Previous administrations have consistently neglected to tackle this entrenched problem, leading to the widespread penetration of corruption across all sectors of the nation, including politics, the economy, education, judiciary, and religion. Corruption stands as a significant barrier to conducting business in Nigeria and urgently requires addressing. I am convinced that implementing policies effectively is impossible without first addressing the widespread corruption afflicting our nation.
My administration will prioritize combating corruption. My team will embark on a series of key strategic initiatives aimed at addressing the problem of corruption and oil theft in the nation:
Revamp Anti-Corruption Agencies: The existing Nigerian laws are ineffectual, and the judiciary is mired in corruption, often manipulated by claims of ethnic or religious victimization and the allure of money. My administration will bypass this flawed system by dismantling the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). I will establish a dedicated tribunal, the Special Corruption Tribunal (SCT), specifically for the adjudication of corruption-related cases.
Overhaul the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC): The NNPC currently lacks transparency and is plagued by corruption and inefficiencies. As president, I will initiate a comprehensive audit of the NNPC, examining every aspect of its operations. Following this, the NNPC will be restructured, leading to its eventual dissolution. A new, independent entity will be created, which will report directly to the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the President, ensuring greater accountability and efficiency in managing Nigeria’s petroleum resources.
Institute the Death Penalty for Those Found Guilty of Corruption. I’ve concluded that severe penalties are essential to deter corruption. I will push for and enact the death penalty for individuals convicted of corruption. My objective is unwavering: to cleanse our system of corruption, return stolen assets to their rightful Nigerian proprietors, and ascertain that perpetrators of corruption incur the most severe penalties — the death sentence. The possibility of a death sentence serves as a powerful deterrent. Once the risks of corrupt activity heavily outweigh the benefits, those contemplating wrongdoing will reconsider the cost-benefit calculus and opt against it.
Institute the Death Penalty for Oil and Petroleum Product Theft: My administration is committed to deploying the full strength of the federal government, including advanced technology and extensive surveillance, to tackle the issue of oil theft, which is a crime against the Nigerian people. We will enforce the death penalty, ensuring that anyone found guilty of oil theft will be subject to the most severe penalty under the law, without any exceptions.
Implement Advanced Monitoring Technology Systems: We will introduce Blockchain Early Warning Systems (BEWS) to meticulously monitor funds movement across national core revenue and expenditure platforms. BEWS will monitor financial flows within Nigerian financial and governmental bodies, coordinating with international intelligence agencies and financial institutions round the globe and locally. This system will be integrated with global anti-corruption mechanisms in EU, USA and Asia.
Strengthen Real Estate Transparency: To counteract real estate money laundering, my administration will implement transparency in beneficial ownership during company incorporation and personal property deals. Beneficial owners will be mandated to substantiate the origin of funds used in property acquisition and this should be consistent with their tax return declarations. Existing properties will require new declaration and reregistration.
Promote Integrity among Officials: A “no pocket policy” will be endorsed for uniforms of police officers and customs officials at all points of entry to deter any possible illicit activities.
Create a Whistleblower and Informant Surveillance Network: In areas prone to financial malpractices and bribery, we will set up a network of confidential informants and highly effective surveillance networks. These whistleblowers will be properly trained and motivated through incentives to report suspicious activities. We will legally surveil those entrusted with making financial decisions and managing the nation’s resources, assets and projects.