As Nigeria turns 58 years today, President Muhammadu Buhari said he will continue to work for the unity and peaceful coexistence of the country.
This was contained in the President’s nation wide broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 58th Independence anniversary on Monday, in Abuja.
The Nigerian Leader who took a solemn reflection on the nation’s historical, as well as socio economic development, said he will continue to “work tirelessly to promote, protect and preserve a united, peaceful, prosperous and secure Nigeria, where all, irrespective of background, can aspire to succeed”
The President who noted that Independence Day celebration represents the day Nigerians realised the most cherished of human desires, “ the desire for freedom” called on Nigerians to “consolidate on this great legacy.”
“On this first October date and on the eve of the start of the general election cycle, we should do well to reflect on what binds us together and the great strength our diversity bestows on us. Ours is an ambitious nation, and, as citizens we have every right to look forward to the future with confidence and optimism which are well founded, considering where we find ourselves today”
Speaking on the economy, the President said his administration is diversifying the economy away from reliance on oil to increased manufacturing capability solid minerals development, and agriculture
“We are gradually strengthening the economy with a stable Naira and falling inflation rate. We are building an economy that is moving away from over reliance on oil. Consequently we have witnessed massive return to farms and seen bumper harvest, despite recurrent floods across the country.
The President revealed that his administration was making efforts to clean up the Niger Delta’s polluted lands, restore hopes of the youths in the region and re-establish livelihoods, as well as strengthen their capacity to guarantee for themselves and for the country, a brighter future.
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He observed that the age-long conflict between herders and farmers was being exploited by those seeking to plant the seeds of discord and disunity amongst the people, adding that government is addressing the issue decisively.
“We will sustain and continue to support the commendable efforts by all including civil society organisations, local and states governments and our traditional and religious leaders in finding durable solution to this problem.”
“This being a transhumance issue, we are working with countries in our region that are also facing similar difficulties to complement our common efforts. In this context I must warn that the perpetrators of murder and general mayhem in the name of defending or protecting herders or farmers will face the full wrath of the law. Meanwhile, we urge all peace loving Nigerians to reject any simplistic portrayal, at home or abroad, of this conflict as either religious or ethnic based”
He however blamed the environmental challenges in the lake Chad region for the farmers / herders crises that had led to death of innocent citizens in different parts of Nigeria in recent times .
He reiterated his commitments to ensuring that the 2019 general elections are fully partticipatory, free and fair and that the Independent National Electoral Commission will be exactly INDEPENDENT and properly staffed and resourced.
The ballot box is how we make our choice for the governments that rule in our name.
“ As we celebrate the 58th Anniversary of our independence, we know we are on the right path. Although we have our differences, they count for far less than the values, virtues and common aspirations that unite us as a nation”
“We have so much for which we should be grateful, and in which we should rightly take pride. Our journey is not finished but we have come a long way.”
President Buhari noted that the country has made a steady improvement in the fight against insurgency, adding that the security situation in the North East has also improved.
He declared that Nigeria remains committed to ending the security crises in the north east , even as he prayed for the victims of the Boko Haram’s atrocities.
“ I want at this point to pay tribute to the men and women of our armed forces, the Police and other security and law enforcement agencies, who have been working under the most difficult conditions to keep the country safe. In the process, many have made the supreme sacrifice.
“As their Commander -In- Chief, I assure these our gallant men and women that I will continue to empower them by deepening their professionalism and providing all the necessary force multipliers and enablers required for them to prevail on the field. I am looking into all reported cases of inadequacies in relation to their entitlements, their welfare and those of their families.”
Tony Ailemen, Abuja
