Labour commends Buhari’s resolve to fight corruption, make refineries work

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says it is solidly behind the Federal Government in its drive to stamp out corruption and graft, which have been the major cause of the nation’s underdevelopment and poverty of the masses over time.

Isa Aremu, deputy president, NLC, said in a statement yesterday, “Labour commends the Federal Government’s resolve under President Muhammadu Buhari, to prosecute those who allegedly stole national resources soonest.”

Labour agrees with Buhari that Nigeria has to break the vicious cycle of corruption, unemployment and insecurity before the country can make progress, Aremu further said.

He added that beyond recovering the stolen funds stashed in foreign banks and prosecuting the culprits, “we need an institutional framework to prevent graft and public theft.”

He further said Labour commended Buhari’s directive on a single treasury account (STA) for all federal revenues, to ensure greater probity, transparency and accountability in the collection, disbursement and utilisation of national funds.

“We also commend the work of the National Economic Council, ad-hoc committee on the management of excess crude account proceeds and accruals into the Federation Account, head by Governor of Edo State, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole.”

Aremu further commended the President for resisting the pressure to remove subsidy on petroleum products and his resolve to make the country’s refineries work.

He also described as good judgement, the president’s decision to grant bailouts to state governments to resolve salary arrears and steps to cut the cost of governance and bring back the national carrier.