In The Face of Economic Crisis, Nigeria’s Buhari Says “Change Is Not Bed of Roses”

President Mokammadu Buhari on a one day visit to Osun State commissioned a multi Million naira Osogbo Government High School as part of the activities marking the 25th anniversary of the creation of the state.

The President’s remarks was made shortly after Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, on Wednesday admitted that Nigeria was in its worst possible time with the Gross Domestic Product figures for the 2016 second quarter released by the National Bureau of Statistics showing the nation’s economy now in recession.

Addressing guests before proceeding to commissioning, President Buhari declared that change can not be attained on a bed of roses and demanded understanding of Nigerians while he deals with the ailing economy.

The President however urged Nigerians to be patient and persevere while promising that pains would soon give way to development.

He said his administration was working hard to avoid the mistakes of the last administration in tackling insecurity and corruption and to revamp the economy which was badly affected by the drop in the price of oil.

Buhari said, ” We promised Nigerian people positive and progressive change during our campaign. We are not and shall not be deterred from that noble undertaking.

“But as we have learnt from history, change has never been attained by any nation on a bed of roses, but rather, through patience, perseverance and steadfastness.

“We are quite aware of the pains and inconveniences that have been the lot of the citizenry in the past one year as we strive to faithfully implement our programmes in fulfilment of our change agenda.

“We are however comforted by the real change and progress we have made in fighting corruption and restoring integrity to government; providing security for lives and property; and positioning the government for effectiveness and especially deregulating the oil sector.

“We must also not forget the fiscal discipline that has now characterised government business at all levels. This indeed is how it should be and we are determined to introduce and implement actions and measures that will entrench the change mantra in our individual lives just as we are doing in curtailing excessive waste and rent seeking in governance.

“We are determined to remain on track as we strive to deliver to rescue the country from past mistakes in fulfilment of our promise of improving the conditions of our people and making Nigeria a prosperous country.”