President Muhammadu Buhari has declared that no amount of pressure will deter him from prosecuting those who have looted the wealth of the nation.
His administration has come under severe pressure to soft pedal on the fight against corruption, just as some critics have accused him of being selective in the fight against corruption.
But yesterday, the president, in Abuja, told Nigerians that no amount of pressure would make him give up the war against corruption in the country.
He reiterated his resolve while addressing a group of Nigerians who marched to the Presidential Villa to pledge their full support for his administration’s anti-corruption campaign.
He maintained that his administration would sustain a relentless prosecution of the war against corruption, with due regard to the rule of law.
The president said that all persons charged with the stealing of the nation’s resources would have their day in court and that, upon conviction, their ill-gotten wealth would be seized and returned to government coffers.
He said: “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.
“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 group — Nigerians March Against Corruption — Buhari, who was represented by his Special Adviser (Media & Publicity), Mr. Femi 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 his administration works to correct the wrongs of the past.
The Nigerians March Against Corruption group led by Aisha Yesufu had condemned recent statements by some individuals against the president’s anti-corruption campaign.
The group assured the president that the vast majority of ordinary Nigerians fully support his ongoing efforts to curb corruption and urged him not to be deterred by the antics of those who did not share his laudable vision of a fairer, more equitable, corruption-free and progressive nation.
