Nigerians in US hail Buhari, Osinbajo over assets declaration

Nigerians in United States yesterday described the open declaration of assets by President Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice, Yemi Osinbajo, as a true reflection of good governance.

They all commended Buhari and Osinbajo for taking a proactive step in fulfilling part of their electioneering campaigns for Nigerians.

Speaking in separate interviews with Newswatch Times in Washington, DC, the US-Nigerian born citizens expressed confidence in the administration of President Buhari to spring more pleasant surprises before the end of his administration.

Specifically, a United States immigration lawyer, Mr. Ayodele Mayowa Ojo who base in Minnesota said Buhari had laid a good example of a true leader which others could follow.

“The two leaders want to lead by example. If Buhari is smart, he can become the Mandela of Nigeria. Buhari’s declaration of assets is a testimony that he has not acquired wealth like other politicians before he came to power,” he said.

He added: “Do not forget that he was the Head of State like Abacha and others. With this development, Buhari can set Nigeria free from the circle of corruption. I can tell you now that we have a President that is not looking ahead to accumulate wealth.”

Also, Chief Michael Amuzie, a New Jersey based engineer urged President Buhari to continue on the gesture by declaring his assets after finishing his tenure.

Amuzie, who is the Chairman of All Progressives Party (APC) in United States noted that if all public servants could do same, a culture of transparency would be established in Nigeria.

He said, “It is the right step in the right direction. The leadership has set the example; it is now left to the followers. At the end of their term, it is expected that they disclose their assets. In that view, the difference will be assessed.

If all public servants do this, a culture of transparency will be established. But for this to work and be meaningful, public servants must be honest and not lie about the figures. Therefore, the information must be audited for verification purposes.”

The former Vice Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Mr. Victor Ugoh, based in Atlanta, Georgia appealed to President Buhari not to allow himself to be misled.

His words, “President Buhari has started well but the end matters. He should not allow power and money to enter his head. He should also deem it necessary to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians. Four years is around the corner. He must not use autocratic decision to achieve something, knowing full well that he is a President of Nigeria now in a democratic form.”