Buhari says Nigeria’s wealth in few hands

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has stated that it is difficult for Nigeria to develop when the nation’s wealth is in the hands of few individuals.

The president who spoke on Monday at the National Political Summit organised by Save Democracy Group Africa in ‎Abuja,a situation where politicians divert resources meant to provide drugs in the hospitals, schools for the children and construction of motorable roads will not promote growth and development.

“We are all witnesses to some of the revelations of the way some of the political holders did in the last administration, corruptly handled billions of dollars and funds meant to procure arms and equipment for the territorial integrity of Nigeria, ‎equipment including protective weapons and vehicles for the brave young men and women which our nation sent to battle.

He described the theme of the summit, which is “2015 elections; consolidating the gains and building positive and sustainable democracy in Nigeria” as timely, adding that every step to the balance of a stable democracy is worth it.

President Buhari who was represented by Vice President Yemi Osibanjo,‎ described political leadership as a priesthood of sort, where leaders are expected to make sacrificial service to the people in place of personal ambition.

He said democracy cannot heal the defect in human condition if politicians continue to steal the resources that meant to provide improve standard of living to the people.

“But let me say that moral leaders are not born, they lived with the worst amongst us and came to an understanding the responsibility placed upon him or her by virtue of political leadership and determined to choose the course of moral and exemplary leadership,” he said.

According to the president, the leaders of the nations of the world that have managed to have a decent existence had to conquer the base and selfish desire to use power for personal gains.

He added that to address the deadly policy often seen in Africa and Nigeria, political leaders should look beyond democracy.

“My support for sustained dialogue amongst political stakeholders and key actors in our country will help in speeding up the political evolution of our country, grow our politics, building understanding and definitely help our people,” he added.

Buhari noted that while democracy is essential because it ensures that people are given a voice in the choice of their leaders, that can be voided by corrupt practises, purchase of votes of the poor.

“My challenge to these distinguished bodies here is to seek answer to the question to how to ensure leadership in Nigeria and indeed Africa is altruistic, selfless and indeed committed to the common goal that will suit the people.

“How do we find a consensus as to the minimum and standards of the people by leadership?
On his part, the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki said the change demanded by Nigerians during the 2015 general elections has its own consequences.

According to him, the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ‎came at a time a time five major development challenges were confronting the nation from every side.

“From our depleting revenues and dwindling economic outlook as a result of falling oil prices to the massive infrastructure deficit, insecurity, unemployment, corruption and terrorism all congregating forcefully to dent our resolve to build a nation of our dreams,” Saraki said.

‎He however, said these challenges might be the necessary catalyst and opportunity to think outside the box and shape a new Nigeria nation built on a more solid economic and political base.
“We must then use our new found opportunity to attack the basic structural weaknesses and problems in our economy through measures to increase productivity, savings and investments.
“There is enough data to show that Nigeria can live in prosperity after oil; our agriculture potentials, solid mineral deposits, innovation industry and entertainment industry all show how diversification is already deepening the foundations of our economy,” he said.
Saraki stated that the National Assembly was aware of the challenges, hence upon assumption of both chambers separately developed and adopted a vision, an agenda on matters of priority to ensure that necessary legal superstructure on which the executive can deliver to the Nigerian people the desired change were laid.

He disclosed that the National Assembly is currently working with some civil society organisation (CSOs), development partners and other major stakeholders to carry out a holistic review of the entire draft of institutional regulatory and legal structures affecting the way business is done in Nigeria, with a view to eliminating impediments to business and investment and re-establishing Nigeria as a top global investment destination.
“Our people have called us to stamp out corruption, improve governance, accountability, transparency, service delivery and human right protection, and the National Assembly is ready to roll out an array of reforms on, accountability, revenue management, budget processing, policing and public service performance monitor that would see our resources better used, engender better public participation in governance, oversight and virile public service that is service oriented,” he said.

‎He said that the present National Assembly will continue to work hand-in-gloves with the executive arm to rout corruption and entrench accountability across all spheres of the public sector.
Saraki announced that the days of business as usual were over, adding that “discretionary spending of government resources, unbudgeted expenditures, procurement abuses and diversion of public monies for personal gains must be eradicated.”

He said the situation Nigeria. Now face, demands thoughtfulness, steady nerves, resolute and focused attention.

“They demand national will, cohesion, political wisdom, economic sacrifice and a willingness to pull together in one direction not pull apart.

“We cannot continue to have narratives on the line of party leanings, ethnic or religious persuasions or such other notions that tend to divide us and make us lose focus on our main calling,” he added.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara said the legislature has often intervened at the critical moments in the life of the nation through legislations and resolution to steer the ship of state aright.

According to the Speaker, the legislature in Nigeria has played a positive role towards electoral reforms and the quest for credible elections.

“It has used it’s legislative authority to stabilise elections. It has always provided the required legal framework for the conduct of elections in Nigeria.

“It passed the 2002, 2006, 2010 Electoral Acts to aid conduct of elections.

“The legislature led the charge in the amendment of the Constitution to usher in the independence of INEC. Section 81 (3) of the Constitution was amended to place INEC on the first line charge, thereby granting it relative financial autonomy. Appointment of Resident Electoral Commissioners which hitherto was the exclusive preserve of the president now must receive the consent of the Senate,” he said.

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