A socio-political group in the North West, the Concerned North West Stakeholders Forum, has praised the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for initiating the trial of Amadu Sule, a close associate of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged corruption.
Sule, the Managing Director of TMDK Terminal Limited, is facing charges related to a ₦311 billion money laundering scheme. The ICPC arraigned him recently on accusations of abuse of office and diversion of public funds, charges that he has denied.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Kaduna, the group’s Coordinator, Alhaji Musa Abdullahi, described the ongoing trial as a significant step toward strengthening accountability and upholding the rule of law in Nigeria.
“The ICPC’s decision to prosecute Sule, a known ally of the former governor, sends a clear message that no one is above the law,” the statement read. “This action will help restore public confidence in the country’s anti-corruption efforts.”
The group highlighted that Nigerians have long demanded greater transparency in the management of public resources, especially by political officeholders and their associates. It expressed hope that this trial would meet public expectations for a fair and impartial judicial process.
Furthermore, the forum urged the ICPC to maintain its commitment to ensuring that the case is rigorously pursued to its conclusion. “Selective justice would undermine the integrity of anti-corruption initiatives,” the statement added.
The Concerned North West Stakeholders Forum also called on other anti-graft agencies to follow the ICPC’s example and investigate corruption allegations against politically exposed individuals across the country. “Accountability is crucial for national development. Public office holders must remember that while power is transient, the law is constant,” the group emphasized.
While urging against any politicization of the case, the forum appealed to the judiciary to handle the trial with professionalism and independence, stressing the importance of justice for national stability.
The ICPC’s trial of Sule has drawn significant attention, as it is seen as a crucial test for Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight, especially involving prominent political figures and their associates.
Middle-Belt Times 