Abuja — All Youth Association of Nigeria (AYAN), a coalition of youth organisations, has thrown its weight behind the removal of constitutional immunity for public officials being canvassed by President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua.

President Yar'Adua had said at a dinner hosted by the Partnership Against Corruption Initiative in Davos, Switzerland, last week that he would support the removal of constitutional immunity for the president, vice president, governors and deputy governors.

He said he was confident that public officials granted immunity from prosecution would soon be stripped of such immunity. "I have confidence that the next constitutional amendment will strip these public officials of this immunity and I am personally in support of that" he added.

AYAN president, Malam Usman Ibrahim told journalists in Abuja that the move by President Yar'Adua was a step in the right direction as it has further demonstrated his resolve to do away with "this moster called corruption which has derailed every genuine attempt at moving this country forward".

Malam Ibrahim said he was confident that the Yar'Adua administration would also implement other measures to ensure that opportunities to commit corruption were reduced to the barest minimum, pointing out that by so doing, public officers engaged in corrupt practices would be exposed and brought to book.

"I believe that as a responsible leader, Mr. President is determined to put in place measures that do not encourage corrupt practices and to also ensure strict adherence to rule of law", he said.

The AYAN president noted that in a corruption ridden society like ours, the vast majority are shortchanged. He said "the measures and steps being taken by the president require the supports and encouragement of all Nigerians".