I Blame Myself and Other Public Office Holders Since 1999 for Nigeria's Problems - Saraki Speaks Up

Posted by Samuel on Wed 03rd Feb, 2016 - tori.ng

The Senate President Bukola Saraki has said he is responsible, just as every other office holder in Nigeria is, for Nigeria's troubles since 1999.

Bukola Saraki

The president of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, on Tuesday blamed all public office holders since 1999 for the country’s current political and economic woes.

Premium Times reports that Saraki made the statement in Abuja while speaking to journalists about opening the budget of the National Assembly and the allegation of corruption made by former President Olusegun Obasanjo against the federal legislature.

Mr. Obasanjo had recently written the two chambers of the National Assembly, accusing their members of corruption, greed and impunity. Mr. Saraki said it was inappropriate to hold one person or institution responsible for the nation’s problems.

He said: “We have all been here since 1999 up to the recent past when things were not done right. We are all part of it. I was there, you were there; every other political office holder in different capacities was there as well.

“The response of the 8th National Assembly is that the time for collective participation for the good of all Nigerians is here with us in line with the change mantra of the present administration. We are all on the same page for things to be done differently.”

The senate president said what is needed now is the cooperation, encouragement and participation of everybody in going forward rather than holding one person responsible for the woes.

Mr. Saraki repeated his earlier promise to provide the details of the N115 billion allocated to the National Assembly on a section-by-section basis.