The presidency has stated that no country in the world has ever defeated corruption, including those that have a history of prosecuting or executing corrupt government officials.
Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, made this statement in response to criticism from Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese.
In his Easter message, Bishop Kukah raised questions about President Buhari’s promise to “defeat corruption,” among other failed campaign promises.
However, in an interview with Channels TV on Monday, News About Nigeria confirmed that Adesina dismissed the cleric’s comment, stating that it is impossible to “defeat” corruption and expressing disappointment in Kukah’s choice of words.
He said; “Defeating corruption, which country ever defeats corruption? Which country ever defeats corruption? Even China that executes for corruption. The fact that they keep executing shows that no country ever defeats corruption. You can curb it. But he used the word defeating corruption, I think Father Kukah is rather disappointing in those choice of words”.
President Buhari came to power in 2015 with three major promises: to end corruption, tackle insecurity, and grow Nigeria’s economy.
However, according to a 2021 report by Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, during the government led by the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria scored only 24 out of 100 points, ranking 154 out of 180 countries in terms of corruption perception.
The issue of corruption has also been highlighted by other prominent figures in Nigeria. Tunde Bakare, the senior pastor of Citadel Global Community Church, has stated that corruption has become more rampant under President Buhari’s watch, describing it as “more deadly.”
“If because of insecurity and corruption, we voted Jonathan out and now insecurity is worse, corruption is much more deadly now, what do you think should happen?” he said.
These comments from various sources reflect the ongoing debate and concerns about corruption in Nigeria and the challenges faced in addressing this issue effectively.
