President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday said he
had resolved to pay back the goodwill Nigerians extended towards him during his
recent health challenge by protecting their interests with all the energy at
his disposal.
He restated his administration’s commitment to
improving security, fighting corruption and restructuring the economy.
Buhari spoke at the public presentation of a
book, titled, “Making steady, sustainable progress for Nigeria’s Peace and
Prosperity,” at the old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said within the limited resources available to
him, his administration would continue to give priority to security by
addressing herdsmen/farmers’ clashes, kidnapping and armed robbery.
He also said his government was working quietly
to secure the release of the remaining girls who were kidnapped in their school
in Chibok, Borno State in 2014.
The President said, “I cannot thank Nigerians
enough for your prayers and goodwill during my health vacation. I can only repay
you by resolving to work by putting every ounce of my energy to protect your
interest.
“We have gone through difficult times due to
worldwide economic recession. We are coming out of recession and government
efforts are targeted at easing economic hardships through creation of more
jobs, social security platforms for vulnerable families and the unemployed and
infrastructural progress.
“I would like to assure all Nigerians of my
commitment to improve security, fight corruption and restructure the economy.
“On the current issues on herdsmen/farmers’
clashes, kidnapping and armed robbery within the confines of our limited
resources, we are giving top priority to security.
“During the year, it was my great pleasure to
secure the release of 102 Chibok schoolgirls. We are doing our best quietly and
effectively as possible to get the rest released.
“We are working day and night with our
international partners to release the remaining girls as soon as possible.
“We are all aware now that if you steal public
funds and you are caught, you will face the law.
“Internationally, Nigeria is now a respected
nation. I can’t keep up with invitations to visit other countries much less for
other countries, leaders that want to visit us. A number of world leaders are
expressing the desire to visit Nigeria virtually monthly. Our credit worthiness
is sound; our first Eurobond offer was oversubscribed.”
The National Chairman of the ruling All
Progressives Congress, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, in his remarks, said Buhari
had provided exemplary leadership for the country and demonstrated the
political will and commitment to the task of building a new Nigeria in line
with the change agenda promised Nigerians.
This, he said, had been exemplified by the
administration’s efforts to deliver on election promises, largely hinged on
fighting corruption, security and revamping the economy.
Odigie-Oyegun said major tests of how well the
President had kept the party’s promises were the governorship elections in
Kogi, Edo and Ondo states.
“Our victories in those elections were a
resounding vote of confidence in our party and the achievements of our
government,” he said.
The party chairman said the development of the
2017-2020 Economic Recovery and Growth Plan had laid the foundation for
economic diversification, inclusive and sustainable growth and ultimately
welfare for the citizens.
Odigie-Oyegun said in line with the party’s
manifesto, job creation and social inclusion have been critical to the
administration’s development programmes, as a response to unemployment, poverty
and inequality.
He said despite spirited efforts to discredit
ongoing anti-corruption efforts, the war against graft was being won.
The whistle-blowing programme, he noted, had
encouraged citizens to report to relevant authorities, information about
corrupt practices.
He said, “An often overlooked major achievement
of the anti-corruption war is that President Buhari has brought the issue of
corruption to the heart of national consciousness.
“Every single day, when you open the newspapers,
read online, listen to radio or television, there are conversations going on
about corruption.
“The fact that Nigerians are talking about it
means we have not accepted it as a way of life and as long as the ordinary
people continue to show that disdain for corruption, we would win the war
sooner or later.
“The over-subscription of our Eurobonds for four
consecutive times and our improved rating on ease of doing business ranking are
key pointers to the increasing trust and confidence that investors and the
international community generally have about our country and especially our
government’s determination to fight corruption.”
He also noted the success so far recorded in the
fight against terrorism under the present administration.
He admitted that the government needs to do more
in propagating its achievements.
“We have a good trumpet to blow. We have good
reasons to blow it. So, let us go out and blow it very well,” he urged party
members.
On the allegation that the APC chiefs are denying
some of their campaign promises, the party chairman said manifesto
of any political party must contain two categories of promises – “those
that are achievable immediately and within the lifespan of the administration
and; those that are aspirational.”
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