Buhari Bans 50 High-profile Nigerians from Travelling as Full Implementation of EO6 Begins

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered full implementation of Executive Order 6 (EO6) and with the implementation of the presidential directive, 50 high-profile persons have been placed on watch-list and restricted from travelling out of the country, the presidency has said.

A statement issued on Saturday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, did not disclose the identities of the affected person but said President Buhari’s directive was sequel to the judicial affirmation of the constitutionality and legality of EO6.

The statement said apart from the travel ban, a number of enforcement procedures were currently in place, including monitoring of the financial transactions of these persons of interest.

Here is the full statement released by the Presidency:

“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.”