President Muhammadu Buhari Friday identified cronyism, nepotism, political patronage and lack of transparency and accountability as major enablers of corruption in the country.
Speaking at the conferment of awards on former President Goodluck Jonathan and 43 others at the State House in Abuja, the President said nepotism and political patronage distract civil servants from ensuring effective service delivery.
“Public Service is a public trust where officers and even employees must be accountable to the people whom they should serve at all times with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty and efficiency. They are expected to act with patriotism and think out of the box in order to solve the many problems facing the people which they lead.
“At present, issues in corruption continue to affect the civil services in many countries around the world. Several reasons for these issues still exist because of the deeply rooted problems like nepotism, cronyism, political patronage as well as lack of transparency and accountability. These vices distract them from delivering on their mandate and aspirations.
“I wish that leaders will arise and stand up to be counted among leaders who have distinguished themselves to do the right thing and leave their footprints on the sands of time,” he said.
Recognition
The President said he was happy to have the opportunity to recognize 44 persons and orgnisations who have distinguished themselves in their various fields of endeavour.
“I am particularly happy to recognise His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR, my predecessor, for his contribution to peace-building from the Niger Delta region, which was snowballed into the nation and now, around the world.
“Since leaving office, he has deployed his rich experience to ensure peace in many parts of Africa and has led mediation talks in several parts of the globe.
“I want to also specially recognise Abdul Samad Rabiu, the Chairman of BUA International Limited for his interventions in Education through the BUA Foundation, the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) and his personal philanthropic initiative.
“This initiative funds tertiary education institutions in Nigeria from its yearly $100 million ASR Africa Fund for Social Development and Renewal. I am happy that five (5) Universities have so far benefited with many more to come.
“I am equally elated to have some State Governors and my Ministers receive this award. This is to put on record that this Award is borne out of empirical evidence of performance and not politics.
“This award is recognition of the giant strides you all have made towards the transformation of Nigeria and you have consistently put hard work and dedication at the centre of your initiatives,” he said.
President Buhari thanked the recipients for their contributions to the transformation of the country.
“This award is a validation of your approach, but much more as a motivation for you and other upcoming leaders to continue doing more towards the attainment of a better Nigeria in all sectors of economy.”
The President also honoured 43 other prominent Nigerians with Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service.
The award was set up to recognise distinguished public service to Nigeria, either contributions to individuals, state or local community, or the public through excellence in leadership, service, or humanitarianism.
Also honoured were the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, and service chiefs honoured with various awards for their services.
Sixteen governors honoured included Nyesom Wike of Rivers state; Yahaya Bello (Kogi); Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi); Dapo Abiodun (Ogun); Dave Umahi (Ebonyi); Babagana Zulum (Borno) and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi).
Blueprint Weekend gathered that to be eligible, the recipient must be a living public official or a private citizen excelling consistently in a given sphere of influence, in good character standing, and must also be at the forefront of service and innovation.
