Anti-Graft War: Buhari Blames Slow System
- Insists heat still on corrupt officials
BY COBHAM NSA, ABUJA – President Muhammadu Buhari has blamed the system for his administration’s seeming slow pace in tackling and dealing a decisive blow on corruption in the country.
Reacting to claims by critics that the government is too slow in handling the nation’s challenges, including `endemic corruption’ in the polity, President Buhari said: “It’s not Baba (Buhari) that is slow but it is the system.”
Also, the President said the All Progressives Congress (APC) will soon embark on aggressive nation-wide campaign for the 2019 Presidential election with visits to each of the country’s six geo-political zones
The President, who spoke when the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) community paid him a Christmas visit at his official residence in Abuja on Tuesday, said the administration is handicap as it cannot go against the system.
“I am going by this system and I hope we will make it”, the President said, even as he informed the august visitors that his party, the APC has lined-up plans to undertake aggressive campaign for the 2019 Presidential election with outings in each of the country’s six geo-political zones.
He insisted that the three focused areas of his 2015 campaign are still relevant today, and aside putting forward his administration’s modest achievements in its over three and a half years, the APC will still spotlight the fight against corruption, tackling insecurity and improving the economy in its campaign messages to Nigerians.
“We are watching the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) very seriously and we are going out very soon; we will go from geo-political zone to geo-political zone, to remind the people of our promises in 2015.
“These three fundamental things include security, because you have to secure the country before you can govern it and talking about what we have done regarding securing the country, the people of the North-east know better.”
Pledging not to relent in doing his best for Nigeria to retrieve from corrupt public officers what rightly belongs to the people, the President said; “We will collect back what they had taken illegally and for doing that, people are calling me Baba go slow.”
“I told you what I did when I was in uniform, but now when I have to go by this system (Democracy), where people have to be arrested and then prosecuted, taken to court and then with evidence”, he assured
On growing the economy, President Buhari said; “We are still going to explore, we have done well in agriculture and those who embraced farming are not regretting it. We have also addressed unemployment and, we are very lucky, through that we are now attaining food security.”
He said despite criticisms from the opposition, his administration would maintain its steam on the fight against corruption, adding; “I am going slowly but whatever the case, I will not stop pointing fingers at those who have abused trust by taking money that does not belong to them. I will keep on trying to do my best for this country and get back what belongs to the country.’’
The President also restated the government’s commitment to keep repairing the nation’s roads; reviving the railway and providing electricity to Nigerians within the resources available to government.
He thanked the FCT community for the visit and charged leaders at all levels to always do right as not to betray the confidence reposed in them by the people.
In his remarks, the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammed Bello, commended the achievements recorded by the Buhari administration in the last three and a half years.
According to him, the FCT inhabitants have resolved to appreciate Mr President’s achievements with their massive votes during the 2019 general elections, adding; “We pray that God almighty continues to grant you good health, strength, capacity, ability and patience to continue to lead us to the Promised Land.”
“I want to assure you that we are solidly behind you and by the grace of God, we look forward to you spending another four years in the State House so that you can truly make Abuja the city of our dream.
“This is because we want Abuja to be among the 20 best cities in the world in the next few years and I think that is possible,” the Minister said
Further acknowledging the President’s good works in the territory, Malam Bello said; “Just last week, you commissioned for us a new airport terminal and so many road projects that are on-going in Abuja.”
Also speaking at the occasion, Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Archbishop Nicholas Okoh congratulated the President for overcoming his health challenges.
He lauded as exemplary the spirit of unity among followers of different religions in the FCT, stressing that it is important to replicate such in all parts of Nigeria.
Archbishop Nicholas Okoh urged religious leaders across the country to continuously work in harmony for sustainable peace and unity in the country – With NAN report
