Corruption no longer fashionable under Buhari, says Atiku

Atiku Abubakar, former vice president, says the first 100 days in office of President Muhammadu Buhari have reinforced his confidence that despite the perceived slow pace, “Nigeria is on the path of progress and bright future”.

In a press statement released by his media office in Abuja on Friday, the former vice president observed that the first 100 days in office of Buhari clearly indicate that Nigeria is witnessing a marked departure from the culture of impunity, inertia and apathy in governance.

“Even within the first 100 days, Nigerians could clearly see real proof that the country is already moving in the right direction, which he attributed to President Buhari’s leadership by example style,” he said.

He said the president’s body language has sent strong and unmistakable message that the era of impunity is over, and that “corruption is no longer fashionable”.

The former vice president explained that when leaders lead by example, they automatically inspire public confidence, which he said is a condition for the success of any government policy.

“The Buhari administration has so far succeeded in blocking revenue leakages and diversions, which feed corruption,” he said.

The Turaki of Adamawa, who said he was proud to be part of the change movement, said there were enough examples of Buhari’s good works.

He added that Boko Haram insurgents were, for the first time, facing a fiercer response from newly-motivated armed forces. He maintained that the terrorists were in disarray because of the new offensive strategy adopted by the government.

The former vice president appealed to Nigerians to show more patience with Buhari because some major reforms might take time, but the country would ultimately be a better place.

He assessed the level of poverty and unemployment in Nigeria as inconsistent with its oil wealth, explaining that corruption is the biggest obstacle to development.

The former vice president said Buhari had boosted his optimism that Nigeria would rebound again.