• Tasks accountants on corruption
PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in New Delhi, India, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to recovering funds looted by corrupt government officials, plugging loopholes in public sector accounting and deploying available resources for the good of all Nigerians.

Addressing members of the Nigerian community in India, the president declared that curbing corruption, recovery of stolen funds and prosecution of persons who have been indicted for corrupt practices will also continue to be vigorously pursued.

Saying he was fully aware of the expectations of Nigerians who elected him on the platform of change, integrity, probity and accountability, Buhari promised he would do his best to meet those expectations.

He said he expected the ongoing recoveries and prosecutions to serve as a deterrent to others who nurse the ambition of seeking public office solely for illegal personal gain. The president assured the gathering that his administration fully recognized the devastating consequences of illegal diversion of public resources meant for national development into private bank accounts, and is doing all within its powers to stop such fraudulent practices.

The anti-corruption campaign will be on-going for many years. We are committed to enthronement of good governance that plugs the loopholes in public sector accounting, and the use of scarce resources for public good.

We are determined to demonstrate exemplary leadership that will make our citizens to change their ways in a manner that lays a solid foundation for reconstruction and development.
“I am confident that our approach to fighting corruption through value re-orientation, improved internal processes and systems and the rule of law, as well as enhancing the capacity of the various anti-corruption agencies and institutions, will prove more enduring in addressing this evil.”

At another event, Buhari urged professional accountants in the country to help achieve desired accelerated economic development and prudent management of public funds.

Speaking yesterday, at the opening of the 2015 yearly National Conference of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, the President, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Anastasia Nwaobia, said it was urgent that accountants and holders of public office uphold the ethical standards and professional ethics in the prudent management of pubic, funds.

He urged accountants to also design a robust model for proper accounting of resource utilisation, financial reporting and performance evaluation.
“Our statute books are replete with laws, rules and regulations for accountants and accounting practice, but we have been unable to arrest the tide of corruption, which is largely aided by unethical practices by those whose duty it is to uphold public trust.’