Abuja — President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua has restated his commitment to the restoration of the rule of law and respect for regulations as part of the national effort in the fight against corruption, financial crime and drug trafficking.

The President who stated this while speaking to the House Committee on Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crime during a courtesy call at State House, on Monday March 10, declared that the fight against corruption, financial crime and drug trafficking cannot succeed unless citizens decides to conduct themselves according to the rules and regulations which have been put in place as guide to people's behaviour. He noted that once laws and regulations are respected, the root cause of corruption would be addressed.

He assured members of the Committee that the Administration would support the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and that his administration will try its best to provide funds to encourage and motivate the staff for honest, dedicated and effective service in this important area.

President Yar'Adua commended the National Assembly for passing the relevant laws establishing the agencies, and assured them that Government would collaborate with the lawmakers in the effort to restore respect for laws and procedures.

Earlier, Mr. Dave Salako, Chairman of the House Committee on Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crime, had expressed the Committee's "pride and satisfaction" about the President's handling of the anti-corruption war, and requested that more funds be provided for the two agencies to effectively discharge their mandate.