ABUJA, Federal Republic of Nigeria. President Buhari has vowed not to succumb to pressure or entreaties on him to soft-pedal on his war against corruption.
Speaking during protest march organised by a group at the entrance of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday, to express their support for his administration’s anti-corruption campaign, Buhari promised a relentless prosecution of the war against corruption, with due regard for the rule of law.
The protesters also called on the president, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and members of the National Assembly to declare their assets.
While noting that no amount of pressure would make him give up the war against corruption in the country, Buhari said all persons charged with stealing the nation’s resources would have their day in court, adding that upon conviction, their ill-gotten wealth would be seized and returned to government’s coffers.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, he stated: “I believe it is time for Nigeria to change course. That is why I sought election as president and got elected. As president, I am determined that Nigeria must move away from a course of endemic corruption that was leading us to perdition.
“There can be no question of our wilfully allowing anyone to get away with corruption. No matter the pressure and entreaties, the anti-corruption war will continue and all accused persons will have their day in court.”
Welcoming the support of the group, which goes by the name “Nigerians March Against Corruption,” the president also reaffirmed his commitment to curbing insecurity in the country and boosting employment opportunities for Nigerians, especially the youth.
He called for the continued support and solidarity of Nigerians as the present administration worked to correct the wrongs of the past.
Led by Aisha Yesufu, the group had condemned recent statements by some individuals against the president’s anti-corruption campaign.
While urging Buhari not to be deterred by the antics of those who they observed did not share his laudable vision of a fairer, more equitable, corruption-free and progressive nation, they assured him that the vast majority of ordinary Nigerians fully supported his ongoing efforts to curb corruption.
Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and spokesman of the General Abdulsalami Abubakar-led National Peace Committee, Reverend Matthew Hassan-Kukah, had, last week, advised President Buhari not to be distracted from the core business of governance on account of too much talk about probe.
Speaking after a meeting between the committee led by General Abdulsalam and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, Kukah had said though bringing treasury looters to book was important, government must place premium on providing the desired governance.
The bishop had acknowledged the effect of corruption on the country, stressing that it had set the nation backward on all fronts.
Also, the committee, after a closed door meeting with President Buhari, showed concern for the war against corruption under the present administration.
Meanwhile, President Buhari has said his administration will gladly reverse or abandon some inherited economic policies, if doing so will lead to the creation of more jobs for Nigerians.
The president stated this at a meeting with executive members of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday.
Buhari directed the ministries of Industries, Trade and Investment and Finance, as well as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other relevant government agencies to evolve before next year’s budget, new policies to boost domestic manufacturing.
Credit: Tribune (Nigeria)
