By Olarewaju Kola
ANKARA (AA) - Nigerian President Mohammadu Buhari on Tuesday vowed to step up efforts to fight corruption in the country.
In an address marking the nation’s 59th anniversary of Independence, Buhari described corruption as a disease which refuses to go even after applying antidote.
He said those involved in corrupt practices always fight back.
"The blight of corruption is fighting back. Nevertheless, this is a battle that we shall see through, and this is a war which we shall win by the grace of God," the Nigerian leader said.
Buhari urged the people to embrace the culture of reporting unethical practices or using whistleblowing platforms introduced by the nation's anti-corruption agency.
He disclosed that the government recently identified $300 million stolen by a former military dictator in the country and laundered in the U.S.
The Nigerian leader urged the U.S. government to work closely with Nigeria for the reparation of the stolen public fund.
He assured the citizens that Nigeria will emerge stronger from its present challenges -- including insecurity and terrorism.
Nigeria gained independence from its British colonial masters on Oct. 1, 1960. The country saw three years of civil war fueled by political tensions between 1968 to 1970.
The nation with a population of about 200 million people, according to the state population commission, has been witnessing terrorist attacks from Boko Haram group for a decade.