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.
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.
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.
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.
