Abuja based Non Governmental Organisation, the Society for Rule of Law in Nigeria (SRLN) has threatened to drag the Federal Government to Court over its refusal to extradite controversial businessman and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Mr Buruji Kasamu.
Last month, a three-man panel of justices at the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, had vacated an order of perpetual injunction granted by Justice Okechukwu Okeke (rtd.) of the Federal High Court, restraining the Attorney-General of the Federation from entertaining or making any order whatsoever in respect of any request by the United States (U.S.) Government for the surrender of the Mr Kasamu applicant in respect of an alleged drug-related offences.
The order restrained the Attorney–General of the Federation from taking any steps under Section 6(2) of the Extradition Act for the arrest, committal or surrender of Kashamu at the instance of the U.S Government.
SRLN said in a statement issued in Abuja today by its National Coordinator, Comrade Chima Ubeku that it was worrisome that inspite of the Appeal Court judgment, the PDP Federal Government has remained silent of the matter.
“Instead of releasing Mr Buruji Kasamu to the U.S government to face trial, what we have seen is the wanted man associating openly with the party even at the South-West zonal and national levels.
“This is no doubt a minus to the anti-corruption posture of the President Goodluck Jonathan-led PDP government.
“It has therefore become a moral burden on the president and his party, and it is high time the presidency makes its position known on the matter,” Ubeku said.
Speaking further, Comrade Ubeku said; “Having waited for more than 30 days after the Appeal Court judgment was delivered and the federal government has done nothing, ostensibly because Mr Kasamu belongs to the ruling PDP, we no longer have any other option than to take steps aimed at compelling the federal government to clear itself of the seeming complicity on the Kasamu issue.
“Therefore, we shall, 14 days after today commence a legal process against the federal government and also take our campaign to the United Nations and other relevant international organisations.”
