THIS DAWN — A Kano-based lawyer, public commentator, and columnist, Barrister Umar Sa’ad Hassan has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prosecute officials of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Barrister Hassan urged Tinubu to deepen his administration’s anti-corruption campaign and ensure the prosecution of former senior officials accused of large-scale financial misconduct under the previous government.
In the article titled “No Halfway Fight Against Corruption: A Letter to President Tinubu,” Hassan commended the Tinubu administration for what he described as a significant departure from the scandal-ridden years.
According to him, two and a half years into Tinubu’s presidency, Nigerians have witnessed fewer reports of officials accused of looting hundreds of billions of naira.
The occurrence, he said, was rampant early in Buhari’s first term.
He cited the early suspension of a minister accused of mismanaging N500 million.
He also noted the replacement of another who reportedly struggled to justify N1.5 billion in monthly fuel expenses.
These, he said, are examples of Tinubu’s firmer stance.
Emefiele, Sirika, Farouq, others
Hassan further praised the prosecution of former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele, along with what he described as substantial recoveries linked to the case.
He also welcomed the arraignment of former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika over the failed Nigeria Air project and alleged questionable property developments in Katsina.
Despite these actions, Hassan argued that Nigerians “deserve much more” in the fight against graft.
The commentator also examined Tinubu’s political strategy.
He suggested that the president’s recent posture may give him the latitude to confront powerful figures implicated in corruption without fear of regional backlash.
These including increasing support from southern states and defections of governors to the APC.
Hassan singled out former officials of the last administration, particularly ex-Humanitarian Affairs Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq, who has faced public criticism over large-scale social investment expenditures.
Her arrest by the EFCC over an unaccounted N37 billion raised public expectations, he said, but the lack of prosecution or clearance has fueled concerns.
Enters Malami
The author also referenced former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, describing him as one of the most influential figures in the Buhari government.
He cited several controversies attributed to Malami, including an alleged directive shielding an ex-NIRSAL boss from investigation and disputes surrounding the disposal of seized assets.
Hassan welcomed the EFCC’s ongoing scrutiny of Malami, particularly over an alleged $17 million payment to associates for a letter relating to the repatriation of $321 million Abacha loot—work which had already been completed by a foreign lawyer.
He urged the Tinubu administration to ensure that every case is pursued to its “logical conclusion,” stressing that any indictment must lead to prosecution, regardless of political or regional sensitivities.
According to him, “the brutal rape of this country under Buhari must not be swept under the carpet.”
Hassan also referenced previous allegations involving the former First Family and prominent officials, contrasting them with the relative lack of corruption scandals under Tinubu.
He argued that while many believe Tinubu’s personal wealth reduces the incentive for graft, the president must take equally strong action against those who allegedly abused public trust before him.
The commentary concluded with a call for uncompromising accountability.
It warned that Nigeria’s economic challenges would have been far less severe if a small group had not “borrowed, recovered, and then stolen” public resources.
“Let none of them be spared,” Hassan wrote.
