Corruption: Don’t beg me, looters must face the law, return stolen wealth, Buhari vows

President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday assured Nigerians that no amount of pressure would make him give up the war against corruption in the country.

In an address to a group of Nigerians who marched to the Presidential Villa to pledge their full support for his administration’s anti-corruption campaign, President Buhari promised a relentless prosecution of the war against corruption, with due regard for the rule of law.

The President said all persons charged with stealing the nation’s resources will have their day in court and that, upon conviction, their ill-gotten wealth would be seized and returned to government coffers.

“I believe it is time for Nigeria to change course. That is why I sought election as President and got elected. As President, I am determined that Nigeria must move away from a course of endemic corruption that was leading us to perdition,” a spokesperson quoted the President as saying through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.

“There can be no question of our willfully allowing anyone to get away with corruption. No matter the pressure and entreaties, the anti-corruption war will continue and all accused persons will have their day in court.”

Welcoming the support of the group – Nigerians March Against Corruption, President Buhari, who was represented by Mr. Adesina, also reaffirmed his commitment to curbing insecurity in the country and boosting employment opportunities for Nigerians, especially the youth.

He called for the continued support and solidarity of Nigerians as the present administration works to correct the wrongs of the past.

The Nigerians Against Corruption group led by Aisha Yesufu had condemned recent statements by some individuals against the President’s anti-corruption campaign.

They assured the President that the vast majority of ordinary Nigerians fully supported his ongoing efforts to curb corruption and urged him not to be deterred by the antics of those who do not share his laudable vision of a fairer, more equitable, corruption-free and progressive nation.

PT