President Muhammmadu Buhari has called on Nigerians to rededicate themselves to attaining the goals of a united, prosperous and purposeful nation in the face of 21st century opportunities and challenges.
In a nationwide broadcast to mark the country’s 59th Independence Anniversary, the president said it’s important for the citizens to remember the sacrifices made by the founding fathers, past leaders, soldiers, public servants, traditional leaders and workers on which the country has been built over the 59 years since independence in 1960.
“In the past four years, the majority of Nigerians have committed to Change for the Better. Indeed, this Administration was re-elected by Nigerians on a mandate to deliver positive and enduring Change – through maintaining our National Security; restoring sustainable and inclusive Economic Growth and Development; and fighting Corruption against all internal and external threats.
“This Change can only be delivered if we are united in purpose, as individuals and as a nation. We must all remain committed to achieving this positive and enduring Change.
“As I stated four years ago, Change does not just happen… We must change our lawless habits, our attitude to public office and public trust… simply put, to bring about change, we must change ourselves by being law-abiding citizens,” he said.The president also called for the enthronement of good governance culture in all facets of the country’s life.
“We must commit to installing a culture of Good Governance in all we do. This Administration has fought against corruption, by investigating and prosecuting those accused of embezzlement and the misuse of public resources.
“We have empowered teams of prosecutors, assembled detailed databases of evidence, traced the proceeds of crimes and accelerated the recovery of stolen funds,” he said.
The president also stressed the need for state governments to ensure fiscal transparency in the conduct of government business and judicious use of resources.
“I call upon our states to intensify their own efforts to instill greater fiscal transparency and accountability. And to ensure greater fiscal efficiency and optimum use of our very scarce resources.
“The blight of Corruption is fighting back. Nevertheless, this is a battle that we shall see through and this is a war, which we shall win by the Grace of God.“I will also call upon all Nigerians, from every walk of life, to combat Corruption at every turn. By choosing to question and confront corrupt practices, by reporting unethical practices or through whistleblowing. Together, we can overcome corruption and will no longer be a country defined by corruption,” he said.
The president said in its institutional reforms to enforce the Treasury Single Account policy, the federal government introduced the Whistle-blowers’ Initiative, expanded the coverage of the Integrated Payroll Personnel and Information System as well as the Government Integrated Management Information System.
He said the initiatives have made it possible for the government to save billions of Naira over the last four years, and deterred the rampant theft and mismanagement of public funds that have plagued the country’s public service.
“The Ministry of Justice, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission will continue to address this menace. We are determined to ensure that transparency and good governance are institutionalized in public service.”
