Chairman of the Presidential
Advisory Committee Against Corruption, PACAC, Prof. Itsey Sagay, has backed a
former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, for releasing his own list of
looters, but said it has an implication.
Omokri had responded to the lists
released by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, by releasing
list of members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who should be included
in the list.
Speaking in an interview with
Punch, Prof. Sagay commended his courage to release such list but warned that
it could be libelous.
He called on other Nigerians who
feel the Federal Government is incomplete to go ahead and publish their own
names of looters.
He said, “It is good that Omokri
released his own list; it is encouraging and this is what I have been telling
Nigerians; if you think the list is incomplete, go and bring what you have. Let
everyone bring out their own list.
“People who have not said anything
but know more should bring their own lists out. That’s good for the health of
the country and, of course, while you are bringing out your list and you
mention a name that has not been involved in corruption, then there is a risk
of defamation and liability.
“Let people come out and publish
their own lists. Anyone who is not satisfied with the government’s list and
thinks some names were omitted should publish their own. That’s very healthy
for our democracy.
Asked if he agrees to the names
on Omokri’s looters ’ list, Sagay added, “No , I don’t agree to those names; I
’m only agreeing to the idea that you can bring out your own list.
“There is a difference between
the two. I don’t know where he got the names on his list from and that is his
own problem.
“I can’t confirm the names on his
list . I can’t guarantee his list, but what I’m saying is that he has the right
as a citizen to express himself; it’s a natural right and if he has further
information, he can bring it out.
“But any list is subject to libel
if somebody ’s name is falsely mentioned.
“As I said earlier, the
government has done its own and I cannot swear that some people were not left
out.
‘But if for any reason some
people were left out, as Omokri has done, let people bring up those names and
if the list is correct, the people therein will keep quiet, but if they are
innocent, they will sue whoever brings out their names.
“That’s the way I feel; I don ’t
think the government should be compelled by the people who are saying, ‘Bring
out this name, bring out that name.’ I don’t agree. Whatever list the
government has released is the official list of looters.
“Nothing is ever perfect and I’m
not even saying it’s not a complete list. I repeat , if anyone feels it is not
a complete list, let them add their own.
“You cannot compel the government
to put so- and-so name; it has its criteria for determining who should be on
the list. Let the people add their own names so that we can have a complete
list.”
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If at his age,people like Prof Sagay can not stand and say the truth, then their bus a problem. So is he telling us that names mentioned by Omokri are not public issues already in court? Examples are former governor Nyako and Orji Kalu
ReplyDeleteJust look at yourself! You've the gut to mention people's name without proof of corruption. You're a candidate of libelous suit. Wait until those you mentioned read your comment.
DeleteI want to believe that you are educated to some extent.If you are well educated and have understanding of law,you wouldn't make any comment against what the man said.He only addressed the legal implications of accusing anyone wrongly not that people are not corrupt.You'll be doing yourself some good by getting proper education before taking to social media
ReplyDelete