President Muhammadu Buhari says the fight against corruption has ceased to be a choice but a necessity for Africa’s prosperity.
In a statement by Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the president stated this on Friday while addressing African leaders in New York, United States.
Buhari said he is honoured and sees it as a privilege to be the president of Nigeria as he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the AU Champion on anti-corruption since 2018.
The statement was titled; ‘At UN, President Buhari rues corrosive effect of corruption in Africa, urges leaders to fight it 24/7’.
He said; “As you are all aware, this will be my last official participation at the United Nations General Assembly as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I remain honoured and privileged to be the President of Nigeria for two terms and I am grateful to the African Union for making me the continental organisation’s champion on efforts to eliminate corruption nationally and continent-wide.
“This fight is a necessity and not a choice to give our citizens a better life through economic prosperity, social peace and security.”
Buhari further said that the continent’s low ranking on the global development index is largely because of the effects of corruption.
He added; “Over the years, we came to the painful realisation of how deeply embedded corruption has become in our countries and continent, as well as how corrosive it can be.
“Corruption has dwarfed our growth and tainted our nations and continent. Africa remains at the far end of the development index and concerted efforts made in the last few years need to be sustained, deepened by good governance and accountability that are guided by the rule of law.”
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