State Of Emergency, An Experiment — Akanbi

President Goodluck Jonathan’s declaration of a State of Emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states is an experiment, says Justice Mustapha Akanbi (rtd).

Akanbi, the pioneer Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practises and other related Offences Commission (ICPC), said this on Wednesday in Ilorin while fielding questions from newsmen.

Akanbi said that the action of the president in retaining political office holders in the states under of emergency rule might be attributed to his civilian background, describing  the development as historic in the annals of the country.

He compared the situation with a similar development during the tenure of President Olusegun Obasanjo, who had a military background.

Akanbi, a renowned Jurist, said: 'Obasanjo while in power, also imposed a State of Emergency in Ekiti and Plateau states; the state governors were removed and sole administrators were appointed.

'The military took full control of the security apparatus, but it is not the case with the one imposed by President Jonathan on Yobe, Adamawa and Borno States.

“I can refer to this as an experimental one because it has never happen before where state governors will still be in power in an emergency rule.”

Commenting on the judiciary, the former ICPC boss emphasised the need for the independence of the judiciary, to save them from the temptation of corruption.

He expressed dismay over the illegal acquisition of wealth by political office holders in the country and called for a reversal of the “ugly” trend.

He also implored the political players to positively engage the youths, in order to eradicate hooliganism and thuggery from the society.

On the spate of corruption in the country, Akanbi, who is also the founder of the Mustapha Akanbi Foundation, advocated strict penalties for corrupt leaders to serve as a deterrent to others.