Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, Dr. Sam Amadi, has criticised Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign, alleging that asset forfeiture and corruption prosecutions are often directed at former public officials rather than those still serving in government.
Amadi made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television on Saturday while commenting on recent anti-corruption cases involving former government officials.
According to him, anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria frequently appear politically motivated, arguing that officials who remain within the current administration are rarely subjected to the same level of scrutiny.
“If Malami was still working with this government, nothing will happen to him,” Amadi said.
He also alleged that several serving public office holders have unresolved cases with anti-graft agencies, claiming such investigations have made little progress.
“The Senate President has EFCC cases that aren’t progressing. Almost everyone in this administration has unprogressive cases,” he stated.
Amadi argued that the country’s anti-corruption drive has often been used as a political tool rather than a genuine effort to strengthen accountability and public governance.
“Oftentimes the war against corruption is a political fight back, because if corruption is to be fought truthfully, a transparent and accountable system needs to be set up,” he said.
He maintained that meaningful anti-corruption reforms require strong institutions, transparency and accountability mechanisms rather than selective prosecution of political opponents or former government officials.
Amadi’s comments come amid renewed public debate over recent corruption investigations and asset forfeiture cases involving former public office holders, including the immediate past Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, whose assets were recently ordered forfeited by a Federal High Court.