Buharis address commonwealth anti corruption summit
Here is the address delivered by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Commonwealth Anti-Corruption Summit held in London on May 12, 2016:
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am honored to be speaking at this important summit on anti-corruption, which brings together leaders from across the Commonwealth to share experiences, best practices, and commit to tackling the scourge of corruption.
Corruption is a cancer that has infected many societies, including my own. It is a thief that steals from the poor and gives to the rich. It is a destroyer of trust, a violator of human rights, and a hindrance to economic development.
As a nation, we have been grappling with the problem of corruption for many years. We have tried various approaches, including legislative reforms, institutional strengthening, and public awareness campaigns. But we have not yet succeeded in eradicating the problem.
However, I am pleased to say that we have made significant progress in recent years. We have established a number of anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). We have also passed a number of laws, including the Freedom of Information Act and the Whistleblower Protection Act.
But we recognize that more needs to be done. That is why we are committed to strengthening our anti-corruption institutions, improving transparency and accountability, and promoting a culture of integrity.
We are also committed to working with other countries to share best practices and coordinate efforts to combat corruption. We believe that corruption is a global problem that requires a global response.
In this regard, we welcome the Commonwealth's initiative to establish a Commonwealth Anti-Corruption Network, which will bring together experts and officials from across the Commonwealth to share knowledge, expertise, and best practices.
We also recognize the important role that civil society can play in the fight against corruption. We are committed to working with civil society organizations to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance.
In conclusion, I want to emphasize that the fight against corruption is a long-term effort that requires sustained commitment and cooperation from all stakeholders. We must work together to build a society that is free from corruption, where the rule of law is respected, and where the rights of all citizens are protected.
Thank you.
Note: This is a summary of the address delivered by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Commonwealth Anti-Corruption Summit in London on May 12, 2016. The full text of the address may vary slightly depending on the source.