Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North in the National Assembly and a former governor of Abia State, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to introduce a two-year amnesty window for former public officials accused of diverting government funds.
Kalu made the call as part of his recommendations on how the Federal Government could recover allegedly misappropriated public funds while providing an opportunity for individuals involved to return the money.
The former governor argued that an amnesty programme could encourage former public officials who allegedly diverted government resources to voluntarily return the funds without necessarily facing prolonged legal battles.
According to him, the proposed two-year period would give those affected an opportunity to come forward, disclose what they allegedly took and return the funds to the government.
Kalu's proposal comes amid renewed efforts by the Federal Government and anti-corruption agencies to recover public funds allegedly stolen or misappropriated by individuals who have held public office.
He urged the Tinubu administration to consider the approach as an alternative strategy for recovering public resources, while stressing the need for accountability in the management of government funds.
The proposal is expected to generate debate, particularly among Nigerians who have continued to demand stronger measures against corruption and the prosecution of public officials accused of misappropriating public resources.