President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, defended his ministers and aides and absolved them of any corrupt practices.
This came on a day the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, refuted claims in some quarters that the anti-corruption war of President Muhammadu Buhari’s government was targeted at members of the opposition party and other perceived enemies, saying the view was grossly incorrect and unfounded.
Recall that the President had, during his first media chat last December, said none of his ministers was corrupt.
“I don’t think I tolerate corruption, I don’t think I picked anybody that I know will embarrass my government. But if you have any evidence about any of my ministers, I accept responsibility for the 36 ministers that I have.
‘’I don’t think I took anybody among the ministers who has got a case in court. Tell me one out of the 36. I don’t think I will deliberately make that mistake,” he said.
He spoke against the back-drop of reports, particularly by online media, that the immediate past Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, who is also Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, was being investigated over crude oil swap deals and gas lifting during his tenure as GMD of the petroleum corporation.
In a statement by his media aide, Mr. Femi Adesina, President Buhari appealed for decent and civilized comments, particularly when it had to do with the integrity of those serving the country.
“Terrible and unfounded comments about other people’s integrity are not good. We are not going to spare anybody who soils his hands, but people should please wait till such individuals are indicted,” the President said.
Meanwhile, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has refuted claims in some quarters that the anti-corruption war of President Muhammadu Buhari’s government was targeted at members of the opposition party and other perceived enemies,
Osinbajo, who fielded questions from newsmen at the end of the 27th Ordinary session of African Union in Kigali, Rwanda, yesterday, said the speculation was the handiwork of those who wanted to trivialize the anti-corruption war and stop the government from recovering stolen funds.
He said: “I think it’s entirely absurd, I think that view is absurd and without foundation or basis whatsoever. We look at corruption from all possible facets.
‘’If you look at, for example, corruption on the military, from military procurement, obviously the only individuals responsible for that could be persons who had held office within the period in question and that has been done and clearly the opposition, APC, was not in office at that time.” – Vanguard.
