‘Those who stole Nigeria’s money are very powerful,’ Minister says

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has said that the people who looted Nigeria’s public funds are very powerful.

Mohammed also said that the people in question have been using their influence to frustrate the government’s war against corruption.

The minister made the comments on Sunday, January 24, 2016, while speaking in Lagos, Punch reports.

“…We know that those who stole us dry are powerful. They have newspapers, radio and television stations and an army of supporters to continuously deride the government’s war against corruption. But we are undaunted and will not relent until corruption is also decimated,” Mohammed said.

“The federal government is delighted that the anti-corruption war being led by President Muhammadu Buhari has been acknowledged and applauded on a global stage.

“It is particularly gratifying that in that speech, Mr Kerry made the link between corruption and terrorism. We agree that corruption is indeed a radicaliser because it destroys faith in legitimate authority.

“When the money meant to construct roads is looted, the end result is that the roads are not built and the people suffer and even die in avoidable road accidents.

“When the money meant to provide electricity is looted, we all are perpetually sentenced to darkness. When the money meant for healthcare is pocketed by a few, we are unable to reduce maternal and infant mortality. These are the costs of corruption.

“The situation is very grim indeed, as far as corruption is concerned. That is why the federal government is embarking on this sensitisation Campaign. Our approach – which is to count the cost of corruption – is not to vilify anyone but to use facts and figures to give Nigerians a sense of what corruption has done to their lives,” he added.

United States Secretary of State, John Kerry, had praised President Muhammadu Buhari’s war against corruption while speaking at the ongoing World Economic Forumin Davos, Switzerland.