A former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd), 13
former governors and seven ex- ministers have been barred from
travelling out of the country under Executive Order 6 (EO6) issued
yesterday by President Muhammadu Buhari.
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President Muhammadu Buhari
The restriction followed the judicial affirmation of the constitutionality and legality of the Executive Order 6 (EO6).
The watch-list and restriction were put in place pending the conclusion of the cases against those affected.
Also on the watch list seen last night by The Nation are: ex-governors
Saminu Turaki (Jigawa), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Adebayo Alao-Akala
(Oyo), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Rasheed Ladoja (Oyo), Orji Uzor Kalu
(Abia), Danjuma Goje (Gombe), Attahiru Bafarawa (Sokoto), Muazu
Babangida Aliyu (Niger); Chimaroke Nnamani (Enugu); Sule Lamido
(Jigawa); Gbenga Daniel (Ogun); and Ibrahim Shehu Shema (Katsina).
The ex-ministers are Nenadi Usman, Bashir Yuguda, Jumoke Akinjide; Bala
Mohammed; Abba Moro; Femi Fani-Kayode; and Ahmadu Fintiri.
Others include a former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh;
ex- Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral A. D. Jibrin; a former Chief of
Air Staff, Air Marshal Mohammed Dikko Umar; a former Inspector-General
of Police, Sunday Ehindero; and a former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal
Adesola Amosu; Chairman Emeritus of AIT/ Raypower, High Chief Raymond
Dokpesi; Waripamowei Dudafa (a former Special Assistant (Domestic) to
ex-President Goodluck Jonathan); a former Chief Judge of Enugu State,
Justice Innocent Umezulike; a former judge of the Federal High Court,
Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia;
Also on the list are a former National Publicity Secretary of Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh; Chief Jide Omokore; Ricky Tarfa;
and Dele Belgore (SAN).
Most of the affected persons are currently facing trial for alleged corrupt practices in different courts.
The list was generated from cases and proceedings filed by the Economic
and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt
Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Nigeria
Police, and 17 other agencies.
The document indicated that many of those affected had earlier been
placed on similar legal restrictions by the courts and security agencies
including restriction of movement, seizure of passport, temporary
forfeiture of assets, freezing of accounts and others.
Explaining the government’s action in a statement yesterday, Senior
Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity), Mallam Garba
Shehu said:
“Following the instant judicial affirmation of the
constitutionality and legality of the Executive Order 6 (EO6), President
Muhammadu Buhari has mandated the Attorney-General of the Federation
and the Minister of Justice to implement the Order in full force.
“To this end, a number of enforcement procedures are currently in place
by which the Nigeria Immigration Service and other security agencies
have placed no fewer than 50 high profile persons directly affected by
EO6 on watch-list and restricted them from leaving the country pending
the determination of their cases.
“Also, the financial transactions of these persons of interest are being
monitored by the relevant agencies to ensure that the assets are not
dissipated and such persons do not interfere with, nor howsoever corrupt
the investigation and litigation processes.
“It is instructive to note that EO6 was specifically directed to
relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure that all assets within a
minimum value of N50 million or equivalent, subject to investigation or
litigation are protected from dissipation by employing all available
lawful means, pending the final determination of any corruption-related
matter.
“The Buhari administration reassures all well-meaning and patriotic
Nigerians of its commitment to the fight against corruption, in
accordance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the general
principles of the Rule of Law.
“Accordingly, this administration will uphold the rule of law in all its
actions and the right of citizens would be protected as guaranteed by
the Constitution.
“We, therefore, enjoin all Nigerians to cooperate with the law
enforcement authorities towards ensuring a successful implementation of
the Executive Order 6 which is a paradigm-changing policy of the Federal
Government in the fight against corruption.”
A top government official, who spoke in confidence, said there is no cause for alarm on E06.
The source said: “The ban is not different from the conditions given
by the court in granting these accused persons bail. The E06 is like a
codification of steps to prevent those on trial for alleged corrupt
practices from tampering with assets.
“Some of these accused persons used to go to court for permission before
they can travel out of the country. The E06 is not a new thing but
instead of all agencies working at cross-purposes, a list was generated
and backed with the Executive Order.
“Some of those on trial, especially the Politically Exposed Persons
(PEPs) had been selling their assets. What will they return after being
convicted?”
Source: The Nation