Hon. Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi, representing Afijio Atiba/Oyo East/Oyo West federal constituency has upheld the anti- corruption campaign of President Muhammadu Buhari, saying the fight is for the good of the country. .
In an interview with DAILY POST in his office, he wondered why the anti-corruption crusade which is supposed to be a collective responsibility of all Nigerians in the best interest of all irrespective of party differences was being misunderstood.
He advise Buhari to ensure that all stolen funds were returned.
The honourable said that despite some recent setbacks in the National Assembly, he is very optimistic that things would take shape, saying better days ahead are ahead.
He said, “This 8th Assembly has resolved to support the Executive arm of government to bring about the desired change which they voted for.
Reacting to the allegation that the anti-corruption war was selective and targeted at the opposition party, he said, ”I want to correct the notion that the anti-corruption drive of the Federal Government is selective. When you want to catch some thieves as in those who looted the common wealth of the nation, what you see is resistance and blackmail in order to whip off sentiments. The truth of the matter is that have they been people who have been arrested or prosecuted or were funds stolen or not? President Muhammadu Buhari is working with international organizations in order to track and bring these funds back. Other countries of the world have also agreed to collaborate with the Federal government, so it goes beyond anybody’s sentiments.
Defending why committees have not been constituted to join in the anti-corruption war, he said ” we are just barely two months and remember that we have greater number of members compared to Senators. Committee will soon be put in place and when the time comes, the House will assist the Federal government within the limit of its powers and responsibilities.
“I appreciate President Buhari for what he is doing so far. Nigerians should believe what he is doing especially that they have performed their civic responsibilities that brought him to power. He should continue his zero tolerance for corruption and pursue vigorously stolen money in order to recover them. I also want Nigerians to be prayerful and be focused. They should not succumb to any form of blackmail.
Speaking on whether APC leadership will become biased if its members are indicted, he said, “corruption crusade is not party based. What will you say of Permanent Secretary, Director, or any Civil servant facing corruption charges? Are they party members? This is not about party and anybody found culpable irrespective of his party would be made to bring back stolen wealth.”
Also speaking on the priority of the people he represents, he said ” During debate on legislative agenda which was eventually adopted recently, I pleaded with the 8th Assembly to prevail on the Federal government to intervene on the hitherto ongoing or abandoned road construction scattered all over Southwest, particularly as it affects my federal constituency. The only dualised road in Southwest Nigeria from Ibadan , Oyo, Ilorin was flagged off fifteen years ago and now a portion of that road has totally been abandoned. Despite billions of naira that was spent on that road, it remain uncompleted and the people of Oyo federal constituency keep loosing their lives on that road.
“I also want the Federal government as a matter of policy embark on the expansion of water works in Oyo federal constituency. In 2010, the Federal government awarded this contract to the tune of over one billion naira for a completion of fifteen months, but after over five years it has not been completed.
Reacting to whether he envisage corruption in those abandoned projects, he said, “it is when Committees are constituted and Committee on works or water resources do their investigation as part of the oversight functions that I will be able to say whether it is corruption or not.”
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