The Federal Government yesterday replied critics of President Muhammadu Buhari anti-corruption war. In his reaction to recent criticisms, Information, Culture and National Orientation Minister, Lai Mohammed said that the administration has a good story to tell.
He spoke at the Special (10th) Edition of the Town Hall Meeting in Abuja, following swipes from Senate President Bukola Saraki and House Speaker Yakubu Dogara.
Mohammed said: “Let me say straightaway that in giving this mid-term report, I am convinced beyond reasonable doubt that this Administration has a story to tell, a story of achievements that – if we are able to continue along this path – will stand the test of time and put our dear nation on the path of sustainable growth and development.
“We have taken on corruption at its core. There are more prosecutions and there will be more convictions for public sector corruption than Nigeria has ever seen.
“We have acted to address the leakages in government spending that make corruption possible. Through the zero- based budgeting and the Treasury Single Account (TSA), the government’s efficiency unit and the hugely successful whistle-blower policy.”
The minister said the government was waging the war against corruption because of its interest in a prosperous future for all Nigerians
He added: “At the same time, corruption levels in our society had become completely unacceptable. The brazenness and impunity of those involved, and the lack of accountability at all levels of society had to be addressed if we were to create the foundations for future prosperity.
“That future prosperity, for all Nigerians, was the overriding objective of the administration. We were, and remain, 100% committed to delivering an economy that enables all Nigerians to achieve their ambitions, no matter how big or small.”
Finance Minister Mrs Kemi Adeosun said the anti corruption fight was not only yielding fruit but had become acceptable among Nigerians. In her view, “the whistle-blowing policy has made every Nigerian a detective’’ and many of them are not requesting for any compensation.
According to Adeosun, the Federal Government had got more than 2,500 tips that are likely to lead to the recovery of looted funds and blocking of leakages. She said the government was taking measures that would get the country out of recession, adding that Nigeria would come out stronger.
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