By Ibekimi Oriamaja
President Muhammadu Buhari, the African Anti-Corruption Champion, called for the establishment of an International Anti-Corruption Court to try offenders on Thursday, while urging African leaders to step up the fight against corruption and create more disincentives for stealing public funds.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Garba Shehu, to commemorate the African Day of Anti-Corruption, the President praised African leaders for their accomplishments thus far, but warned that efforts to prosecute offenders and collect resources stashed in other countries must be stepped up.
“Distinguished participants and fellow African leaders, corruption is heinous, and all efforts to combat it are laudable.” I’ve been following Africa’s anti-corruption efforts and have witnessed both successes and setbacks. Whatever the obstacles, the fight must continue for the sake of the continent and its people.
“The fight against corruption in Nigeria has been fierce since 2015.” Significant progress has been made in the areas of arrest, prosecution, conviction, asset recovery, and anti-corruption legislation.
“I must admit that the fight has not been easy. Much more work is needed on many fronts. Civil and public servants, for example, must always be ethical and professional. The private sector must play a role in reducing corruption. Safe havens must be closed down by the international community. “Perhaps an International Anti-Corruption Criminal Court is needed,” he suggested, to give the judiciary a boost.
President Buhari believes that family and religious values must be strengthened, and that schools must do more to contribute to a better society.
I am honored to address the African Day Against Corruption participants. In the fight against corruption in Nigeria and, more broadly, in Africa, we have come a long way.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow African leaders for their individual and collective efforts in combating corruption on our continent.” I am grateful to each and every one of you for putting your faith in me as Africa’s Anti-Corruption Champion.
“As far as I can tell, the theme for 2022 is ‘Strategy and Mechanisms for Transparent Management of Covid-19 Funds: Lessons from the Pandemic.’ We responded quickly to the Covid-19 Pandemic in Nigeria, and now that it has been contained, we recognize the need for additional health-awareness campaigns and increased health-sector investment. “Once again, service delivery necessitates the elimination of corruption,” he went on.
He also stated that anti-corruption organizations should be given the authority to carry out their mandates.
“I am extremely proud of Nigeria’s anti-corruption, law enforcement, and regulatory agencies for their efforts to combat crime, including corruption.” “I am grateful for their sacrifices,” the President stated.
President Buhari believes that the fight against corruption must continue for the sake of current and future generations.
“Our young people have nowhere else to go for a decent life than Africa.” As I prepare to leave office next year, I am proud to leave a legacy of fighting corruption, among other things.
“I despise corruption and will do everything possible to rid Nigeria and Africa of it.” “I implore our young people to join me in this noble cause,” he said.
“If we deal with corruption appropriately, posterity will judge us right,” he said, urging African leaders to collaborate at any level to eradicate corruption in Africa.
The President stated that eradicating corruption in Nigeria and Africa was critical.
“It will improve the lives of our citizens,” he said.
