Buhari Seeks End to Corruption

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, said his administration was determined to end the menace of corruption in all sectors.

The  President stated this in his remark at the 2nd National Summit on Diminishing Corruption with the theme, ‘Together against corruption’ and launch of the National Ethics and Integrity Policy at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The event was organised by the Office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation, SGF, in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offenses Commission, ICPC, as part of activities to mark Nigeria’s 60th independence anniversary and the 20th anniversary of the ICPC.

In his remark, President Buhari called on all Nigerians to join the government in fighting corruption, so as to return the country to its good values of honesty and integrity as he sought stronger collaboration among the three tiers of government to fight corruption in the country

In his words: “As military Head of State, I fought corruption headlong and held public officers who abused their office or misused public funds to the account. Furthermore, I introduced the War Against Indiscipline (WAI), one of whose cardinal objectives was the promotion of our cherished culture of ethical conduct, integrity, and hard work.

“I recognized in 1984 as I do even more now that corruption poses a clear danger to Nigeria, so, we cannot relent in efforts to eradicate it from our society. As I have often reminded Nigerians, ‘If we do not kill corruption, corruption will kill Nigeria.’

“In my Inaugural Speech in 2015, I affirmed the determination of this administration to rebuild and reform the public service to become more effective and serviceable.

“I charged public servants to apply themselves with integrity to stabilize the system and solicited the cooperation of the Legislative arm to maintain their brief of making laws and carrying out oversight functions.

“We must all join hands together to fight corruption and return to our traditional values of honesty and integrity. I hereby use the opportunity of this Summit to launch the National Ethics and Integrity Policy as a fresh roadmap to return Nigeria to these critical national values.”

The President, who underscored the significance of establishing the ICPC, also called for a reform of the country’s judiciary, to boost the fight against corruption.

According to him, “This year marks two significant hallmarks in the history of our country. A few days from now, we will, by the grace of God, be celebrating Nigeria’s 60th Anniversary as an independent sovereign nation.

“This summit also commemorates the 20th Anniversary of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offenses Commission (ICPC). The Commission emerged as part of the measures that successive administrations in Nigeria have put in place over the years to fight corruption.

“In my inaugural speech in 2015, I called for the reform of the judicial system and for the judiciary to act with dispatch in cases, especially cases on corruption, serious financial crimes, and abuse of office.

“I believe that it is when the three arms and the three levels of government work together that the government will be enabled to serve the country. We will also see the positive impact of our efforts reaching all and sundry across the country.

The President as well advised public officers to imbibe the culture of honesty in all their dealings, in order to project the country in good light, adding that there will always be a reward for honesty and hard work.