The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, has responded swiftly to calls for him to make his asset declaration public, stating that he has already declared his assets and advising anyone with doubts to approach the appropriate government agencies.
Keyamo made this known following a public exchange with Phrank Shaibu, Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku Abubakar, over issues relating to asset declaration.
In a recent update, the minister reaffirmed that his assets have been duly declared, stressing that the records are available with the relevant authorities for verification.
The disagreement followed Shaibu’s call on the National Assembly to release the report of its investigation into the N52 billion Special Works Programme, which was implemented by Keyamo across the country’s 774 local government areas. Shaibu made the demand in a statement issued in Abuja, in reaction to claims that Keyamo acquired a house in the United States valued at over $302,000.
Responding to the allegation, Keyamo said he had fully complied with the law by declaring his assets. He explained that prior to his appointment as a minister, he wrote letters dated March 6, 2019, to relevant government agencies informing them of the closure of his foreign bank accounts and the repatriation of his funds to Nigeria, noting that Nigerian law prohibits public officials from operating foreign accounts.
“My assets declaration is there for all to see,” Keyamo said. “Some of us do not depend on government funds or patronage to survive. Whatever we do and whoever we support is based on our deep convictions.”
Speaking to Vanguard, Keyamo expressed support for public scrutiny of government officials and encouraged Shaibu and other Nigerians to formally request access to his asset declaration from the appropriate government bodies.
“Any Nigerian who wishes to know anything about any public officer, including myself, is welcome to compel the relevant government organs to release any document. It is very patriotic to do so, and I wholeheartedly encourage it,” he stated.
He added that interested parties could also request his asset declaration prior to his ministerial appointment, expressing enthusiasm about the scrutiny.
“Perhaps some believe that displaying flashy cars, jewellery, designer items, or expensive wristwatches is the measure of success. They are very much welcome to investigate,” Keyamo said.
