Nigerian president-elect Muhammadu Buhari has announced that he will make it mandatory for all his ministers declare their assets before assuming office, maintaining that such action is vital in combating corruption.
Outgoing finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Blaming the current government for the scourge of corruption bedeviling the country, General Buhari blamed finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for not insisting on the declaration of assets. He added that the minister also failed to control state governors who were not running their states well and managing their resources adequately.
General Buhari said: “I’m afraid the finance minister has no cause to complain because the governors cannot force the central government to act outside the constitution. All those that were governors, ministers, permanent secretaries, head of foreign staff and all those with political appointments will have to declare their assets on the assumption of their appointment and definitely with the courts.
“And once they leave they have to re-declare their assets to ensure greater accountability among public servants. However, I do not plan to interfere with the judiciary and whatever actions it may take pursuing corrupt public officials as our administration would not become embroiled in investigating every ministry because then the government will not have time to move forward.”
On the volatile issue of oil block ownership in Nigeria and an equitable distribution of the country’s wealth, he added that partisan politics in Nigeria is the cause of inequitability in the sector. General Buhari claimed that he wanted to professionalize the oil sector and introduce equitable distribution of wealth and job creation for youths, pointing to the All Progressives Congress manifesto calling for a greater emphasis on mining and agricultural development.
