POLITICS: Jonathan Lambasts Critics, Says "They're Most Corrupt"

President Goodluck Jonathan has lambasted those criticising his administrations for corruption, saying they are the most corrupt bunch of Nigerians.

Speaking Monday while addressing the Nigerian community in South Africa  in Cape Town, South Africa, Mr. Jonathan said reports of corruption in Nigeria are exaggerated and that those who criticise him were themselves neck deep in corruption at a higher level.

The president said, “From my experience as deputy governor up till the time I was elected as the vice president I know

those who talk more about corruption are the most corrupt.

“Peoples’ perception about corruption in Nigeria was over amplified than the corruption that happens in the country.

“The perception index is very high, we are not saying there’s no corruption in the country, all of us must work hard to fight corruption,’’ Mr. Jonathan said.

He said issues of corruption, security and crime were important to him and his administration.

He added that the problem of insecurity in some parts of the country was being addressed by government.

“The issue of insecurity, threat to peace and stability in some parts of the country is being addressed; threat to peace and stability in the country must be stopped,’’ Mr. Jonathan said.

The president said he was totally committed to what was right for the country at all times.

“I promise Nigerians that the issue of power will be solved as soon as the privatisation of power sector is completed.

“Power is key to the transformation agenda of this government; in no distance future the type of transformation in the telecommunication sector will be experienced in the power sector.

“We as government are doing everything to build a Nigeria of our dreams. Our airports are being renovated and modernisation and expansion of our railway transport system is ongoing.

“All what we request from all Nigerians both at home and in the Diaspora is support and understanding.’’

Mr. Jonathan assured that insecurity and molestation of Nigerians by various South African authorities would be discussed with President Jacob Zuma during the state visit.

The President of the Nigeria Union in South Africa (NUSA), Ikechukwu Anyene, commended the president for conducting what was considered the most credible election in the history of Nigeria.

“It will never be out of fashion to say congratulations to you for the election of May 2011 that brought you to office.

“We congratulate you not because you won but because you made Nigerians all over the world proud by staging what has been dubbed as the freest and fairest election.’’

Mr. Anyene said the action changed the tide in the way politicians came to power in Nigeria.

“We salute the courage and wisdom with which your administration is dealing with the delicate and monstrous security challenges we are faced with at the moment in our country.’’

He urged the president to continue to explore every avenue to achieve peace in Nigeria.