President Muhammadu Buhari has emphasized the importance of adhering to the constitutional requirement of assets declaration before and after assuming office. In his commitment to strengthening best practices, raising moral standards in public service, promoting integrity, and combating corruption, President Buhari has directed all outgoing officials, both elected and appointed, from the vice president downwards, to collect, fill, and return the assets declaration form.
According to a statement by his media aide, Garba Shehu, President Buhari’s directive underscores the inclusive nature of the constitutional duty of assets declaration. He collected his own assets declaration form from Professor Isah Mohammed, the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, during a visit to Abuja.
President Buhari expressed his commitment to transparency by stating, “I signed, collected, and acknowledged receiving my form. From here, I will ask my bank manager in Kaduna to show me what has gone in and out of my account. Nobody is excluded from declaring their assets. I expect everyone from the vice president downwards to follow the system.”
Professor Mohammed commended President Buhari for his compliance with assets declaration over the past eight years and the support he has provided to the Code of Conduct Bureau. This support has resulted in a remarkable 99% compliance rate among elected and appointed officials. He also acknowledged the president’s assistance in the digitization of the bureau’s services, which has enhanced the efficiency of case investigations.
President Buhari’s commitment to assets declaration and his directive to outgoing officials demonstrate his dedication to upholding transparency and accountability in public service. By setting an example and ensuring compliance, the president aims to foster a culture of integrity and combat corruption at all levels of government.
