The Nation Newspaper

Tag: BUHARI

  • 2019: Buhari to global community: we’ll not interfere with INEC’s work

    PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has reassured the citizens and the international community that the Federal Government will not interfere in the work of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and will respect the sanctity of voters’ choices as well as comply with the rule of law in next year’s general elections.

    Buhari, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Secretary to the Government of the Federation Mr. Boss Mustapha at the opening of the election security management workshop at the International Conference Centre in Abuja yesterday, emphasised his commitment towards entrenching democratic values.

    The President, at the workshop with the theme: “”Pathway to electoral process in Nigeria”, stressed that “the success of the electoral process depends largely on the professionalism demonstrated by the security agencies”.

    National Security Adviser Major-General B.M. Monguno (retd), Chief of Defence Staff General Abayomi Olonishakin, Inspector-General of Police Ibrahim Idris and INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu echoed similar determination to ensure that security agencies’ personnel demonstrate utmost professionalism towards ensuring free, fair and credible elections.

    According to Buhari, many positive changes have already been implemented in the nation’s electoral laws and processes in a bid to strengthen the country’s electoral culture and ensure that voters were empowered to drive the process, rather than feel disenfranchised by the actions or inactions of those given various statutory responsibilities.

    His words: “In my acceptance speech on April 18, 2015, following my election as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I affirmed my unwavering commitment to Nigerians to promote free, fair and credible elections that are devoid of any form of interference in the activities of INEC.

    “I also assured the nation of my firm commitment to ensuring a secure and violence-free electoral process, abide by the extant laws governing the political landscape, and adhere strictly to the code of conduct of political parties in Nigeria.

    “These assertions were informed by my conviction that no nation can advance her democratic culture under a security orientation that does not assure the electorates of their personal safety and the safety of the votes in the electoral process.”

    The President said: “The task of ensuring this, ladies and gentlemen, rests squarely on the shoulders of the Nigeria Police as the lead security agency under the Electoral Act and other complementary security agencies, including the Armed Forces.

    “As the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I am committed to upholding the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as this is a sacred pathway towards our democracy.

    “This stand explains the successes that INEC recorded in the conduct of the gubernatorial elections in Ekiti, Anambra, Ondo and Edo states and the bye-elections in some other ‘states, where candidates in both the ruling and opposition parties have won elections.

    “I assure the nation of my determination to sustain this standard and to continually extend all requisite support to INEC to ensure the attainment of their mandate without any executive interference.

    “Ladies and gentlemen, the will of the people must always drive the democratic architecture of our nation; therefore, the sanctity of the process must be upheld by all political parties and other stakeholders across political party divide, if the country is to attain its full potentials.

    “I will want to once again, re-assure the international community that Nigeria shall continue to advance its democratic credentials within the global space.

    ” Indeed, Nigeria’s commitment to democratic values underscores the leadership roles the country has demonstrated in the enhancement of the democratic processes in Mali, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Niger, Gambia and Guinea Bissau.”

     

  • Why PIB is delayed, by Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said  reforming the petroleum industry was necessary to unlock numerous untapped potentials for the nation and that he will not be in a rush to carry out reforms.

    According to him, the reforms in the industry must be well thought out and must have the best interest of Nigeria and Nigerians as its core objective.

    He spoke when the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) honoured him with  Grand Comrade of the Productive Workers of the Nigeria Oil and Gas Union. The award was presented to Buhari by its National President, Comrade Williams Akporegha, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Buhari also said his administration was prepared to respond to any acts of hostility and sabotage of the nation’s oil assets in the Niger Delta region.

    He said the industry reform was necessary to unlock the untapped potential for the nation. He assured that whatever reforms taking place in the sector must be in the overall interest of the country.

    He said:  “Such reforms cannot and must not be rushed if we must get it right. We are still suffering from the effects of many legacy policies that were rushed and passed without fully appreciating the consequences the provisions embedded in them.

    “Whatever decision we take now will impact either negatively or positively on generations to come. The PIB was conceived to ensure Nigeria’s future generations are positively impacted by its oil wealth.

    “I want to assure you that dialogue on the PIB is still on-going. At the end, we will have a bill that the nation will be proud of.

    On security in the Niger Delta, he said pipeline vandalism has declined. “We have, and will continue to promote peaceful engagement with the communities while at the same time maintaining our readiness to respond to any hostile acts of sabotage,” he said.

    He commended the union for its support to government which he said has contributed to the continued uninterrupted supply of products to consumers across the country in the last three years.

    Urging the oil workers to continue on its patriotic path, he assured of his government’s support to the course of the workers at all times.

    Speaking on the demand of the union to fix the nation’s refineries, Buhari said the Public Private Partnership (PPP) approach adopted to rehabilitate existing refineries has taken longer than expected.

    He said: “The NNPC has concluded the process for selecting the private sector partners that will rehabilitate the refineries. I am informed that they are working out finances and hopefully, work will commence soon.”

    The government, he said, will also support innovative ideas that will bring new refineries investments into the country.

    He said: “As one of the architects of the Nigeria Contents Monitoring and Development Act, l am sure NUPENG members appreciate that a key principle of this act is the indigenisation of certain processes and production functions. Indigenisation means local value addition leveraging local resources where possible.

    “The Act specified minimum local content requirements, including manpower, for all projects and contracts in the oil and gas industry. The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board is fully empowered to ensure compliance. l will direct the  Minister of State Petroleum Resources to review the issues you have raised and take appropriate action to ensure compliance with the Act by operators in the industry.”

    Before conferring the award on the President, Akporegha, whose leadership was inaugurated last April, commended Buhari for his unparalleled strides in checking corruption, bridging the gap between the rich and poor through Trader-Moni and school feeding, and in infrastructural projects such as roads, which NUPENG members are now enjoying.

    He however noted that the non passage of the PIB has posed a problem to the petroleum sector, adding that there was need for government to check continued importation of petroleum products, as rthe efineries have not been working, thus leading to redundancy of NUPENG members while the nation suffers foreign capital flight.

    He said: “You administration’s practical steps in bridging the wide gap between the rich and the poor in the country through various initiatives such as Trade Moni, support for farmers, embargoes on luxury/ostentatious goods, TSA, school feeding etc have gone a long way in alleviating poverty in the country.”

    The NUPENG also lamented the non-implementation of Buhari’s Executive Order on local content and employment of Nigerians in the oil sector as multinational firms are still not appropriately employing Nigerian graduates.

    The delegation further appealed to the President to direct security agencies to intensify surveillance and protection of oil pipelines and other infrastructure, and concluded by wishing  Buhari victory in 2019.

    “In recognition of your unparallel commitment and devotion to a new Nigeria that adequately protects and provides for the citizenry and earns global respect and recognition, the entire rank and file members of the Union confer on you as part of NUPENG 40th Anniversary celebration, the award of Grand Comrade of the Productive Workers of the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry,” Akporegha stressed.

     

  • Buhari promises adequate reward for party loyalists

    *Babachir Lawal in Aso Rock

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday night promised that party men and women who work hard for the party towards 2019 general elections will be rewarded adequately.

    He gave the assurance during the launch of the TogetherNigeria group at the old Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja.

    The group is supporting the reelection of President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 election.

    The President regretted that not all those that worked for the party in 2015 were rewarded.

    He also thanked the Nigerian celebrities for laundering Nigeria’s image globally.

    He said “Tonight’s event once again reminds me of our political struggles over the years and the support I enjoyed from many support structures such as The Buhari Organization (TBO) and Buhari Support Organization (BSO). I am happy that today we are not only celebrating our election victory but our numerous land mark achievements.

    “I have listened and I acknowledge with delight the story of Buhari Support Organization (BSO) past, present and future from previous speakers. In particular, I commend the plan to reorganize and reposition the organization towards the forth coming election and beyond. This has once again given me further encouragement, hope and optimism in our political journey.

    Read Also: Ezekwesili promises poverty reduction, if elected

    “At this point, I would like to acknowledge the over whelming support I enjoyed from individuals and organizations across the country over the years. I say thank you to all those who contributed to our successes in one way or the other.

    “Some of you, individuals and organizations, may be feeling disappointed because we have not been able to please everyone. I would like to assure you that this time hard work and loyalty will be rewarded adequately.

    “Finally, I wish to thank the TOGETHER NIGERIA Group for educating the world about our good work and achievements. I will like to also thank our celebrities for projecting the image of Nigeria globally and for your contributions to the development of our entertainment industries.

    “To our teeming supporters across the country and beyond I say thank you for your continuing and unrelenting support.” he said

    Those who attended the ceremony included the Wife of the President, Dr Aisha Buhari, Wife of the Vice President, Dolapo Osinbajo.

    Also at the occasion were the Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Almakura and the Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun.

    The former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal was also among dignitaries that graced the occasion.

  • Buhari laments loss of Ikedife

    PRESIDENT  Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the ex-President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Ikedife family.

    Ikedife died at his Nnewi home in Anambra State, yesterday.

    In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President also commiserated with Ohanaeze, the family and Anambra State.

    As a doctor,  respected leader and political actor, Buhari believed Ikedife would be missed and honoured for his commitment to his community, devotion to his calling, zeal for democratic values and passion for Igbo  tradition.

    The President prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and comfort all who mourn him.

    Vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Obi, lamenting his death, described him as an exemplary leader.

    Obi said his contributions towards the advancement and development of Nnewi, Anambra State, the Southeast and Nigeria will forever be remembered.

    ‘’He wasn’t just the president-general of Ohanaeze. During my time as governor of Anambra State, he was the chairman of the Elders’ Council that contributed to the success we recorded in those eight years.

    “I consulted him repeatedly and he offered top assistance like a dedicated father to the glory of dear state. It’s so sad he is gone.”

    Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, yesterday, expressed sadness on the death of Ikedife, describing it as a grave loss to Ndigbo and the nation.

    Ekweremadu described the late surgeon as a patriot, tested leader deeply committed to his fatherland.

    “As president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, he not only advanced the Igbo cause, but also championed the struggle for a just and equitable society.

    He prayed God to grant the the people of Anambra, Ndigbo, and the nation the fortitude to bear the loss.

  • 2019 Budget: Buhari awaits National Assembly’s nod for presentation

    Budget and National Planning Minister Udoma Udo Udoma yesterday said the 2019 Budget was ready for presentation.

    He said that President Muhammadu Buhari was waiting for the National Assembly to give him a date to present the proposal to the joint session of the National Assembly for scrutiny.

    According to him, “the President is ready to present the budget any day the lawmakers are ready”.

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) had at a special session last Friday approved and transmitted the budget proposal to the National Assembly.

    Udoma, who briefed reporters at the State House after the FEC meeting in the company of Information, Culture & Tourism Minister Lai Mohammed and Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, said that the decision on the date for the presentation “is purely in the hands of the lawmakers”.

    The minister said: “As you already know, the budget is ready. We are liaising with the National Assembly because they are to give us a date. If they say today, we will go. The budget is ready.”

    On the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), he said: “Today, I reported to the FEC we have seen steady recovery from the recession period the report indicates that the economy when measured by real GDP grew at 1.81 per cent in the third quarter 2018, compared to 1.5 per cent in the second quarter of 2018.

    “The FEC was particularly encouraged to note that economic growth continues to be driven by the non-oil sector which grew by 3.32 per cent in the third quarter.

    “This has been the strongest growth in non-oil GDP in twelve consecutive quarters since the fourth quarter of 2015.

    “By economic activity, non-oil growth was driven by transportation, electricity, telecommunication, metal oils, quarry and so on. In addition, agriculture and manufacturing sectors also grew, agriculture by 1.91percent manufacturing by 1.92 per cent these are stronger growth than in the second quarter.

    “So, overall, council most encouraged by these results shows improvement in the economy, it also shows that our plans are working; it equally shows that we need to intensify our economy and keep fit with our reforms through continuous implementation of the ERGP in order to continue to attract investments and set the economy on a more sustainable and inclusive growth trajectory. The council is encouraged by this and believes we should be able to do even better in the 4th quarter.”

    Noting that investors will naturally be cautious in making investments during the periods of general elections, he urged investors not to be cautious with the forthcoming 2019 general elections but to invest in Nigeria.

    Amaechi, said that FEC approved $22.995 million towards enhancing security of the maritime sector.

    The Transport minister said: “We got an approval for NIMASA to enhance security of the maritime sector, in terms of the maritime sector we are talking about the security on the waterways and the contract is worth $22.995 million.

    “It was approved for six companies to protect six sections of the coastal waterways and the $22.9 million when converted amounts to N7.13 billion.”

  • Buhari lauds hails Swiss Govt for returning stolen funds

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday expressed gratitude to the government and people of Switzerland for their support in resuscitating Nigeria’s economy, especially the return of funds stolen and kept in Swiss banks.

    He made the remark while receiving Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of Switzerland to Nigeria, George Steiner, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media & Publicity Garba Shehu, the President said the return of stolen funds and interventions in the crisis in the Northeast further indicate the Swiss government’s commitment to the development of Nigeria.

    “We are grateful to the Swiss government for allowing illegally stolen funds to be brought back to Nigeria,’’ the statement quoted Buhari as saying.

    The President noted that the facilitating roles the Swiss government had been playing in the Northeast, particularly in reaching out to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), had been most helpful, adding that bilateral relations between both countries will continue to be strengthened.

    Responding, the Swiss envoy said his home government will always support Nigeria in ensuring peace in the country, especially in the Northeast.

    “We have strong and solid relations with Nigeria. It’s an honour and privilege for us to contribute to issues of importance in the country,’’ he added.

    Steiner told his host that the Swiss government looks forward to having stronger relations on economic issues with Nigeria that will be mutually beneficial, pointing out that the ongoing reforms in the country already send right signals to investors.

    President Buhari, who also received Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of Belgium, Daniel Dargent, said feasibility studies to revamp the Lake Chad Basin will require a diversion of River Ubangi in the Congo Basin.

    The President said the diversion of River Ubangi will improve the livelihood of more than 40 million people who survive on Lake Chad Basin, urging the Belgian government to support the negotiation.

    In his remarks, the envoy said his government will support an initiative that will improve the livelihood of people.

    “We are in a global world and we need to start evolving more on issues that directly touch lives, especially in supporting Nigeria which will one day become a Permanent member of the Security Council,’’ he said.

    While receiving his Letters of Credence, President Buhari congratulated the Ambassador of Hungary, Dr. Sandor Gyorgy Beer, on his posting to Nigeria, urging him to sustain the healthy relations that had existed between both countries for many years.

    The Hungarian Ambassador said relations between both countries had been strong over many years, noting that he will work towards improving it, especially on economic issues and sports.

    Dr. Beer said Nigeria and Hungary already had a strong pedigree in sports, especially in football that can be improved upon, assuring the President that he will work towards more exchanges between both countries by setting up a football academy in Nigeria that will promote matches, trainings and skills development.

  • Electoral bill: CSOs back Buhari

    Coalition of Civil Society Organisation for Justice and Equity (CCSO-JE) yesterday backed the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari not to sign the 2018 Electoral Amendment Bill passed by the National Assembly into law.

    The CSOs said President Buhari’s refusal to sign the electoral bill into law was in the best interest of the nation at this particular time considering its closeness to 2019 elections.

    CCSO-JE Chief Convener Olayemi Success, who read the statement jointly signed by the eighteen CSOs at a briefing in Abuja, said passing the electoral bill into law could put next year’s election in danger.

    According to Success, Nigeria’s democracy is being threatened by conflicting interests as it regards smooth conduct of the 2019 general elections.

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    He said: “We are very much mindful of the fact that Nigeria is just less than 70 days away from the conduct of the 2019 general elections. Therefore, signing the bill at this time will run fowl of Article 2 of the 2001 ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

    “Nigerians are not ready to entertain any postponement of the 2019 general elections in the name of eleventh honour amendment of our electoral laws. As advocates of democracy, we take side with the action of Mr. President as it is in the best interest of the nation at this particular time.

    “We urge all critical stakeholders in the electioneering process to understand and appreciate the decision of Mr. President to decline assent to the Electoral Amendment Bill 2018.

    “As a matter of fact, the 2015 general elections were adjudged globally as the best, fairest, freest and most credible ever in the history of Nigeria. Those elections were conducted under our existing electoral laws and we see no reason for a sudden change of status quo.”

     

  • Buhari to INEC: put Nigeria first in 2019

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to put Nigeria first in organising free, fair and credible elections next year.

    He also noted that building on trust in any election was the collective responsibility of all citizens in the country.

    Buhari spoke during the signing of peace accord for the 2019 elections by presidential candidates and their political parties in Abuja.

    The President, who noted past elections have been marred by violence perpetrated by political leaders and the followers, said without trust, the country cannot strive on its quest for achieving any meaningful growth and development.

    He said: “I wish to call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all arms of security agencies to put the nation first in their conduct.

    “The world is watching us and the task of building or institutionalising trust in our political system and institution is fundamental to the growth and development of our country.” he stated

    Former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar underscored the essence of peace towards ensuring credible polls.

    He thanked Buhari for his commitment to ensuring peace and credible election as well as being present to sign the peace agreement and advised him to lead by example.

    He however noted security should be a source of worry to everyone, especially the leaders and cautioned their acts of commission or omission could make matters worse.

    He urged them to temper their utterances and action with responsibility and patriotism.

    “We have now entered the electioneering period, proper keeping of peace becomes the overriding objectives.

    “The election itself will not hold in the absence of peaceful atmosphere. Disharmony among political parties hinders all peaceful efforts,” he said.

    He also condemned the subtle incitement coming from some religious houses, saying that they do not portend well for the country.

    He appealed to all participants to endeavor to stick to the contents of the peace pact they signed and appealed to INEC to carry out its mandate as expected of it.

  • Yoruba leaders rally support for Buhari’s second term bid

    The Yoruba Leaders of Thought have thrown their weight behind President Muhammadu Buhari’s bid for second term in office.

    Meeting on Tuesday at the Osogbo residence of Senator Ayo Fasanmi, one of the few remaining associates of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, they commended Buhari, his Vice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the APC national chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomole, for taking progressives steps to actualize gradual restructuring of the country.

    Read Also:PDP to Buhari: Stop shielding corrupt relatives

    The leaders in attendance include, Gen. Alani Akinrinade (Rtd.), former vice chairman (South West) of the All Progressives Congress. Chief Pius Akinyelure, former Secretary to Osun State Government, Engr. Sola Akinwumi, former Osun State chairman of APC, Elder Adebiyi Adelowo, Prof. Anthony Onipede, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Senator Biyi Durojaye representing Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Akin Fasae representing Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, Prof. Bayo Ademola, Otunba Akin Oluwadere, and Hon. Bayo Aina, noted that the Buhari’s administration has granted autonomy to the judiciary and legislature as well as local government administration.

    They said all steps to ensure survival of institutions of government by the current Federal Government are necessary to the attainment of restructuring goal.

    The leaders hailed the governors and people of the South West for their abiding commitment to Nigeria and efforts for restructuring.

    In a communique signed by Senator Ayo Fasanmi, among other leaders after the meeting, they advised Nigerians to stand by Buhari and return him to office in 2019 for the next generation to be empowered and enjoin the gains of the fight against corruption.

    The leaders said support for Buhari will create an opportunity for the next generation to be strengthened and to be able to chart a prosperous course for Nigeria from 2019 and beyond.

    The leaders also said the summit of the Yoruba people holding in Ibadan, Oyo State capital on January 2019 will address strategy to protect interest of the South West geo-political zone ahead of 2019 general elections.

    They said the summit would further address issues and plans to ensure victory for the All Progressives Congress which the leaders said will guarantee lives in abundance for Yoruba people and Nigerians.

  • Buhari: why I defeated Jonathan in 2015

    The President has revisited the 2015 election, saying he won because Nigerians revolted over endemic corruption.

    He spoke yesterday at the opening of the Corruption Risk Training for Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies of the African Union (AU) at the old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    President Muhammadu Buhari said those who plundered the people’s commonwealth had deployed same to destabilise the system, adding that such elements attempted to compromise law enforcement institutions in their desperate bid to escape justice.

    He listed Treasury Single Account (TSA), Open Government Partnership (OGP) and various Executive Orders (EOs) as some of the measures his administration took to check looters.

    According to him, the pervasive nature and devastating impact of corruption before the election was dysfunctional.

    He said: “When we assumed office in May 2015, the pervasive nature and devastating impact of corruption on the Nigerian nation had become dysfunctional. The momentum for our electoral victory could not be separated from the revolt of the people against glaring endemic corruption.”

    Buhari said the training facilitated by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), the research and training arm of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), was at the instance of his administration as part of the support for the war against corruption in our continent.

    Read also: 2019: Knocks for Obasanjo over anti-Buhari comment

    He said: “The fight against corruption is a battle for the souls of our different countries and it is one that we must win. Since independence our continent has suffered from the severe consequences of corruption and it is imperative that we take steps to reverse the trend.

    “During the past several months, we have been taking steps to institute integrity and transparency in the processes of government and holding those who have plundered our commonwealth to account for their actions.

    “However, the costs of recovery and sanctions are also enormous. While commendable successes have been recorded, it has become manifest that corruption fights back. With enormous stolen resources, elements have attempted to compromise law enforcing institutions and pervert the course of justice.

    “This realisation highlights the necessity of building a system that focuses on preventing corruption. We continue to implement policies aimed at building resilient systems that can withstand assault by corrupt officials.

    “Our steps in this direction include the full implementation of both the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and the Bank Verification Number (BVN), the Open Government Partnership, various Executive Orders, strengthening the Anti-Corruption Agencies and permitting their full autonomy.”

    “It is in this context of building robust preventive systems that we must understand this initiative which aims to train leaders of anti-corruption agencies in the African Union by deploying Corruption Risk Assessment Methodology for corruption prevention in our countries.

    “Corruption Risk Assessment seeks to identify corruption-prone processes and procedures in organisations and recommend appropriate remedial steps.  The methodology places a premium on prevention as an effective complement to enforcement in the war against corruption.

    “In 2016, through support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the ACAN acquired the capacity to conduct training on corruption risk assessment. Since then, the academy has conducted a number of these trainings.

    “To showcase the growing appreciation of CRA as a tool for preventing corruption, the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria has received a request for the training of Corruption Risk Assessors for ECOWAS countries from the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja,” the President said.

    President Buhari said the training was an opportunity to extend the benefits of the methodology to other African countries, stressing that “it is clear that we have not taken our appointment as Anti-Corruption Champion for the continent for the year 2018 lightly.”

    He expressed optimism that most of the countries have subscribed to not only the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), but also the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC).

    “This event offers a good opportunity to encourage the few countries which are yet to ratify the African Union Convention to expedite processes to do so. No efforts can be too much as we seek to rid our societies of the evil of corruption,” he said.

    Stressing that the training was essentially an orientation on the benefits of deploying the CRA Methodology in the fight against corruption, Buhari urged participants to embrace it and take steps to widen the knowledge and skills imparted by supporting the training of Risk Assessors for their countries.

    “The ACAN has a robust curriculum and expertise cutting across the spectrum of anti-corruption training, which can be adapted for other countries, taking into consideration national specifics. To further strengthen this institution, the Academy has our support as it moves towards its objective of being an African Centre of Excellence in anti-corruption training and capacity building.

    “I would like here to point out that the training on CRA can only have meaning when the Risk Assessors are put to work.

    “In Nigeria, the methodology has been deployed to a number of sectors. The most recent one being the risk assessment of the country’s e-government system whose report is now available and the summary presented earlier this morning. It is therefore my great pleasure to present this Report to all the stakeholders, many of whom are present with us here.

    “I urge them to work assiduously to implement the recommendations of the Report.  I must also commend all those who carried out the assessment and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for supporting the process,” he said.

    Speaking in an interview, the Acting ICPC Chairman, Dr. Usman Abubakar, said though the TSA helped to check-mate corruption in the system, there were rooms for manipulation before data was entered into the system, noting that contracts were awarded to individuals but at the point of procurement some ugly things happen.

    He said: “We also found out that some agencies are yet to comply fully with the TSA policy. That is why we asked Mr. President to mandate all agencies to make all their payments or revenue through the TSA platform.”