Buhari’s anti-corruption move is act of statesmanship, says APC-AG

The Action Group of the All Progressives Congress has described the anti-corruption steps being taken by President Muhammadu Buhari as an act of statesmanship, which should have the blessing of all well-meaning Nigerians.

In a release signed by its spokesperson, Segun Dipe, the APC Action Group wondered why some people should see President Buhari’s moves to bring back our stolen wealth as politically masterminded and vindictive, when the world over it has become an axiomatic fact that corruption in Nigeria reached its climax during the last administration.

The group said: “We are much aware that the President’s stance has sent some tongues wagging. The guilty ones are already jittery, afraid and are shouting to the rooftops that it is a political witch-hunt. But we in APC-AG see Buhari as an upright man and vow to support him to the hilt in his drive to restore Nigeria’s integrity while ensuring that those who bled our economy to comatose are made to pay for their misdemeanours.

“We thus call on all Nigerians, irrespective of their political inclinations, to patiently support President Buhari in his determination to save our country and since he has the experience and capacity to fight corruption to any length, he would definitely restore the country’s lost glory and bring back our stolen wealth for the good of all.”

The APC-AG described President Buhari as more of a statesman than a politician, saying while politicians think about the next election and what would go into their pockets, the President was thinking about Nigeria today and in the future, relegating his personal gain to the background.

It said politics or popularity is the last thing on Buhari’s mind.

It added: “In the past, we had been compelled to pay for services that should be free simply because state budgets were pillaged by corrupt politicians, public spending was distorted as decision-makers focused spending on activities likely to yield large bribes, foreign investment was stymied as businesses were reluctant to invest in uncertain environments, and our economy suffered.”

The APC-AG recalled how the APC as a party had anchored its campaign on fighting corruption and how the party got the support of Nigerians to go ahead.

It said: “On assumption of office, President Buhari made the fight for corruption a sing-song. At home and abroad, the President declared corruption as Nigeria’s number one enemy. And as an enemy, it must be crushed with all our strength, without allowing anyone or any group to stand on our way.”