Prophet Kayode Abiara, the General-Evangelist of the Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide in an interview with Kemi Ashefon asked the Federal Government to pardon all those who return Nigeria’s looted funds once they are being called out. Abiara says those who have stolen Nigeria’s funds need to be probed, but then we can’t waste much time on them as there is a whole lot of work that still needs to be done in the country. He then pleaded that whoever is found guilty and return looted funds should be forgiven so they won’t waste our time.
What do you have to say about the arrest and prosecution of some individuals allegedly involved in siphoning $2.1bn meant for the procurement of arms for the Army to tackle insurgency?
We thank God for this new government because President Muhammadu Buhari is trying to right the wrongs of many decades. I know that the President wants to recover a lot of stolen funds stashed in any part of the world and I applaud him for that.
I don’t see anything wrong in telling looters to refund all the money they stole. But I believe the recent trial of some suspects should be hastened up and they should be permitted to refund the money. Buhari should pardon them if they return the money and then, let’s move the country forward. There is a lot of work to be done in the country, especially on our dwindling economy. We should not waste time on the arms probe and the prosecution of suspects. We need to move on. I pray that all the recovered money will be judiciously used.
Are you calling for pardon for anyone found guilty?
Yes, they should be pardoned as long as they refund all the stolen funds to government’s coffers. Even Jesus Christ said if anyone confesses his sins, he should be pardoned.
But the soldiers were helpless due to lack of sophisticated weapons to tackle terrorists which made Boko Haram to kill many.
If the Federal Government pardons the looters, those who want to steal would still steal. If they are not pardoned, it does not stop people from stealing. I am not against bringing thieves to book and I believe prosecuting them will serve as a deterrent to others. Even God say, ‘thou shall not steal.’ But the Holy Books also talked about pardoning sinners. Remember that Jesus Christ prayed for a thief while he was on the cross. What I am advocating is for the government to recover the stolen money, utilise the money, stabilise the economy and move the country forward.
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