The Chinese government yesterday threw its weight behind President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s anti-corruption drive, saying it was the right thing for a responsible government to do. The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Gu Xiaojie, told reporters that the Chinese government was also waging a similar war back home.
“We are following the development and we appreciate that the new government is going on with this anti-corruption campaign.
“Actually in China, we are doing the same because it is a responsible government.
“They have to get rid of all the corrupt people in government, in business and in public affairs,” the envoy said.
He, however, cautioned that Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign should be waged within the provisions of the law.
Xiaojie said Chinese government had always advised Chinese and Chinese firms doing business in Nigeria on the need to respect the laws of the land.
He said if any of them was suspected to have been found wanting, investigation should be carried out in accordance with the law.
“Sometimes some Chinese cases are mentioned or are referred to; we are following closely because we believe that the Nigerian government is looking into it,” he said.
Xiaojie said the Chinese government would encourage Chinese companies to operate or cooperate with Nigerian entrepreneurs.
“We are educating our companies to respect the customs and traditions of this country and best practices in their businesses.
“The purpose is to promote mutually beneficial cooperation in all fields between China and Nigeria; I am optimistic about the future of the cooperation,” he said.