President Buhari reiterates commitment to anti-graft war

November 20, 2020November 20, 2020

President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated his commitment to anti-graft war, saying he wants Nigeria to be counted among countries that do not tolerate but fight corruption.

The president said this while receiving the report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry on the Investigation of Ibrahim Magu, Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), headed by Justice Ayo Salami (Rtd), at State House, Abuja.

“Corruption is present in all countries. Some Governments treat it with levity. Some fight it all the time. I want Nigeria to be counted among those countries that do not tolerate but fight corruption,” Buhari noted.

Speaking further, the president said: “Mindful of the threat that corruption poses to us as a nation, this administration has specifically focused on the fight against corruption.”

Buhari highlighted measures put in place by his administration to fight corruption thus: Enforcement of Treasury Single Account (TSA), Strict implementation of the Bank Verification Number Policy and Signing unto the Open Government Partnership.

The President added that a lot of efforts have gone into building and development of the country’s anti-corruption institutions.

“We have so far kept faith with our promise and shall remain committed until Nigeria triumphs over the evil of corruption, attain a prosperous economic status and surmounts her security challenges,” the president said.

While expressing disappointment in the corruption charges laid against the suspended Acting chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, President Buhari said:

“The stark reality of widespread corruption becomes poignant when allegations of corruption touches on the leadership of an institution set up by law to coordinate and enforce all economic and financial crimes. It is an abomination that strikes at the root, and undermines the Government’s anti-corruption programme.”

Presenting the report of the Commission’s investigation to President Buhari, Justice Salami disclosed that the suspended Acting Chairman of the EFCC and 113 witnesses appeared and testified before the Commission, adding that 46 petitions and memoranda were presented by individuals and organisations with complaints against Magu.

Salami expressed profound gratitude to the President for giving the Commission members a wonderful opportunity to serve the nation.