration of shielding political allies from prosecution.
Malami flatly rejected these allegations, insisting all actions complied with the law.
“When you have a judgment and decide to appeal, filing an application for stay of execution is operating within the rule of law,” he explained.
Malami’s explanation raises questions about whether legal technicalities morphed into excuses for delaying justice.
Defends Controversial Pardons for Former Governors
Also defended were the contentious presidential pardons granted to former governors Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame, both convicted for corruption-related offenses.
“The law allows for the possibility of state pardon in exceptional circumstances,” Malami argued.
“They were convicted, but granting pardon was lawful. Blame associated with it does not arise.”
This stance reignited debates on whether presidential pardons undermine anti-corruption efforts or reflect mercy within Nigeria’s justice system.
Public Doubt Persists Despite Official Assertions
Despite Malami’s robust defense, scepticism remains widespread among Nigerians.
Many citizens believe corruption thrived quietly behind the scenes while the government touted selective victories.
The perception is that enforcement was inconsistent and sometimes politically motivated.
The pardons, appeals, and stalled prosecutions are cited as evidence.
Buhari’s Administration’s Mixed Legacy on Corruption
Malami paints a picture of determined anti-graft action with international support.
Yet the palpable public frustration and ongoing scandals challenge the official narrative.
Buhari’s tenure showed promise but fell short of transforming Nigeria’s deeply entrenched corrupt systems.
Calls for More Transparency and Accountability
Nigerians demand more thorough investigations, credible prosecutions, and elimination of political interference.
Malami’s version might represent the government’s version, but the nation waits to see if lessons will translate into meaningful reforms in future administrations.
Legacy in the Balance
As Nigeria mourns Buhari’s passing, the conversation about his administration’s fight against corruption remains heated.
Abubakar Malami’s defense confronts a nation still wrestling with distrust and frustration over governance.
Only time will reveal if Buhari’s legacy is that of a genuine anti-corruption warrior or a government that failed to root out graft despite loud proclamations.
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