Buhari Writes House, Seeks Passage of Proceeds of Crime, Whistle Blower, Witness Protection Bills

Udora Orizu in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has written to the House of Representatives, urging the lawmakers to consider and pass the proceeds of crime bill, whistle blower bill and witness protection bill pending before the lawmakers.

Buhari in the letter read by the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila at the plenary, yesterday, said the bills when passed would strengthen the country’s efforts in the fight against corruption.

He recalled that Nigeria participated in the conference of states’ parties to the United Nations Convention against corruption held from December 13 to 17, 2021, at the International Conference Centre in Egypt where the country was commended for its fight against corruption.

The letter read in part, “At the session, the international community expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s efforts in the fight against corruption, reaffirming Nigeria’s rating as a leader in Africa in the area of developing structure for the recovery and repatriation of proceeds of crime.

“In the light of this and the need to continue to strengthen our global profile, I hereby request that the National Assembly kindly consider and possibly pass a best possible version of the following bills (a) the proceeds of crime bill, (b) the whistle blower bill and (c) the witness protection bill.”