SPECIAL REPORT | PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY & RULE OF LAW
By Ilesanmi Durojaiye| Asiwaju Media Team Ogun
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Bar. Usani, has strongly condemned what he described as an open display of atrocities in the handling of serious allegations against a serving federal minister, warning that Nigeria’s democratic institutions are being dangerously undermined by selective silence and institutional compromise.
Speaking against the backdrop of allegations surrounding alleged ₦2 million cash distributions by a minister, alongside unresolved claims of forgery, public misconduct, and financial impropriety, the respected legal practitioner expressed deep concern over what he called the apparent inaction of anti-graft and security agencies.
In a democracy governed by the rule of law, public office is a trust, not a privilege. Recent public narratives celebrating the alleged distribution of ₦2 million cash gifts per individual by a serving federal minister have reignited serious questions around financial propriety, transparency, and accountability in public office.
Nigeria currently has about 40 serving ministers, all operating under the same remuneration structure as prescribed by law. It is therefore not unreasonable for citizens to ask about how does a single sitting minister possess the financial capacity to allegedly distribute ₦2 million per person, while many others in similar positions cannot afford ₦10,000 in personal cash support?
According to Bar. Usani, SAN, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other relevant security agencies, constitutionally empowered to investigate and prosecute such matters, appear to have looked the other way, despite the gravity of the allegations and the public interest involved.
“What we are witnessing is an open atrocity in full public view,” Bar. Usani stated. “Institutions that should protect the integrity of the state are either silent or compromised. When enforcement agencies are allegedly given shares, whether politically or otherwise, and then ignore forgery allegations and public misconduct, it amounts to a dangerous assault on the nation’s institutions.”
The senior lawyer lamented that allegations bordering on contract fraud, credential inconsistencies, and questionable NYSC records are not mere rumours that can be swept aside with propaganda or public praise, but serious claims that demand transparent investigation.
He warned that the failure of institutions to act decisively sends a damaging message to citizens and erodes confidence in the rule of law.
“When institutions fail to act, the damage goes beyond one individual. It becomes, in effect, an open rape of our national institutions,” Bar. Usani said, stressing that no democracy can survive where accountability is sacrificed on the altar of political convenience.
Bar. Usani further emphasized that under Nigerian law, public office holders bear the burden of explaining their conduct and wealth, not the citizens demanding answers. He noted that agencies such as the EFCC and ICPC were created precisely to prevent this kind of institutional breakdown.
“Selective justice is worse than injustice,” he added. “If allegations of forgery and financial misconduct are ignored today because of power or position, tomorrow the same institutions will lack the moral authority to prosecute anyone.”
The senior advocate clarified that his position does not amount to a declaration of guilt against the minister, but rather a firm insistence on due process, transparency, and equal application of the law.
He warned that continued institutional silence could deepen public cynicism and reinforce the perception that Nigeria operates a two tier justice system, one for the powerful and another for ordinary citizens.
As public attention intensifies, Bar. Usani, SAN, called on anti-corruption agencies to rise above political influence and restore public confidence through open, impartial investigations.
“The law must speak louder than propaganda,” he concluded. “If we destroy our institutions today, there will be nothing left to protect tomorrow.”
For many Nigerians, the questions remain unanswered, but the demand for accountability continues to grow louder.
