President Muhammadu Buhari has told contractors and businessmen that have benefitted from government contracts to take whatever appreciation they have for corporate social responsibility, CSR, instead of bringing kickbacks to him or government officials.
The President also stated that he would have liked to visit his home town frequently but that the cost to the movement was the impediments because it was high.
President Buhari stated this on Friday in Daura, Katsina State, when he visited the Emir of Daura, Dr Umar Faruk Umar, at his Palace.
He told beneficiaries of government patronage to engage in corporate social responsibility instead of seeking to favor individuals with gifts.
A statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu quoted the President as saying, “I don’t want tour cheque. Go and assist our communities” instead of trying to return kickbacks to public officers, including his office.
“We don’t want cheques from anyone or organisation as returns or influence of any kind. Let them remember their Corporate Social Responsibilities.”
The President noted that he would love to visit Daura more frequently, but for the high cost of presidential movements and exposing security personnel to the weather, assuring that his heart remains with the people.
“We are known for farming and I have my farm here. I could come every two weeks and no one can stop me. But the cost to the movement is high. I would rather that it be used to better our schools, clinics and hospitals,” said the President.
Source : Vanguard newspaper
