As a way of bringing about a country where integrity is the national culture, the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo SAN has declared that serving and former public office holders will henceforth be made to account for their wealth
He stated this at a town hall meeting convened by the United Action for Change, UAC in Lagos on Saturday, where he fielded questions from various labour and professional organisations as well as individuals.
The Vice President noted that “the era of people becoming emergency billionaires is gone” and would no longer be tolerated by the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.
“Anybody who can’t explain his wealth must be brought to account. Everyone who has served in public office must account for what they own. This is the change we want Nigerians to support”, he declared, adding that the dream of the Buhari government is to have a “country where integrity is our national culture.”
Explaining that the policies of the government are not tainted by any hidden agenda, he stressed that at the end of their tenure, Buhari and himself will be ready to present their bank account details and assets owned to convince Nigerians they never abused their positions to get richer.
Osinbajo, who called on Nigerians to be more patient with the administration, said the change mantra of the government was not and will never be a mere slogan but a necessity they are irrevocably committed to.
“Nigerians should never lose hope in the face of present difficulties. We have the best opportunity to change this nation now because we have a leader who is honest in all his dealings. There is a determination by this government to change the nation’s direction,” he assured.
Answering questions on the social security scheme promised some categories of Nigerians, the Vice President said the government remains committed to a health insurance scheme that will provide coverage for all Nigerians.
He assured that the N5,000 monthly stipend promised poor Nigerians will soon take off, adding that a list of one million beneficiaries for a start is already being complied across the country.
Osinbajo pleaded for the understanding of Nigerians on the biting fuel scarcity across the country, promising that a policy that will provide final solution will be unveiled in a matter of weeks.
In his opening remarks, UAC Convener and National Legal Adviser of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr Muiz Banire, SAN called for continuous support for the change Nigerians voted for at the 2015 general elections.
He explained that the body was “conceived as a vehicle to engage and sensitize Nigerians on the philosophical and moral significance of change working through its major platform: Change Nigeria.”
