Corruption, Looting Under Buhari ‘Pervasive’ – U.S.

• The U.S. report also substantiate the findings of corruption watchdog Transparency International

The United States says the level of corruption and looting of public funds under the  under President Muhammadu Buhari administration is mind-boggling.

The U.S. disclosed this in its 2020 annual report on human rights, saying officials of Buhari’s government are looting the country with impunity.

According to the report, Buhari has refused to rein in on government officials who steal public funds by using existing laws that criminalise theft in public service.

All levels of government and their institutions are plagued by widespread, and pervasive corruption, the report averred

“Although the law provides criminal penalties for conviction of official corruption, the government did not consistently implement the law, and government employees frequently engaged in corrupt practices with impunity,” the U.S. report said. “Massive, widespread, and pervasive corruption affected all levels of government, including the judiciary and security services.”

The report also noted that the president, vice president, governors, and deputy governors have continued to enjoy the immunity clause in the Constitution that shields them from facing charges while in office.

President Muhammadu Buhari came to power in 2015 on the crest of vaunted campaigns and promises of ridding the country of corruption that has stunted its growth.

Buhari’s performance, however, has been shambolic and woeful in that regard. If anything, the country has sunk further into the abyss of corruption, with criminal activities amongst his officials being regularly reported.

The president has also treated the indictment of his allies and henchmen of corruption and malfeasance with disdain and indifference, looking away as his officials and political associates, including Tunde Fashola and Bola Tinubu, faced credible allegations of corruption.

The U.S. report also substantiate the findings of corruption watchdog Transparency International, which has consistently found that both Buhari and his officials have been even more corrupt than previous governments they derided before coming to power.

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