In the aftermath of the suspension of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, Nigerians on social media are demanding the arrest and prosecution of former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami. They accuse him of engaging in corrupt practices during his tenure.
Additionally, citizens are urging the President to apprehend former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, for his alleged involvement in the fraudulent establishment of Nigeria Air, as labeled by some lawmakers.
The Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission, Mahmood Yakubu, is also facing criticism for alleged election rigging during the 2023 general elections, which reportedly contributed to Tinubu’s victory over other candidates.
It is worth noting that President Tinubu, through the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, announced the suspensions of Emefiele and Bawa. The suspension of Emefiele was attributed to an ongoing investigation and planned reforms in Nigeria’s financial sector, according to Willie Bassey, the Director of Information at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Bawa’s suspension, on the other hand, was due to serious allegations of abuse of office and to facilitate a proper investigation into his conduct.
Here are some opinions expressed by Nigerians on Twitter regarding the situation:
1. @shehu_mahdi: “ARREST MALAMI OR RELEASE BAWA BECAUSE: He nominated him. He supervised him. He is the cabal at the center. He has a tie with Failed PMB. He prosecuted selectively. He discharged & acquitted at will. He became DEBT collector. He negotiated & huge government debt.”
2. @firstladyship: “Tinubu is simply removing his frenemies. So until he arrests Mahmood Yakubu, Hadi Sirika, Madam Palliatives & Malami, then he’s not a serious person. The APC moved the dollar from N200 to N750, & you’re clapping? Gullible people. Go to your village Iroko tree & untie your destiny.”
3. @AK_Babawo: “If President Tinubu is thinking of arresting Malami, that will be the end of his fraudulent victory. He will expose their rigging plan from A-Z.”
4. @AustinNwabufo: “This BAWA the EFCC dubious Chairman that was recently arrested and detained by DSS, Bawa is noted for re-looting money obtained under menace from an EFCC victim.”
5. @AbubakarAAliyu7: “Buhari is not a thief, but if Buhari is arrested today I will not be surprised because his top government functionaries stole a lot of money. I’m eyeing Emefele, Sadiya Umar Faruk, Malami. Buhari housed real thieves.”
6. @kennyokolugbo: “Agbor is on the wrong side of the news. Emefiele is from Ika, and Agbor is in Ika federal constituency. I said he should not be granted 10 months study leave but INVITED for questioning. Irabor, Okowa, Malami, Tunde, and all the others associated with him would be at unease now.”
7. @Morris_Monye: “Sadiya Farouq, Sirika, and Malami should be the next in custody of DSS. Just to understand what the hell happened in the last 8yrs. Then the last stage of the game where we face the boss himself…. Buhari.”
8. @InibeheEffiong: “Malami should be made to account for his stewardship. The activities of the Federal Ministry of Justice under his leadership should be thoroughly and decisively investigated.”
