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 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.”

National Chairman of ruling All Progressives Congress, Mr 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 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.”

Punch