By Pablo Picasso

The most ab(used) word today, which is fast becoming a cliche in Nigeria is Probe. This definitely is not unrelated to the decision of the Buhari-led Government to probe activities of past Government, especially the immediate past administration. The growing number of dramatic personae echoing the probe hysteria really beggars belief. Well, let us just ignore the messengers and concentrate on the message. The probe of the past government within the confines of the law is a welcome development every patriotic Nigerian should embrace. These measures are needed to check those who take political office as their personal estate rather than public trust. However the theatrics associated with it in recent past is becoming worrisome.

Is the Government really serious about an actual probe or just bluffing? If the threat of probe is hyped, culpable politicians may become scared and try to strike a deal by returning looted funds. It could turn out to be a win-win situation for both the Government and the culprits. The culprits is spared a long trial and possibly time in jail, while the Government will be spared the resources of long court case which may later end in a plea bargain or outright acquittal, due to a weak evidence as we have seen in the past. The presidency is not oblivious of these realities/possibilities. The Presidential advisory committee on Anti-corruption had given an olive branch to those who know that their ‘hands are dirty’’ to come forward in other to negotiate lenient terms. Plateau and Ebonyi state Government gave same olive branch to those who may have looted public funds in the state.

The punch reported this week that President Buhari needed courageous judges who would expedite action on corruption cases and fearless in prosecuting looters of public funds. Although the news was received with mixed reactions as some saw it as an interference with the judiciary, it is a clear testament that probe is not an end itself, neither is it a guarantee that those suspected of corrupt practices will end up in jail or looted funds recovered. The “prove beyond reasonable doubt’’ remain sacrosanct in a democracy. It is therefore surprising that we are still caught up in the probe euphoria. Since the presidency has reiterated that there will be no going back on the probe, they should get back to work and articulate their strategies so that the end in mind will become a reality.

At this stage, what we want to hear is results, we need less talk; more work. Interestingly, those who may likely be probed are also ready for the probe. The PDP House of Reps caucus on Wednesday, endorsed the Buhari’s anti-corruption campaign on the condition that it should be within the law and not selective. It seems to be a season of “I am ready for probe’’ as some aides who served in the last administration have openly declared that they are ready for any questioning or probe of their activities in office. The former head of NHIS whom the EFCC had earlier declared to be on the run has openly denied being on the run, saying as a patriotic Nigerian who has nothing to hide, he is ready for probe of the alleged laundering of 2.1M dollars found with one of his aides. Earlier in the week, the chronic salary defaulter Ex-Gov. Gabriel Suswan joined the “I am ready for probe’’ group. Even the immediate past comptroller General of the Nigerian Custom who resigned under questionable circumstance, openly declared that he was ready for probe. Those to be probed have stated that they are ready for probe, the next thing should be results of the probe if any and not this never ending drama of bandying unverified claims and repetition of the probe cliche. Let the probe start Now!

Source: The FCT Post - http://www.fctpost.com/2015/08/21/let-the-probe-begin-ii/

hmmmm

a