Buhari hails UK, others for backing loot recovery

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday applauded the renewed support from Britain and Switzerland towards recovery and repatriation of public funds stolen from Nigeria.

He spoke at separate audiences with the British and Swiss Ambassadors, who were at the Presidential Villa, Abuja to present their letters of credence.

President Buhari, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said British, Swiss and other foreign anti-crime agencies had already given his administration much help with relevant information and intelligence on public funds that were stolen and illegally transferred to personal bank accounts by officials of past administrations.

He said: “Switzerland and Britain have been very helpful indeed in the recovery of our assets. But we must build on what we have started.

“It is also important to send a signal to the elite that it is no longer business as usual. I personally appreciate the efforts of  Prime Minister David Cameron on this issue,’’ the President told the British High Commissioner, Mr. Paul Arkwright.

Mr. Arkwright assured him of Britain’s preparedness to give Nigeria the fullest possible support and assistance in the  Buhari also welcomed assurances from the new Swiss Ambassador, Mr. Eric Mayoraz that his country will expedite action on the repatriation of millions of dollars stolen by Nigerian public officials and still held in Swiss Banks.