FG To Intensify Efforts On Anti-Corruption -AGF
The Federal Government has reiterated its determination to intensify efforts in its anti-corruption fight. This resolve was made by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minster of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
He said this while declaring open the 5th Assembly of State Parties, AoP, in Vienna, Austria last week. Malami presided over the Assembly as President of the State Parties of the International Anticorruption Academy, IACA.
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the AGF, Salihu Isah, revealed this in a press statement issued on Wednesday.
According to the media aide, the minister pleaded for more support of all member states to curb the scourge. He urge them to come out with creative and workable ideas in that direction.
FG Signs Pact With Italy
Meanwhile, Nigeria has signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Government of the Republic of Italy. The MoUs bothers on mutual assistance in criminal matters, transfer of sentenced persons and an extradition treaty.
Isah said the minister, Abubakar Malami signed the pact in Rome on behalf of the Federal Government. Italian Minister of Justice, Andrea Orlando, also signed on behalf of his home country.
He explained that the signing of the agreement was part of the outcome of the AGF’s official visit to Italy last week.
Agreement To Help Counter Crime, Terrorism
The Minister’s spokesman, disclosed that the pact will help both countries deal with crime and terrorism.
It will “improve the effectiveness of both countries in the prevention, investigation and prosecution of crime, including crimes related to terrorism and tracing.”
The pact will ensure the restraint, forfeiture or confiscation of assets for financing of terrorism. Also, it will curb the proceeds and instruments of crime, through cooperation and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.
The extradition treaty will enable both countries extradite to the other any one with criminal links whenever the need arises.
Also, the two countries reached another agreement to promote effective cooperation on the transfer of sentenced persons for the purpose of facilitating their rehabilitation and social reintegration.
The AGF had in August hosted an Italian delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Paolo Gentlioni Silveri. This was part of preparatory steps towards enhancing cooperation on justice reforms between the two nations.
