No Going Back On Fight Against Corruption - Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to fight on in his resolve to tackle corruption head-on. The president stated this Monday at the training on corruption risk assessment for heads of anti corruption agencies in African Union in Abuja.

The president who said his administration would not be deterred by the criticism of some corrupt opposition elements, tasked the anti corruption agency to liberate the continent from corruption, a menace, he blamed for underdevelopment of Africa.

 Buhari also shredded light on why he defeated former president Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 poll, saying it was due to glaring endemic corruption that engulfed the country prior to the polls.

Buhari observed that the pervasive nature and devastating impact of corruption across the country before the election, was dysfunctional.

He, however, said that his administration was taking steps to institute integrity and transparency in the processes of governance and would hold those indicted for plundering the nation’s resources to account for their actions.

“When we assumed office in May 2015, the pervasive nature and devastating impact of corruption on the Nigerian nation had become dysfunctional.

“The momentum for our electoral victory could not be separated from the revolt of the people against glaring endemic corruption.

“During the past several months, we have been taking steps to institute integrity and transparency in the processes of governance and holding those who have plundered our commonwealth to account for their actions.

“However, the costs of recovery and sanctions are also enormous. While commendable successes have been recorded, it has become manifest that corruption fights back.

“With enormous stolen resources, elements have attempted to compromise law enforcement institutions and pervert the course of justice,” he said.

According to the president, the fight against corruption is a battle for the souls of African countries, which he says, must be won.

He noted that since independence, the African continent had suffered from severe consequences of corruption, saying; “it is imperative that we take steps to reverse the trend”.