11th June, 2014
Former Military Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday said corruption and poor governance was a major factor militating against the growth of democracy in Nigeria.
He urged politicians to imbibe the spirit of rendering selfless service to humanity in enhancing public confidence in governance.
Buhari made the call in Abuja at the Public Presentation of a book titled; “Power Struggles and Corruption Deconsolidating Democracy in Nigeria” written by Okoi Obono-Obla, a Chieftain of APC.
Buhari, represented by a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Alhaji Umaru Dembo, said corruption whether political, economic, judicial or bureaucratic impedes the progress of any society where it is predominant.
He emphasised the need for public office holders to see their offices as call to serve the nation instead of advancing the interest of any vested group.
Obono-Obla advised the Federal Government to strengthen public accountability mechanism such as auditing, monitoring and evaluation with a view to make them truly independent.
He said that salary and benefits regimes in the public service should be encouraged and protected by legislation, policy and administrative practices.
According to him, delivering Nigeria from corruption malaise requires a sustained and coordinated effort by all the actors interested in the nation’s project.
He expressed optimism that the book would educate, enlighten and empower the people through scholarship to rise against bad governance in the country.
The book reviewer, Otive Igbuzor, said the book gave an analysis of contemporary events that were still very important for the survival, growth and development of the country.
Igbuzor recommended the book to all politicians and indeed to any Nigerian who was interested in the fight against corruption and consolidation of democracy.