Follow Us on Google
From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED), has told President Bola Tinubu to declare his assets, as required by law.
CHRICED told the new administration to update citizens on how he intends to address insecurity given the wave of killings and kidnappings especially in the northern part of the country since he (Tinubu) assumed office.
Its Executive Director, Ibrahim Zikirullahi, at a press conference yesterday in Abuja, advised the president to distance himself from corrupt politicians flooding the Aso Villa.
He said: “Notwithstanding its infancy, we are firmly of the opinion that it is not too early to demand accountability from the Tinubu Presidency. Also, it is not too early for Nigerians to start asking difficult questions.
“Just as the President stated during his campaign, “political power is not served à la carte in restaurants,” Nigerians must realize that effective, participatory, and inclusive governance, along with all the associated benefits, will not be served à la carte.
“People must fight for it by demanding accountability; this lesson should have been thoroughly learned during the extremely difficult eight years of Buhari in office.
“Therefore, Nigerians have the right to inquire about the government’s strategies for combating corruption and preventing its debilitating impacts on development outcomes.
“If public finances were effectively administered, there would be sufficient funds to meet the needs of every Nigerian.
“Therefore, Nigerians must assume their responsibilities as citizens and cease waiting for a political messiah.
“We must demand subsidy scammers, oil thieves, and those responsible for the comatose of our four refineries to be dealt with and brought to book.
“Furthermore, Nigerians have the right to scrutinize anyone seen around the President; it is thus concerning that among the hordes of politicians who have visited the President in the Aso Villa in the last few days is a convicted former Governor who brought untold shame and disgrace to Nigeria as a result of the grand scale corruption and treasury looting for which he was prosecuted and jailed in London.
“Such persons mingling with the President are very concerning because it suggests that the Presidency lacks the commitment to speak out strongly against and combat corruption.
“In the end, if the government takes a soft stance on corruption, little progress will be made in addressing Nigeria’s socioeconomic issues and other social concerns.
“As a result, CHRICED urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima to disclose their assets publicly as soon as possible for the purpose of openness, probity, and accountability.
“In addition, the government should develop a roadmap for corruption prevention to guarantee that good governance is not undermined.”
