ADVERTISEMENT

We will institutionalise anti-corruption war - President assures U.S.

Buhari stated that his administration was laying down administrative and financial instructions in the public service that must be obeyed.

(L) United States Secretary of State, John Kerry and (R) President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday pledged that the anti-corruption crusade in the country would be deepened and institutionalised to last beyond the life of the current administration.

Mr Femi Adesina, the president’s Senior Adviser on Media and Publicity, said in a statement that Buhari made the pledge when he received U. S. Secretary of State, Mr John Kerry, at the State House, Abuja.

The president stated that his administration was laying down administrative and financial instructions in the public service that must be obeyed.

We will insist on the standards we're establishing.

ADVERTISEMENT

"We are laying down administrative and financial instructions in the public service that must be obeyed. Any breach will no longer be acceptable.

"We will re-train our staff so that they understand the new orientation, and those who foul of these rules will be prosecuted, no matter who is involved.

"But, we will be fair, just and act according to the rule of law.

"Anyone perceived corrupt is innocent till we can prove it. We will work very hard to establish documentation for successful prosecution, and those in positions of trust will sit up,’’ he said.

Buhari appreciated the intervention of the U.S before the 2015 polls, demanding free and fair elections in Nigeria, saying, ``America did not do it because of what it stands to benefit from us.

ADVERTISEMENT

"You did it for the Nigerian people. It tells so much what the U.S stands for in the world".

On Boko Haram insurgency, he thanked the U.S. for its ``hard and soft military help’’.

"The training and intelligence that we could not muster ourselves, we received.

"The training has made Boko Haram less of a threat to Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin region, while the military hardware has given our troops added confidence,’’ he said.

The president said that though militancy in the Niger Delta had impacted negatively on the economy and affected positive intentions of international and local investors, government had showed restraint to use of real force.

ADVERTISEMENT

On the economy, he assured that the focus of his administration was on the diversification ``having learnt our lessons from years of over dependence on oil’’.

In his remarks, Kerry commended the courage of Buhari in fighting corruption.

"We applaud what you are doing. Corruption creates a ready-made playing field for recruiting extremists.

"You inherited a big problem, and we will support you in any way we can. We will work with you very closely.

"We don't want to interfere, but will offer opportunities as you require," Kerry said.

ADVERTISEMENT

He pledged his government’s determination to assist Nigeria in tackling the humanitarian challenges in the North-East, adding that U.S. would get Britain, France, and others ``to augment the support.’’

"Nigeria is priority for us. We won't miss the opportunity to work together, because you are making significant progress,’’ he said.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Kaduna Gov grants scholarship to 137 rescued schoolchildren, son of late teacher

Kaduna Gov grants scholarship to 137 rescued schoolchildren, son of late teacher

Siamese twin gets married while still conjoined with her sister

Siamese twin gets married while still conjoined with her sister

LP BoT kicks out Abure despite convention victory, takes over party affairs

LP BoT kicks out Abure despite convention victory, takes over party affairs

6 Labour Party lawmakers defect to PDP in Enugu State

6 Labour Party lawmakers defect to PDP in Enugu State

Tinubu's special assistant donates food items to 1,700 residents in FCT

Tinubu's special assistant donates food items to 1,700 residents in FCT

Anambra PASAN begins strike over Soludo's failure to grant financial autonomy

Anambra PASAN begins strike over Soludo's failure to grant financial autonomy

Governor Sanwo-Olu pays ₦4.48 billion to 1,455 retirees in accrued pensions

Governor Sanwo-Olu pays ₦4.48 billion to 1,455 retirees in accrued pensions

Court discharges ex-AGF Adoke, 6 others in Malabu oil scam case

Court discharges ex-AGF Adoke, 6 others in Malabu oil scam case

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT