Gbenga Daniel illicit funds amnesty proposal as Ogun senator calls for structured repatriation of stolen funds during Abuja book launch

Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East Senatorial District and former Governor of Ogun State, on Wednesday, April 2, 2026, in Abuja, advanced a Gbenga Daniel illicit funds amnesty proposal, calling on the Federal Government to consider a structured amnesty framework for Nigerians willing to repatriate stolen funds held abroad, provided the funds are channelled into productive sectors of the economy.

Also read: Gbenga Daniel Praises Tinubu’s Governance Influence

The senator made the proposal during a public book launch held at the Yar’Adua Centre to mark his 70th birthday, an event that brought together political leaders, academics, and public commentators.

Daniel argued that corruption continues to undermine national development, stressing that capital flight remains one of its most destructive consequences.

He warned that stolen funds parked outside Nigeria weaken domestic investment capacity and deepen economic challenges.

“In the interim, one of the most damaging dimensions of corruption is capital flight,” Daniel said. “Much of the money stolen is invested outside our shores, enriching other nations while depriving Nigeria of development resources.”

He described his proposal as a pragmatic intervention aimed at recovering illicit wealth and injecting liquidity into the economy.

According to him, a well-structured amnesty or moratorium could encourage voluntary repatriation of funds, especially if tied to productive investment obligations within Nigeria.

“As a pragmatic step, government could consider a well-structured moratorium or amnesty on repatriation of such funds, provided they are invested productively within the country. This will help inject needed capital into the economy,” he added.

Daniel also noted that a significant portion of illicit financial flows passes through formal banking systems, arguing that modern financial intelligence tools could help trace such transactions if properly deployed.

He called for a stronger, system-based approach to anti-corruption enforcement rather than isolated interventions.

The senator further urged full utilisation of the Code of Conduct Bureau to enhance accountability among public officers, describing institutional weakness as a major gap in Nigeria’s governance framework.

Beyond corruption-related concerns, Daniel also raised alarm over misinformation, stating that distorted narratives and shallow analysis often shape public discourse and policy direction.

“Political decisions are frequently taken from warped viewpoints, while even elites sometimes rely only on headlines without interrogating issues in depth,” he said.

He called for investment in credible and fact-based information systems that would strengthen civic awareness and improve democratic decision-making.

Daniel also decried declining ethical standards in public service, lamenting that accountability for unexplained wealth has weakened over time.

He advocated a return to the Omoluabi ethos, anchored on integrity, honour, and responsibility.

Despite the challenges, the former governor expressed optimism that Nigeria’s governance problems remain solvable with political will and sincerity of purpose.

The event also featured the launch of four books, including Daniel in the Lions’ Den and My March through the Courts, which document his political journey and legal battles.

Reviewing the works, Dr Reuben Abati encouraged Nigerians to document their experiences for historical and academic value, describing the publications as insightful contributions to political literature.

Also read: Gbenga Daniel Praises Tinubu’s Governance Influence

Also speaking, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire described My March through the Courts as a compelling read, noting its detailed account of Daniel’s legal struggles and eventual vindication.

(NAN)