HURIWA urges transparency in management of recovered assets

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…Commends EFCC’s recent court victories

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By Chioma Obinna

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The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) on Sunday called for greater transparency and public oversight in the management of assets recovered through anti-corruption efforts, saying Nigerians deserve to know how forfeited properties and funds are utilised.

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The group also commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for securing a series of court-backed forfeiture orders involving cash, luxury vehicles, jewellery and other assets, describing the judgments as a positive development in the country’s anti-corruption campaign.

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In a press statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA said recent judicial decisions had strengthened public confidence in the fight against corruption but stressed that asset recovery should be matched with accountability.

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According to the association, the anti-corruption campaign would be more impactful if the public is regularly informed about the status, management, and use of recovered assets.

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HURIWA urged the EFCC to establish a transparent reporting framework that would provide periodic updates on forfeited assets, including their estimated value, location, disposal process where applicable and the public projects financed with the proceeds.

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It argued that such disclosures would promote public trust and demonstrate that recovered assets are being deployed for national development.

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The group also called on the Federal Government to ensure that forfeited assets are managed in a manner that serves the public interest.

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In addition, HURIWA advocated broader stakeholder participation in the management and disposal of recovered assets, urging the EFCC to involve civil society organisations, professional bodies, anti-corruption groups and the media in monitoring valuation, preservation and disposal processes.

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The group maintained that corruption has had far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s socio-economic development, affecting investments in healthcare, education, infrastructure and other essential public services.

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It therefore called for continued reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework through improved enforcement, stronger legislation and greater institutional accountability.

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HURIWA also urged Nigerians to support anti-corruption initiatives anchored on the rule of law, fairness, transparency, and due process.

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According to the association, the long-term success of the anti-corruption campaign should be measured not only by the volume of assets recovered but also by the extent to which such recoveries translate into tangible improvements in public services and the welfare of citizens.

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