The Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti – Corruption and Financial Crimes, Senator Suleiman Kwari says his Committee is critically examining the nuances surrounding the legal framework required for the enactment of the Public Interest Disclosure (whistleBlower) and the Witness Protection bills, stating that ‘both bills will help to address the negative impact of mismanagement of some recovered assets.The Committee Chair who made the disclosure during a virtual meeting to discuss strategies on Asset Recovery and Illicit Financial Flows, expressed concern that the absence of a robust Public Interest Disclosure law, as well as laws that protect witnesses has affected the realization of set goals, assuring that the Senate is already putting in place, requisite regulatory framework to address the problem.
The forum is the first virtual meeting to review and adopt post resolutions strategies on UNCAC Resolution 8/9 on Asset Recovery as well as the UN General Assembly Resolution 74/206 on Illicit Financial Flows (IFF).
He said Nigeria is getting it right in the quest to address corruption.
While he assured that his committee will further consider the deliberations for legislative action, Kwari assured that the National Assembly is keen on implementing resolutions aimed at addressing illicit financial flows, as well as those that will lead to recovery of stolen assets.
He said: ‘It is common knowledge that asset recovery as well as illicit financial flows have very serious and direct impact on the economy of developing nations like Nigeria,’ adding that the National Assembly will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to realize set goals.
‘On behalf of the National Assembly, I assure you of our commitment to support the outcomes of this review by providing the legal framework for implementing the adopted strategies,’ he said.
He said the National Assembly would do everything possible, to put in place, a legal framework for the prudent and efficient management of recovered and forfeited assets, which has been a source of concern for all the stakeholders.
He thanked participants at the meeting which included top officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, heads of relevant desks on the Ministry in Vienna and New York, the team of the Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-Corruption Reforms (TUGAR) led by Madam Lilian Ekeanyanwu as well as Law Enforcement and the Anti-Corruption Agencies including the chairman of ICPC Professor Bolaji Owasanoye.
