A coalition of 111 civil society organisations has warned against public pressure and media campaigns around an ongoing investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), saying such actions could undermine due process and the rule of law.
The organisations, led by the Ummatee Centre for the Promotion of Public Education, Accountability and Social Safety (Ummatee-C4PASS), said businessman Aliko Dangote acted responsibly by submitting a written petition to the ICPC over issues involving the former Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed.
In a press statement issued in Kano, the coalition said reporting allegations to an anti-corruption agency is a constitutionally protected civic duty and should be encouraged in a democratic society.
“The coalition states unequivocally that Alhaji Aliko Dangote acted responsibly and in full compliance with the law by submitting a written petition to the ICPC, requesting an investigation into issues of public concern,” the statement said.
The CSOs noted that the ICPC’s invitation to Dangote to appear on Monday confirms that a formal investigation has commenced and reflects the commission’s prompt response.
“This action strengthens public confidence in Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions,” the coalition said.
However, the organisations cautioned that public efforts to either defend or condemn individuals while investigations are ongoing could weaken institutional independence and compromise due process.
“Public campaigns mounted to defend or condemn any individual while investigations are ongoing risk undermining institutional independence and due process,” the statement added.
The coalition also expressed concern over reports of organised public defences by some groups claiming to speak on behalf of civil society, warning that such actions may themselves deserve public scrutiny.
“While freedom of expression is fundamental, coordinated actions that seek to pre-empt or delegitimise lawful investigations may themselves warrant public scrutiny,” the CSOs said.
The organisations reaffirmed that no individual should be shielded from accountability and stressed that civil society’s primary responsibility is to protect democratic institutions, not personalities.
“Reporting allegations to lawful authorities is a civic responsibility, and compliance with investigative invitations reflects respect for the rule of law,” the statement said.
The coalition called on all stakeholders to remain calm and allow the ICPC to carry out its mandate without interference or premature judgment.
The statement was signed by the Executive Director of Ummatee-C4PASS, Ghazali Ibrahim Ungogo, on behalf of the 111 civil society organisations.
