Buhari: I know N’Delta militants are still there

President Muhammadu Buhari broke his silence on activities of the Niger Delta militants on Tuesday.

Since he assumed office in May, Buhari has hardly made reference to them but addressing the Nigerian community in Iran at the end of his three-day visit to the country, Buhari spoke on some atrocities perpetrated by the group.

The president visited Iran to attend a summit of Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).

“We have a lot of saboteurs who go and blow installations,” he said.

“Those who normally steal Nigerian crude and those who blow up installations; whether they call themselves militants or whatever, they are still there.”

The president also said his anti-graft campaign was recording success, disclosing that some past government officials who looted the treasury have started returning stolen funds.

“On corruption, yes, they (suspects) are still innocent. But, we are collecting documents and some of them have started voluntarily returning something. But we want all,” he said in response to a question.

“When we get those documents, we will formally charge them to court and then we will tell Nigerians to know those who abused trust when they are entrusted with public funds.

“So, the day of reckoning is gradually approaching.”

He added that the power sector had improved in recent times, saying those in charge now find it “sensible” to do what is right.

Buhari also spoke in a manner suggesting that he is unimpressed with some areas in the power privatisation of the previous administration.

“I believe if you are in touch back at home, you would have been told that already, there is some improvement in power,” he said.

“We haven’t said anything to them yet. I think they only find it sensible or appropriate for them to try and improve the power.

“I’m sure you know about the privatisation of the power sector. Your old friends NEPA or Power Holding Company of Nigeria have been sold to a number of interest groups. But, the fundamental thing about us is that we remain potential in everything except performance.”