Before he was sworn in on May 29, he had submitted to the Bureau his completed Assets Declaration Form in conformity with Paragraph 11 of the Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution. But Adeniyi said that the Bureau argued that the President’s action would “put pressure on other categories of public officials to do same even when the Constitution makes the exercise a confidential matter.” As Governor of Katsina State, Yar’Adua had equally taken the noble step by making his assets declaration public.

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President Musa Yar’adua

It is, indeed, gratifying that the President has not only stood by his word, he has also set the record of being the first Nigerian leader to publicly declare his assets. Through this rare courage of open disclosure of assets, Yar’Adua has successfully identified transparency as the most effective weapon against corruption.

It is, however, unfortunate that the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) acted against public interest by advising President Yar’Adua not to make his assets declaration public. The wrong advice is a clear indication that the anti-graft body may be part of the problem. For promoting secrecy in the conduct of public affairs, the present CCB leadership should be scrapped immediately. An anti-graft body that encourages public office holders to shield themselves from scrutiny, even when disclosure does not contravene the law, is certainly not relevant to the public desire for an open and transparent system.

The vision of a cleaner society was revealed during the presidential campaign, when the President rightly reasoned that the integrity of those entrusted with public responsibilities as leaders should not be questionable. Truly, official corruption has been the main obstacle to national progress. Right from independence in 1960, the public office has always been used mainly as a tool for amassing private wealth.

This was particularly so during the rapacious dictatorial rule that lasted for almost two decades when military adventurers, dressed in nationalist garb, could not draw a line between the public till and their private pockets. Besides, the civil service, as the primary executors of government policies and programmes, that should uphold the core values of commitment to the rule of law, honesty, integrity and accountability, was deliberately crippled and became an accomplice in the looting of the nation.

In the process, all the established procedures for ensuring accountability and transparency in public finance were jettisoned. As corrupt leaders converted public office to cash, strict adherence to Civil Service General Order in the discharge of government business, regular audit of public accounts and transparent budget system, were completely set aside.

Obviously, by promising to follow up with other measures, including encouraging the National Assembly to make a law that will make it mandatory for all public office holders to publicly declare their assets, President Yar’Adua appears determined to make a clean break with this shoddy past.

Beyond personal example, however, there is the need to deliberately promote an environment that encourages the activities of whistle-blowers. Therefore, public access to information should be widened by enacting the Freedom of Information Bill. The asset declaration forms of public office holders should no longer be treated as official secrets. The National Assembly should prescribe without further delay, by an Act, the terms and conditions for the public to access the forms, as stipulated by the Constitution. The CCB should be strengthened in its capacity to verify assets declared.

To properly kick off the new anti-graft era, the President should encourage all ministerial nominees and all heads of public agencies to openly disclose their assets. Only capable Nigerians of proven integrity should be made to head the agencies. The timely audit of all government accounts is also an effective anti-graft weapon. The Yar’Adua government will be able to achieve far more than its predecessor if, through increased transparency, it is able to free more funds from graft for development.








source: PUNCH

Hmm i hope

Yar'adua declaring his asset does not stop him from stealing. Let's wait till he opens a secret account in Swissbank and other coded countries. How can I trust him when I don't even trust my father.

I no think say d guy go thief.

I can only pray for wisdom and courage for dear president .He has shown leadership. The true son of the land. Long live Mr. President! Long live Nigeria.

amen

celemel you do have a good sense of reasoning and i hope alot of people can learn a thing or two from you;its all about howwell you are inform about makingh a very good impression cause u might not get a second chance to do so.

The man or woman you really love will never grow old to you. Through the wrinkles of time, through the bowed frame of years, you will always see the dear face and feel the warm heart union of your eternal love. Love means to commit oneself without guarantee, to give oneself completely in the hope that our love will produce love in the loved person. Love is an act of faith, and whoever is of little faith is also of little love. Love is not automatic. It takes conscious practice and awareness, just like playing the piano or golf. However, you have ample opportunities to practice. Everyone you meet can be your practice session.Be wise and gentle with every soul you come across.[color=#770077][/color]

Uchebobo:

I can only pray for wisdom and courage for dear president .He has shown leadership. The true son of the land. Long live Mr. President! Long live Nigeria.

True talk but he should complete the good work

Hmmmm