‘Change started with us a long time ago,’ Minister says

Mohammed made the comment in reference to the government’s “Change Begins With Me” initiative.

Some persons had criticized the Muhammadu Buhari administration over the programme which they said was an attempt to lay responsibility on the shoulders of citizens instead of the government.

He made the comments on Thursday, October 6, while unveiling the campaign to the corporate world in Lagos.

“Today, ministers queue up at airports and filling stations. Their lifestyle is devoid of any ostentation. The federal executive council is not left behind. The weekly FEC Meeting starts on time. Indeed, change started with us a long time ago,” Mohammed said.

“The president demonstrated leadership when he rejected the purchase of new vehicles for his use, thus saving N400 million. Thanks to his action, no minister purchases new vehicles, saving millions more. Then upon assuming office, the president instructed his convoy to always respect traffic rules. The ministers all followed suit.

“In simple parlance, the campaign is geared towards achieving attitudinal change. As they say, you cannot continue to do things the same way and expect a different result.

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“Against the background that our core values have witnessed total breakdown in the past years, it is imperative that we re-orientate ourselves with a view to restoring those time-tested values,” he added.

Mohammed also denied that the idea for the initiative was stolen.