Anti-corruption war: Whoever dares me will suffer consequences – Buhari

By The Citizen

President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed that whoever tries to deter him from fighting corruption will suffer the consequences.

He spoke at the Banquet Hall of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa on Monday while breaking the Ramadan fast with internally displaced persons, the physically challenged, taxi drivers, commercial motorcycle riders; artisans such as butchers, hairdressers, barbers, tailors, members of the Buhari Support Organisation, president’s neighbours in Lobito Crescent, and junior workers in the headquarters of the All Progressives Congress.

The president stated that he knew how to deal with those opposing his anti-corruption war.

President Buhari, who spoke in English and Hausa, observed that the elite were self-centred.

“We’re committed to tackling corruption in this country, but whoever tries to deter us from fighting corruption will suffer the consequences. It’s unfortunate that the elite are self-centred and they only think about themselves,” he stated

President Buhari blamed the nation’s current socio-economic malaise on the mismanagement of resources by the administration of his predecessor, Dr Goodluck Jonathan.

“Be assured that we care about you at all times. This government is concerned about your welfare and we will work hard to improve it,” he assured his guests.

He specifically noted that his government was conscious of the disadvantaged members of the public.

Buhari also assured of his administration’s commitment to ensuring improvement in the road, power and health sectors.

The president told his audience that the heavy rainfall in many agrarian areas across the country indicated that there would be a bountiful harvest this year.

He said his government would ensure massive food production, especially in rice and wheat.

“This year, I think we’re indeed lucky. I met most of the northern emirs recently and I asked them about the rainfall in their domains. Some of them were even complaining that the rains were getting too much. That to me was an indication that we are going to have a bumper harvest towards the end of this year.

“I believe with this commitment, we should not only feed ourselves in terms of rice and wheat and other food crops but we will be able to export to other countries and maybe attract foreign exchange too,” Buhari said.

An internally displaced person, Musbau Diti, who spoke on behalf of others, urged Buhari to alleviate the sufferings of the IDPs in the various camps across Nigeria.

He also appealed for the establishment of a commission for persons with disabilities.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, FCT Minister Mohammed Musa Bello were present at the dinner.

Our correspondent reports that Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki was absent at the event.

The president of the Senate, who was said to have travelled to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for umrah, was, however, represented by the Senate’s Deputy Chief Whip. - Daily Trust.