Former President Muhammadu Buhari has fulfilled the requirement of Chapter 6 of the constitution by submitting his assets declaration forms to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB). The CCB issued an acknowledgement receipt on May 31, 2023, confirming the submission.
In a tweet by former presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, it was stated that the completed declaration revealed that there was no increase in Buhari’s movable assets, both within Nigeria and abroad. Additionally, there were no new bank accounts apart from the existing one in Union Bank, Kaduna.
According to Shehu, Buhari had not taken any loans and had no liabilities. Furthermore, there was a slight decrease in the number of animals on his farm, as he had gifted some of them over the past four years.
The submission of assets declaration forms is a crucial step in ensuring transparency and accountability among public officials. It allows for the verification and monitoring of their assets to prevent illicit enrichment and corruption.
As per Chapter 6 of the constitution, public officeholders are required to declare their assets before assuming office, at the end of their tenure, and at intervals of four years thereafter. The Code of Conduct Bureau plays a vital role in receiving and processing these declarations.
Buhari’s compliance with this constitutional provision sets an example for other public officials and reinforces the importance of adhering to ethical standards and integrity in governance. It demonstrates a commitment to accountability and responsible leadership.
The Code of Conduct Bureau, as the custodian of public officials’ assets declarations, plays a critical role in upholding the principles of transparency and preventing corruption. By receiving and acknowledging Buhari’s submission, they contribute to maintaining public trust and confidence in the country’s governance system.
With the completion of the assets declaration process, Buhari has fulfilled an essential obligation, ensuring transparency regarding his personal assets. This development will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing efforts to promote good governance and accountability in Nigeria.
It remains to be seen how this submission will impact public perception and discourse surrounding former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure. Nonetheless, the commitment to asset declaration underscores the significance of transparency in leadership, serving as a reminder to current and future public officials of their responsibilities in upholding the nation’s constitutional values.
