Lai to govs: There’s corruption in every party, change must begin with us

Lai Mohammed, the minister of information and culture, has appealed to state governors to support the national reorientation campaign, “Change Begins With Me”.

Mohammed made the appeal in Abuja when he made a presentation to the governors forum which met at the presidential villa on Wednesday night, stating that there is corruption in every party.

In the presentation, a copy of which was made available to NAN, the minister told the governors that the campaign launched by President Muhammadu Buhari on September 8, was for every Nigerian.

“The campaign is aimed at achieving a paradigm shift in the way we do things and geared towards achieving an attitudinal change,” Mohammed said.

“With the total breakdown of our core values in the past years, it is imperative that we re-orientate ourselves with a view to restoring those time-tested values.

“Your excellencies, it is important to note that this is a national campaign. It has no political, religious, or ethnic coloration.

“The breakdown in our time-tested values, the preference for imported goods, the poor attitude to work, the mindless corruption in our society, etc, are not limited to any part of the country, any political party, or any religion.

“We are of the strong belief that your cooperation is absolutely important if the campaign is to succeed.

“Hence, we have taken up this opportunity to formally unveil it to you and to seek your collaboration.”

Mohammed particularly appealed to the governors to grant “generous airtime” on their state radio and television stations for the regular broadcast of the radio and television jingles produced for the campaign free of charge.

The minister, who said he would inaugurate the campaign in all states of the federation, urged the governors be fully involved in the inauguration activities.

He expressed appreciation to the governors for their preparation and cooperation with his ministry towards the success of the forthcoming Abuja carnival.

He appealed to the states that are yet to send their contingents to do so before the December 6 opening date for the carnival.

While briefing journalists after the closed-door presentation, the minister said the governors gladly received him and pledged their support towards the campaign and the carnival.

“The presentation was received very enthusiastically. They gave their suggestions and contributions and generally accepted our proposal,” he said.