In spite of rising level of criticisms concerning his refusal to
constitute his cabinet early enough, President Muhammadu Buhari, on
Wednesday, in Washington DC, affirmed that his government cannot afford
to fail to deliver on its promises, while promising to lead by example.
“As a government, we have no illusions whatsoever about the enormity
of the challenges ahead of us. We know it will be a long bruising
struggle. But this is a fight we have to win. Failure is not an option
for us. We will not contemplate it,” he said while addressing a session
at the United States Institute of Peace, USIP.
The President, at the session, said his government was dedicated to
ridding the country of corruption, strengthening the economy and
democratic practices and reducing the menace of Boko Haram insurgency to
the minimum.
He reaffirmed that the fight against corruption was a full time job
for his administration, such that the “the Federal Government will carry
with sustained result.”
Buhari said his government would work closely with the national
assembly to strengthen current electoral laws with the aim of deepening
democratic culture in the country.
He said, “I will work with the National Assembly to strengthen our
electoral laws in ways that will proffer stiffer penalties against all
forms of electoral malpractices,” adding that that the enforcement of
the laws will be given greater impetus.
Concerning Boko Haram, Buhari affirmed that it was time for Nigerians to
stop living in fear. He stated that that the losses the country and
Nigerians had accumulated in terms of human, financial and material
resources were too overwhelming. He said his government would prioritise
the provision of solutions to the underlying causes of terrorism in the
country.
“The government that I lead is committed and would do whatever it
takes to free Nigerians from the menace of terrorism . No matter how
long it takes, we will reclaim every part of Nigerian territory that is
under the control of Boko Haram,” he said.
President Buhari said the fight the against the insurgents would be
sustained with the deployment of the military’s maximum capacity, while
at the same time respecting rule of law and domestic and international
obligations.
He stated that his government would continue to collaborate and
consult with Nigeria’s neighbours in order to strengthen regional
efforts against terrorism. To this end, he said he would be in Cameroon
on July 29, to consult with President Paul Biya.
While seeking assistance of the international community, the
president explained that task of repositioning Nigeria for the better
rested on the shoulders of the Nigerian government and the people.
“Fixing Nigeria’s problems, as formidable as they are, is the
responsibility of Nigerians. The international community can only
assist. The hard work belongs to Nigerians and their government…I will
lead from the front,” he remarked.
Guardianngr
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