Jonathan vows to battle endemic corruption

Eromosele Ebhomele

President Goodluck Jonathan this morning promised that his administration would not tolerate corruption which he described as endemic in the country.

The President, who addressed the nation in a broadcast to mark the 52nd Independence Anniversary of the country, said he was poised to ensure that corruption was reduced to its barest minimum.

He said as a result, his administration had successfully exposed the subsidy cabal and was currently prosecuting them.

He also cited a rating of the Transparency International which he said rated Nigeria as second in the countries making efforts to fight corruption.

The President said he had been able to fight corruption in the agriculture sector especially in the distribution of fertilisers.

“The fight against the scourge of corruption is a top priority of our administration. We are fighting corruption in all facets of our economy.

“We have put an end to several decades of endemic corruption related with fertiliser and tractor procurement and distribution.

“We exposed the decades of crime in the management of pensions and fuel subsidy and ensuring that the culprits are being brought to book,” ha said.

He also told Nigerians that his administration was making steady efforts to develop the country while urging the citizens to be patient with him.

He also promised that when he would address the country next year during the independence, he would be reeling out a number of better success.

He also praised his administrations effort in the power sector saying he had the knowledge that there was steady power supply to homes across the country just as his administration was also making moved to involve the private sector in the efficient distribution and supply of power to the people.

He said though the country was facing some challenges including the recent flooding and insecurity, his administration had taken proactive measures to curtail future occurrences.

He also said he was in constant touch with neighbouring countries over the fight against insecurity in the country and that this was yielding fruit.

The President said despite the failing global economy, the Nigerian economy had continued to rise steadily by seven per cent in the last two years adding that the country ha been rated an investment destination in Africa.

He said the country had been able to generate over N6.8 trillion local and foreign direct investment commitment and promised to do more.

“We have drastically reduced the goods clearing period in our ports from six weeks to about one week and under. We have an ultimate target of 48 hours.

He said the country had achieved a 24-hour timeline for registering businesses as a result, the country has successfully registered about 7000 companies in the second quarter of this year.

“The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has disclosed that as at July 2012, 249 new members across the country have joined the association and their capacity utilisation has also improved.

“The multiplier effect of this development on our job creation cannot be over-emphasised,” he said.

He said his administration was concerned about the malaria scourge and polio in the country and that to fight this, his government had made a special provision in the Subsidy Reinvestment Scheme to reduce such incidents.

He further promised that the country will continue to be united by his administration to ensure that the dreams of the founding fathers were met.