President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed serious concerns over the illicit financial flows from Africa, saying urgent steps must be taken by respective governments to stem the ugly tide.

Buhari, however, called for the establishment of “international anti-corruption criminal court” to get rid of corruption in Africa.

The President made the call while declaring the 6th AU Day of Anti-Corruption open virtually in Abuja on Thursday.

The event was tagged, ‘Strategies and Mechanisms for the Transparent Management of Covid-19 Funds’.

President Buhari, who described corruption as “evil”, urged African leaders to work collectively to recover all resources taken abroad.

He said: “Corruption is an evil and all efforts at tackling it are desirable. I have monitored the fight against corruption in Africa, and I can see both successes and setbacks. The … must be continued for the sake of the continent and its people, no matter the difficulties.

“In Nigeria, the fight against has been rigorous since 2015, a lit and been achieved in the areas of arrest, prosecution, conviction, asset recovery and anti corruption laws. In Nigeria, we introduced TSA, where all government incomes are centralised. However, a lot of more work on many front is required.

“For example, civil and public servants must be ethical and professional at all times, the private sector must contribute in curbing corruption. The judiciary requires more impudence . Perhaps, an international anti corruption criminal court is needed. Family and religious values have to be upgraded and schools have a lot of work to do to catch them young and imbibe ethics.

“Fellow African leaders, We must get rid of corruption in Africa, so that the continent can realise its full potentials. I have come to realise that Africa has to ensure that natural resources are not taken to safe havens around the world and we must curtail IFF in all its forms.

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“Also, we must work collectively to recover all resources taken abroad, we must show looters that crime does not pay by depriving them of the proceeds of their crime.

“Furthermore, greed and irresponsibility must be checked, Again ethics, decency, decorum and respect for the rule of law must be promoted. It is important to develop strategies for behaviour change in Africa, his will ensure that national resources serve the population and nit a tiny few. We must empower and allow out anti corruption agencies to deliver on their mandates.

“In Nigeria, I am very proud of our anti corruption agencies, our law enforcement for their efforts at checking criminality including corruption. I deeply appreciate them for their sacrifices.

“We must continue to fight for the benefit of the present and future generations. Our youths have no where to go and leave with dignity but in Africa.

“As I am leaving office next year, I am proud to leave behind a legacy of fighting corruption in tandem with other African government.

“Personally, I will render my best in or out of office to get rid of corruption in Nigeria and Africa in general. I urge our youths to join me in this noble cause.

“My fellow African leaders, let us work together to get rid of corruption in Africa. It give our citizens a better life,” President Buhari said.

The Star