By Umar Muhammad Puma.
Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) has challenged President Goodluck Jonathan to, as a matter of urgent national importance, declare his assets openly.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Osita Okechukwu, CNPP said it had become imperative with the publication by the United States-based online medium, Riches Lifesytle.com, which listed “our dear president” as the sixth African richest Head of States.
Since coming to office, President Jonathan has maintained a firm lid on his wealth status, and has repeatedly made it clear inquisitions or speculations about his worth would not be entertained.
The president, till date, has not publicly declared his asset.
It could be recalled that, when asked, during an interview in 2012, why he has refused to disclose his assets to encourage transparency, Mr. Jonathan famously retorted: “I don’t give a damn”.
As vice-president, Mr. Jonathan managed to declare his asset, apparently prodded by then President Umar Yar’adua.
In the assets he made public at the time, the then Vice President Jonathan said he had not bought any car of his own even after serving as deputy governor, governor and vice president.
The only car Mr. Jonathan admitted to owning was a gift. The then vice-president also listed other properties, including a boat.
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