The Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, in a message to Nigerians ahead of the New Year, gave the assurance that he was totally committed to fulfilling the promises made to Nigerians during his political campaigns.
President Buhari said that
his administration had focused on laying the right foundation for the change
Nigerians voted for during March 28 historic presidential election.
In
the message that came a day before the New Year, the President said that 2016
would be a year for the continuation of the change his political party had
promised.
“Still Totally Committed”
He
said: “I am aware that Nigerians have experienced a number of significant
hardships over the past months.
“Living
in the State House has not alienated me from your daily sufferings.
“I
am aware of the lengthy queues at fuel stations and of the difficulties
businesses have faced in acquiring foreign exchange.
“These
challenges are only temporary; we are working to make things better.
“When
I presented myself to you as a presidential candidate and asked you to vote for
me, I wanted to be a leader who keeps his promises.
“I
wanted to be a leader who restores the people’s hope in those elected to serve
them. I wanted to be a leader who initiates positive and enduring CHANGE.
“I
am still totally committed to being that kind of leader. Unforeseen
circumstances and other distractions notwithstanding, I shall still do my
utmost best to keep every promise I made to Nigerians during my election
campaign”.
According
to him, Nigerians will in due course begin to enjoy the fruits of the ongoing
work.
Boko Haram Insurgency
He
stressed that the effective and efficient implementation of our 2016 budget
proposals would address many of the socio-economic issues that were of concern
to Nigerians.
“One
area in which Nigerians, especially those in the northeast, have already begun
to experience major CHANGE is in the war on terror.
“I
commend our Armed Forces for significantly curtailing the insurgency which has
ravaged the northeast of Nigeria over the past few years.
“However,
there is still a lot of work to be done in the area of security.
“Our
Armed Forces will maintain, consolidate and build on their successes in the war
against Boko Haram and violent extremism,” President Buhari stated.
He
reiterated that his administration would not consider the matter concluded
until the terrorists had been completely routed and normalcy restored to all
parts of the country that had been adversely affected by the Boko Haram
insurgency.
On
the war on corruption that the current administration had heightened, the
President said the crackdown would continue vigorously.
“Determination To Succeed”
He
sought the support of the judiciary in fight.
“I
urge the courts to support our efforts and help in the recovery of stolen funds
by speedily concluding trials and showing that impunity no longer has a place
in our country.
“There
is much work to do in other areas as well and I have charged all my ministers
and other appointees to ensure that Nigerians experience positive changes in
their lives in 2016,” the President stressed.
On
the economy of the oil-rich nation, President Buhari emphasised the need to
reduce the nation’s reliance on oil.
“We
must diversify our economy. And we must do all we can to promote job creation.
“Our
challenges are many but our determination to succeed is strong and unshaken.
“So
too is our confidence in God,” he said, wishing Nigerians a very Happy New
Year.
