This was Tuesday's (September, 8th) The PUNCH newspaper front cover which read:
It stated that President Muhammadu Buhari had declared his assets 4 times. The first time when it was during Murtala Muhammad's administration.
This was what the President has to say in the article:
"I recall that in 1975 when the late Murtala Muhammad became the Head of State, we were lined up in the corridor - governors, ministers, members of the Supreme Military Council - and officials of the Ministry of Justice were brought and every individual was made to declare his assets."
"So right now, all heads of state and government, governors, ministers, permanent secretaries will have to declare their assets because it is a constitutional requirement"
A constitutional requirement to declare asset, said the President. He added..
"In Nigeria, it is constitutional issue that is why I am blaming you gentlemen of the press. If you really want to do investigative journalism, you don't have to worry me at this stage: I have declared my assets four times"
"When I was Governor (Northeastern States) in 1975. After being Minister of Petroleum and as a member of Supreme Military Council, I declared. When I was Head of State (first military rule, after the Second Republic: 1983-1985) and now as a President, I also declared."
So, what he had declared? (did a little bit of homework)
- USD 150,000 in his personal account
- Five homes and two mud houses, farms
- An orchard and a ranch with 270 heads of cattle (interestingly, the number of cattles change...they are happily breeding)
- 25 sheep, 5 horses and variety of birds
- Shares in 3 firms
- Two undeveloped plots of lands
- Bought 2 cars from his savings
Reported in various sites...all gave the same amount.
His detractors would say there would be loopholes. Maybe it's with the wife, children, relatives etc etc.. (?)... but the fact is this. Let's simplify things...
1) It is a Constitutional requirement for all top officials of the government to declare their assets.
2) The fact that, he declared his assets..not once, but 4 times!
3)What impact does this news to his detractors and international communities....none..or too little to be of any value to leaders who point fingers to and fro between them telling the other to declare first and then, only then they would follow suit..
4) It will be a matter of time, or is it out already...article saying the amount declared are not correct..worse, lies. Just wait and see...Some would be so bold to call the President names...
Anyway, news like this is nothing short of awe and interest for me, as a guest in this great nation. Well, they do say nothing is impossible in Nigeria...maybe for the good. Always pray for the good, people. Aheh?!
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