Oscarline Onwuemenyi
18 October 2016, Sweetcrude, Abuja – President Muhammadu Buhari has accused most of oil marketers operating in the country of fraudulent activities which had led to massive challenges in the downstream sector of the economy.
Speaking in an interactive session in Berlin with representatives of the Nigerian Community in Germany, President Buhari said that it was regrettable that over the years oil marketers had colluded with banks to defraud Nigeria of much-needed revenue from the commodity.
He said, “One-third of the activities of the oil marketers are fraudulent, you can see how some of us Nigerians are wicked.
“They just take the money, stamp some papers without bringing the product and this fraudulent activity was between bankers and businessmen.”
He also said his administration is greatly encouraged by the uncommon support from Nigerians in the fight against corruption, as well as initiatives aimed at stimulating the economy.
President Buhari said his administration will reciprocate the gesture by strengthening critical institutions needed for sustainable development and prosperity.
“Nigerians are virtually supporting us in our fight against corruption, security and the economy.
“We are working hard to empower our institutions especially our educational institutions. If you educate a person that is the best you can do for him but if not you make him susceptible to religious, ethnic, negative thinking and action.
The president referred to “Rolls Royces” recently discovered in the homes of certain government officials as a clear reference of the rot in society and the fact that the war against corruption in the country is working.
“There are things that are happening, which if such had happened before there would have been a major riot, like the removal of subsidy on fuel,” he said.
The President, therefore, declared that his administration will continue to “to be very hard on corruption”, in addition to encouraging more Nigerians to pay their tax.
“If you work hard and get your money we will try and see how much tax you can pay us, but to take money from the government and get away with it no more,” the said.
The President used the occasion of his interaction with Nigerians to underscore the importance of his three-day visit to Germany, the largest economy in Europe, noting that he was upbeat on improved trade ties between both countries because of new investment incentives offered by Nigeria.
