Pres. Buhari bans 50 Top Nigerians From Travelling Abroad as Court upholds PEO 6

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday bans 50 Top Nigerians from travelling abroad on Saturday, 13th October.

This was confirmed in a statement by presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, titled PRESIDENT BUHARI DIRECTS IMPLEMENTATION OF EO 6 IN FULL FORCE.

Garba said the measure is part of the implementation of Executive Order Number 6 which seeks to ensure “that all assets within a minimum value of N50 million or equivalent, subject to investigation or litigation are protected from dissipation by employing all available lawful means, pending the final determination of any corruption-related matter.”

This is coming as a drastic action after a Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, 11th October, upheld the validity of the Presidential Executive Order 6 of 2018, benching a suit that argued the President does not have constitutional powers to issue PEO. This validity provides the President the power to size assets linked to ongoing criminal trials and investigations.

The individuals, whose identities were not disclosed, include those whose assets, valued at N50million and above, are subject of corruption investigation and litigation.

Mr Shehu added that the financial transactions of these persons of interest are also being monitored by relevant agencies to ensure the assets are not dissipated and that such persons do not interfere with, investigation and litigation processes.

It is instructive to note that EO6 was specifically directed to relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure that all assets within a minimum value of N50 million or equivalent, subject to investigation or litigation are protected from dissipation by employing all available lawful means, pending the final determination of any corruption-related matter.
The Buhari administration reassures all well-meaning and patriotic Nigerians of its commitment to the fight against corruption, in accordance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the general principles of the Rule of Law.
Accordingly, this administration will uphold the rule of law in all its actions and the right of citizens would be protected as guaranteed by the Constitution.
We, therefore, enjoin all Nigerians to cooperate with the law enforcement authorities towards ensuring a successful implementation of the Executive Order 6 which is a paradigm-changing policy of the Federal Government in the fight against corruption. – Garba Shehu

In the same vain, Mike Ozekhome, a constitutional lawyer and human rights activist, has described this move by the President as an extreme panicky measure.

He says “it is highly condemnable for being absolutely unconstitutional, illegal, wrongful, immoral, vindictive, dictatorial, panicky and presumptuous of the victims’ guilt,without any trial or conviction. The order shows a government wallowing in narcistic self-righteousness,brazen glorification and a false sense of redemptive messianism.”

In support, the PDP has also rejected the travel ban, saying the action was an attempt by the Presidency to foist what it called a full-blown fascism on the country.

“This draconian step is clearly targeted at members of the opposition parties, perceived political enemies of President Muhammadu Buhari, well-meaning Nigerians, including members of the business community, religious leaders, former political leaders and traditional rulers, who are perceived to be averse to President Buhari’s re-election bid.”

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