Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved travelling restriction on no fewer than 50 high profile persons directly affected in investigations by security agencies in the country.

By this, the persons cannot travel out of Nigeria pending the determination of their cases.

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His Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, who disclosed this in a statement yesterday said that the measure is part of the implementation of Executive Order Number 6, which seeks to ensure “that all assets within a minimum value of N50 million or equivalent, subject to investigation or litigation are protected from dissipation by employing all available lawful means, pending the final determination of any corruption-related matter.”

Though the identities of those affected were not disclosed, the statement emphasized that the financial transactions of those of interest are also being monitored by relevant agencies to ensure that the assets are not dissipated and such persons do not interfere with investigation and litigation processes.

“Following the instant judicial affirmation of the constitutionality and legality of the Executive Order 6 (EO6), President Muhammadu Buhari has mandated the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice to implement the Order in full force.

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“To this end, a number of enforcement procedures are currently in place by which the Nigeria Immigration Service and other security agencies have placed no fewer than 50 high profile persons directly affected by EO6 on watch-list and restricted them from leaving the county pending the determination of their cases.

“It is instructive to note that EO6 was specifically directed to relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure that all assets within a minimum value of N50 million or equivalent, subject to investigation or litigation are protected from dissipation by employing all available lawful means, pending the final determination of any corruption-related matter.

“The Buhari administration reassures all well-meaning and patriotic Nigerians of its commitment to the fight against corruption, in accordance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the general principles of the Rule of Law,” the statement read in part.

Shehu also added that, “accordingly, this administration will uphold the rule of law in all its actions and the right of citizens would be protected as guaranteed by the Constitution.

“We, therefore, enjoin all Nigerians to cooperate with the law enforcement authorities towards ensuring a successful implementation of the Executive Order 6, which is a paradigm-changing policy of the Federal Government in the fight against corruption.”