Shun graft, Buhari tells Aso Rock workers at first meeting

• We haven’t touched those who didn’t touch Nigeria’s money, says President

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday formally met workers of the Presidential Villa, the nation’s seat of power, with the number 1 citizen admonishing them to discharge their duties to fatherland in all honesty and integrity.

Buhari told the workers who came in hundreds, from the 12 departments of the State House to the forecourt of the Presidential Villa, “We haven’t touched anybody who did not touch public funds, you should behave yourself.”

“If you don’t have houses in Abuja and the whole of Europe, you will sleep soundly. You and your family will earn respect. But if you shortchange the treasury, you will be caught and I pity your family because people will be abusing them.”

“People will be calling you big thieves, that how did you raise money to build all the houses in Abuja and Europe with your meagre salary.

“I think personal integrity is something to be encouraged. I assure you that I am absolutely dedicated to serve Nigeria. Those who behave themselves will never regret, but those who don’t behave themselves, na their problem.”

Yesterday’s meeting was arguably the first time that any sitting President would be holding formal meeting with members of staff of the Presidential Villa. Most offices in the State House were shut as both senior and junior staff thronged in hundreds to join the meeting with the President.

Permanent Secretary of State House, Mr. Muhammad Jalal Arabi, in his remarks, said the staff had come to welcome the President, who had just returned from his medical leave at the United Kingdom, and pledge their loyalty and support for the President in his quest to move the nation forward.