‘Every government official since 1999 is responsible for Nigeria’s problems,’ Senate President says

Saraki made the comment while reacting to allegations of corruption levelled against the National Assembly by former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, The Guardian reports.

Obasanjo was the President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007.

“We have all been here since 1999 up to the recent past when things were not done right. We are all part of it. I was there, you were there, other political office holders in different capacities were there as well,” the Senate President said while speaking to journalists on Tuesday, February 2, 2016.

“My own view from the Eighth National Assembly is that the time for collective participation for the good of all Nigerians is here ‎with us in line with the change mantra of the present administration. We are all on the same page that things should be done differently.

“I think what we need now from all stakeholders is more of cooperation, encouragement and participation as opposed to trying to hold one person responsible for the mistakes of the past that we are all part of. It is clearly not the thing needed now.

“I appeal to you, to all Nigerians that we should work together just as I assure you all that we will do well here in the National Assembly to practically complement the change agenda,” he added.

Obasanjo had written a letter to the legislators accusing them of insensitivity over plans to buy 469 vehicles despite the country’s economic troubles.

Senator Dino Melaye however responded to the letter saying that Obasanjo introduced corruption to the National Assembly.