Again, Buhari vows to recover stolen assets, funds

President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to recover all assets and funds allegedly stolen by those he described as “organized corruption lobbyists”, and execute the fight against corruption to the point of victory.

In a speech delivered on his behalf yesterday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, at the maiden training programme of the Network of Anti-Corruption Institution in West Africa (NACIWA), held at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Academy in Karu, near Abuja, the President said the country, though rated as one of the most corrupt in the world, is now totally committed to fighting all forms of fraud, including money laundering and drug trafficking.

He noted that up till now, the country has been on the match in the wrong direction, as all efforts to combat corruption have been frustrated by “organized corruption lobbyists”. He admitted that efforts by the current administration to tackle corruption would not go without a fight from this group. “Our efforts will not be swift and painless. They will fight back. But the will of this administration is to see the fight against corruption to its conclusion, and win”, he stated.

Adding that corruption is at the root of all problems currently faced by Nigeria, President Buhari stated his resolve to “recover our stolen commonwealth. We need to stop tolerating and feeding corruption.”

He said his administration is currently building and strengthening anti-corruption institutions to back up its crusade.
Later in an interview with journalists, the SGF said the administration of President Buhari is prepared and equipped to sustain the fight against corruption, noting that the trial of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, is a prove that the Presidency will not interfere in the works of anti-corruption agencies.