An anti-corruption group, Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, on Monday congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari for being named as “Anti-Corruption Champion in Africa” by the African Union.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the AU, at its 30th summit in Addis Ababa, selected Buhari based on achievements of his administration in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
The selection is the first of its kind in the AU and Buhari is the first person to hold it.
Debo Adeniran, CACOL’s Chairman, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos described Buhari’s choice as deserving.
Adeniran said the recognition is a proof that the efforts of the President at fighting corruption are novel, genuine and effective.
He said the appointment had also vitiated the claim by critics that Buhari was grandstanding with the fight and vindicated CACOL and others who had always supported the fight.
Adeniran said: “The appointment of President Buhari as the first anti-corruption champion in Africa is a welcome development.
“It is a recognition of the fact that the anti-corruption fight of the President is genuine and that he is not grandstanding.
“You see, some people think we are supporting the President’s anti-graft fight blindly.
“They say the President is not fighting corruption.
“But with this recognition outside of the shores of the country, we have been vindicated.
“President Buhari is a disciplined man who will not condone graft and we think the man should be celebrated for fighting the fight voraciously despite his age.”
Adeniran expressed the belief that the honour would add impetus to the fight against corruption and rid the country of graft.
Adeniran said the fight against graft was not for Buhari alone, urging all Nigerians to support him to succeed.
NAN.