‘More thieves will be jailed’ — Buhari talks tough as he resumes office

President Muhammadu Buhari says his administration is going to jail “more thieves” who looted the nation’s treasury.

He said this on Saturday in an interview with NTA upon return from his vacation in London.

Buhari said his administration is not going to let those who stole the country’s funds escape prosecution.

“We are going to jail more of the thieves that brought the economic problems to the country,” Buhari said, adding: “I think that is being expected of me and I will do it.”

On the recent defections in the country, the president said it is good for democracy as people should be allowed the choice of any party they want to belong to.

He said: “I think that should be appreciated, it is the beauty of democracy. Let people choose what party they want to belong to.

“But let them make sure they have empowered their constituents by educating them on voter registration and making sure they get their permanent voter cards. And that they use their rights to vote whoever they want across religion and ethnicity.”

Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, said Buhari has written the national assembly leadership, informing them of his return from vacation.

“In compliance with Section 145 of the 1999 constitution (as amended), I write to intimate the Senate, the House of Representatives that I have resumed my functions as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with effect from today, Saturday, 18th August, 2018, after my vacation,” Buhari told the lawmakers in the letter.