2007年VOA标准英语-Nigeria's New Leader Discloses Personal Wealth

By Gilbert da Costa
Abuja
29 June 2007

Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Adua has publicly declared his net worth, an unprecedented¹ move that many see as underscoring his commitment to fight corruption³. Gilbert da Costa reports for VOA from Abuja.

Umaru Yar'Adua, 56, waves to supporters after he is sworn in in Abuja, 29 May 2007

Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Adua went public Friday, declaring his personal wealth at about $5 million. He said he opted⁴ to go public because of his pledge to do so if elected.

This is the first time in Nigeria's history that a sitting president has disclosed his assets. Public officials have to declare their assets to authorities by law, but are not compelled to make them public.

Hammed Ojo, a political science professor at the University of Abuja, says the president's move could induce others to publicly declare their assets.

 

"I don't see anything extreme. I expected that of him," said Ojo. "Moreover that he wants now to use it as an indication of his personal integrity and transparency. And I think he will like other political leaders to follow suit."

 

The corruption watchdog Transparency International often classifies Nigeria as one of the world's most corrupt² countries.

 

The World Bank says more than $300 billion in public funds may have been stolen over decades in Africa's largest oil exporter.

 

One group that is committed to changing Nigeria's profile as a corrupt nation is the Fix Nigeria Initiative. Chido Onumah, the group's spokesman, says Fix Nigeria is aiming its campaign at the young.

 

"Our strategy is to develop what we call integrity clubs across the country, both at the tertiary institutions level, among secondary school students," said Onumah.  "Just to begin to talk about corruption, to understand the various dimensions of corruption, and the effects of corruption. And the fact that as young people, they have a role to play in the fight against corruption."

 

In addition to his personal wealth, Mr. Yar'Adua also said he owns several buildings across northern Nigeria, where his family has substantial business interests.

1 unprecedented   

adj.无前例的，新奇的

参考例句：

• The air crash caused an unprecedented number of deaths.这次空难的死亡人数是空前的。
• A flood of this sort is really unprecedented.这样大的洪水真是十年九不遇。

2 corrupt   

v.贿赂，收买；adj.腐败的，贪污的

参考例句：

• The newspaper alleged the mayor's corrupt practices.那家报纸断言市长有舞弊行为。
• This judge is corrupt.这个法官贪污。

3 corruption   

n.腐败，堕落，贪污

参考例句：

• The people asked the government to hit out against corruption and theft.人民要求政府严惩贪污盗窃。
• The old man reviled against corruption.那老人痛斥了贪污舞弊。

4 opted   

v.选择，挑选( opt的过去式和过去分词 )

参考例句：

• She was co-opted onto the board. 她获增选为董事会成员。
• After graduating she opted for a career in music. 毕业后她选择了从事音乐工作。