There’s No Corruption In Buhari’s Govt — Osinbajo
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said there is no corruption in the presidency under the watch of President Muhammadu Buhari, adding that such stance has saved the country a lot of money.
Osinbajo also reiterated that government’s efforts towards curbing corruption in the country would soon begin to manifest.
The Vice President spoke while receiving the leadership of The Companion, an association of Muslim Businessmen and Professionals who paid him a visit in his office in Abuja, recently.
According to Osinbajo “One thing that is very sure now, is that this presidency is not stealing and we have a President who is not stealing and will not steal.
‘There is no corruption in the presidency under the current government.
‘This kind of body language is what is saving this country a lot of money now.
‘Like what is happening in JAMB, Customs, FIRS, NPA, FAAN, NIMASA where we have witnessed improved revenue collection and returns to govt for unspent resources.
‘When we begin to deal with corruption in all facets of government particularly within the public sector, there will be a lot of improvement in our country.
‘The government is also looking at improving ease of doing business to be able to attract more foreign direct investment over a period of time. All MDA’s will be made to submit their expenditure in line with the budget as well and in compliance with the accounting year”.
Osinbajo said the rot the current administration met in office had never happened before.
“The rot we met in office has never happened before. The previous government spent the whole reserves and even borrowed money which were distributed for election purposes. It has never happened in this country where the presidency directly takes money from the Central Bank to distribute to its cronies and where very few officials stole the country dry. This is the only nation where such can happen and the same party under whose watch it happened will still be clamouring to be returned to power”, he said.
The vice President stated that although the 2018 budget submitted to the National Assembly since October last year was yet to be passed, government will continue to engage the lawmakers for speedy and accelerated passage.
“The government has improved a lot in agriculture as we now depend largely on local rice production which has reduced import by about 90 percent. We are looking at improved capacity at the refineries and reducing dependency on importation of PMS.
Government is determined to do a lot particularly at improving our standard of education particularly vocational education and tertiary institutions, infrastructure, and general reform in our way of life as Nigerians.
We cannot rest until social structure is improved and election promises are met”, he said.
He thanked The Companion for their visit, adding that the government would welcome constructive engagement with them as Muslim professionals as well as their support with good ideas.
The Companion, led by its National Amir (President) Alhaji Thabit Adewale Sonaike has warned Vice President Yemi Osinbajo that the huge gains reported in food production nationwide will be jeopardised if urgent steps were not taken to arrest the plague of herdsmen killings .
“Of particular concern is the herdsmen and farmers clashes that have been widely reported in different parts of the country. The wanton killing and destruction of lives and property is worrisome and calls for an urgent solution,” he said.
The group described the proposed establishment of cattle ranches or grazing reserves as right steps towards a lasting solution.
This, Sonaike said, will eliminate cattle rustling, engender peace, create jobs and generate income for all stakeholders including the government at all levels.
