Buhari implementing Jonathan’s anti-corruption policies ―APC Rep

MEMBER representing Iseyin/Iwajowa/Kajola/Itesiwaju Federal Constituency, Honourable Abiodun Olasupo has argued that the anti-corruption strides of the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration were actually envisioned by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Olasupo who listed some of the current anti-corruption measures as the principle of whistle blowing, Bank Verification Number (BVN), Treasury Single Account (TSA), said what stands out the Buhari led administration from that of Jonathan was the political will to implement those policies.

Olasupo, conversing with journalists in Iseyin, Oyo state, expressed joy that the implementation of those anti-corruption policies was yielding results in recovery of stolen loot.

Especially, he noted that the Whistle blowing act, aimed at strengthening and protecting the identity of whistle blowers, would soon become a law and would be invaluable for successive administrations.

“You should not be surprised that all the measures used in the anti-corruption crusade today were developed by President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

“Jonathan administration developed the principle of whistle blowing, Bank Verification Number (BVN), Treasury Single Account (TSA) but lacked the political will to implement them.

“You can see that the implementation by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is bringing the desired results,’’ Olasupo said.

Speaking on the National Assembly budget of N125 billion, an addition of N10 billion to the 2016 approved sum, Olasupo averred that the budget was inclusive of the expenses of the Assembly Service Commission, Public Complaints Commission, National Institute of Legislative Studies, and salaries of aides.

He argued that the budget of the State House, Judiciary, Customs and other parastatals was also increased, regarding the legislature as an arm of government that is poorly funded.

“When the 2017 Appropriation Act is signed into law by the president or Acting President, it would be accessible to all and you will see that it was increased across board.”

“When you look into the budget and do the analysis properly, I am sure you will believe that the National Assembly is one of the most poorly funded arms of government.”

“For the first time in the history of the nation, the eighth National Assembly made the detailed budget public and you will see a budget of economic recovery.”

“The old, present and future National Assembly members should know that legislatures, the world over, cannot win popularity contest when it comes to budgeting,’’ he stated.

Speaking further, Olasupo said the seeming faceoff between the National Assembly and the executive was in putting the nation was on the right track of development, at all times.

“It might look like we are antagonizing each other but that is what we are meant to be doing. It is out of these that we put many things in the right shape.”

“The separation of power principle entrenched in the constitution encourages checks and balances. I think Nigerians should be more worried whenever they see us smiling to everything.”

“What the people are seeing is democracy in action. This will not affect the development of the nation. Nigerians should not be afraid, we are doing what the law empowers us to do,’’ he said.