In a compelling address at the 16th Annual Lecture of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC), Lagos chapter, retired Federal High Court judge, Justice Taiwo Taiwo, urged the Federal Government to transform properties seized from former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, into shelters for the underprivileged, rather than auctioning them to private entities.
Justice Taiwo criticized the prevailing approach to asset recovery, highlighting a pattern of impunity and selective justice. He emphasized that reallocating these assets for public welfare would not only serve justice but also address the pressing housing needs of many Nigerians.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured court orders for the final forfeiture of numerous assets linked to Emefiele. These include properties valued at over N12 billion in Abuja, such as a sprawling estate in the Apo area comprising 753 duplexes, acquired through companies allegedly connected to Emefiele [1] . Additional assets include 94 units of an 11-story building under construction in Ikoyi, Lagos, and various other properties across Lagos State.
Justice Taiwo's call aligns with previous government actions where recovered assets were redirected for public benefit. For instance, funds recovered from former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke were allocated to rural electrification projects, demonstrating a precedent for utilizing seized assets to enhance public infrastructure.
By converting these forfeited properties into affordable housing, the government could make significant strides in addressing the nation's housing deficit and promoting social equity. Such a move would also reinforce public confidence in the justice system's commitment to serving the broader interests of society.
0 Comments