‘My ministers must declare assets,’ President-elect says

President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, has said that all who are appointed ministers in his administration must declare their assets before assuming office and before vacating the position.

Buhari stated that the move would encourage accountability among public servants and reduce corruption.

The President-elect made the statements on Sunday, April 12, 2-15 during an interview with Sahara TV.

“All those that were governors, ministers, permanent secretaries, head of foreign staff and all those with political appointments will have to declare their assets on the assumption of their appointment and definitely with the courts. And once they leave they have to re-declare their assets,” Buhari said.

Buhari also said that last-minute defectors from other parties to the All Progressives Congress (APC) should not expect automatic appointments in his government.

He further criticized the Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, over the depletion of the Excess Crude Account.

Dr Okonjo-Iweala had explained that the funds in the account had been distributed over the past two years instead of being saved.

“I’m afraid the finance minister has no cause to complain because the governors cannot force the central government to act outside the constitution,” Buhari said deeming the minister’s excuse unacceptable.

The President-elect also said that his government would not become “embroiled in investigation of every ministry” as the “government will not have time to move forward.”

He however added that he wouldn’t stand in the way of the judiciary’s fight against corruption.