‘Corrupt officials should pay more than they stole’

A SENIOR Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr. Abiodun Layonu, has advised the Federal Government and anti-corruption agencies to consider punishing graft not only with jail terms, but also by making sure that individuals who are found guilty pay more than they have stolen.

  In his opinion, this will go a long way to reduce graft and its tendencies.

  Layonu gave this advice on Wednesday while giving the keynote address at the public presentation of the maiden edition of the ICPC Law Report in Abuja.

  “The only way to make them desist from corruption is to hit their pockets. Let them pay more than they stole because some people are ready to spend time in jail and come out to enjoy the loot”, he said, while stating that the option of plea-bargain is good but care must be taken to avoid its abuse.

  While noting also that adequate funding of the anti-graft agencies was paramount, he suggested a novel idea on alternative funding for graft fighters.

  According to him, instead of waiting for government allocations every year, anti-corruption would be better funded if all current account holders are charged say N500 once a year. The funds got could then be channeled towards fighting corruption.

Source: Guardian