Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari stated that he is proud to be leaving a legacy of fighting corruption as he leaves office in 2023.
He made this assertion on Thursday, July 14, on the occasion of celebrating the African Day of Anti-corruption, noting that he will continue his anti-corruption quest even after he leaves office.
In a statement titled: ‘On Africa anti-corruption day, president Buhari calls for international anti-corruption court to try offenders,’ which is signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President said the fight against corruption must be sustained for the benefit of present and future generations.
The statement read in part:
“As I am leaving office next year, I am proud to leave behind a legacy of fighting corruption among others.
“Personally, I abhor corruption and I will render my best in or outside office to get rid of corruption in Nigeria and Africa in general. I urge our youths to join me in this noble cause.
“In Nigeria, I am very proud of our Anti-Corruption Agencies, our law enforcement agencies and our regulatory bodies, for their efforts at checking criminality including corruption. I very deeply appreciate them for their sacrifices.
“The battle must continue for the sake of the continent and its people no matter the difficulties. In Nigeria, the fight against corruption has been vigorous since 2015. A lot has been achieved in the areas of arrest, prosecution, conviction, asset recovery and anti-corruption laws.
“I must admit that the fight has not been a bed of roses. Truly, a lot of more work in many fronts is required. For example, civil and public servants must be ethical and professional at all times. The private sector must contribute in curving corruption. The international community needs to close safe havens. The judiciary requires more impetus. Perhaps, an International Anti-corruption Criminal Court is needed.”
The statement added’
“I have come to realise that nations in Africa have to ensure that national resources are not taken to safe havens around the world and we must curtail illicit financial flows in all its ramifications. Also, we must work collectively to recover all resources taken abroad.
“We must show looters that crime does not pay by depriving them of the proceeds of their crime.”
