President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday said he has kept himself free of corrupt acquisitions, hence no one can accuse him of corruption.
Mr Buhari made this assertion at a town hall meeting with leaders of the South-East region in Imo.
The president made the claim despite reports of corruption by his aides and close associates, who remain unconvicted.
The president also touched on other issues pertinent to the Igbos.
Read the full statement here:
I Want To Be Remembered As A President Who Stabilized Nigeria, President Buhari Tells South East Leaders
President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Owerri said that he would want to be remembered as the President who stabilized Nigeria in the area of security, economic prosperity and triumph over corruption.
He said with less than two years left in his eight-year tenure as President, security still remains a major priority for his administration.
‘‘If there is no security, there is nothing anyone can do no matter how much you try or the initiative you have.
‘‘Security is number one priority and then the economy. When people feel secure they will mind their own business,’’ he said.
The President told South-East leaders that while fighting corruption, Nigeria had become very sophisticated and difficult, he would continue to strive to leave a lasting legacy of integrity and accountability in the system.
‘‘Nobody can accuse me of having companies or mansions anywhere in the country and I thank God that I try to keep myself as clean as possible, so that I cannot be taken hostage.
On the forthcoming 2023 elections, the President reaffirmed his commitment to free, fair and credible polls, urging the leaders to honestly educate their constituencies on the need to hold their elected representatives accountable.
In his remarks at the town hall meeting, Governor Uzodinma said Ndigbo believe in a united Nigeria predicated on ‘‘justice, equity and fairness.’’
Governor Uzodinma said the people of South East would remain grateful to the President for approving the establishment of a Naval Base in Oguta Local Government Area of the State, adding that as time unfolds, the economic benefits of the base would manifest.
The Governor also commended the President for strongly supporting the appointment of two prominent Igbos into two key international organisations-Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Assistant Director-General of Health Emergency Intelligence, World Health Organisation (WHO).
In his remarks, the President-General, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof. George Obiozor assured the President of the continuous support of Ndigbo.
He said ‘‘Ndigbo in Nigeria are like fish in the ocean and no matter how rough the storm is, it cannot drive the fish out of the ocean.
‘‘Mr President, it is in this context, that we see a new dawn in your distinguished presence in Igbo land and believe that on your return to Abuja the significance and substance of this visit will form new foundation of a platform for meaningful dialogue on critical issues of concern to the Igbo nation,’’ he said.
Credit-gazettengr