President
Muhammadu Buhari has identified corruption as the worst threat to
Nigeria’s democracy, noting that the task of nation building rests
primarily on the political elite. Buhari
pointed out that leaders of advanced democracies have conquered the
urge for primitive acquisition of wealth and have rather settled for
service.
The president, who spoke through his
deputy, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo when he declared open the maiden annual
political summit in Abuja, charged participants at the summit to evolve a
moral elite that is prepared to make sacrifices and serve above self,
adding that what Nigeria needed at the moment was leadership with
ethical compass.
“Democracy cannot heal the terrible human
defect if politicians demand and take bribe, steal the money meant to
provide drugs for our hospitals, schools for our children and roads for
all,” he said.
Buhari expressed sadness that the
people’s dream to choose their leaders, has been thwarted by corrupt
practices including purchase of votes. He commended the organisers, Save
Democracy Group Africa for creating the platform for continued dialogue
for political actors across party lines.
Senate President Bukola Saraki and
Speaker Yakubu Dogara in their separate remarks pledged the support of
the National Assembly in the fight against corruption, noting that there
was need for sacrifice across board.
“The days of business as usual are over.
Reckless spending of government’s resources, expenditures not budgeted
for, procurement abuses and diversion of public monies for personal
gains must be eradicated. As part of our agenda, the National Assembly
is strengthening her oversight systems to ensure procedural and output
integrity. All public spending must be within the Appropriation Act. We
can no longer afford waste,” Saraki said.
Source: THE SUN