Former Nigeria’s Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, on Monday, said that during his time as the president of the country corruption never existed.
While speaking at the 8th Commonwealth regional conference for heads of anti-corruption agencies in Africa, holding in Abuja, Mr Gowon said, “We did not know anything like corruption.”
However, Mr Gowon acknowledged that some of his ministers then were accused of corruption but his government curbed it before it they go into the public service.
“During our time, we did not know anything like corruption. Some of my ministers were accused of corruption but we did not allow it go into the public service,” he said.
“After I left office, apart from my salary, it was the staff that worked with me that contributed their estacode so that I have something to live on. During our time, we did not know that thing. We were afraid of being exposed.”
Mr Gowon said it is sad to see reports or articles that portray all former heads of states as “thieves.”
“It is sad to read reports that all former heads of state are thieves,” he said.
“I will like to ask you (heads of anti-corruption agencies) to find a way of making those in leadership not to be tempted – let them be honest.”
The former head of state hoped that whatever recovered asset is brought back to the country would be good be used for the good of Nigerians.
