We Will Not Allow Boko Haram Succeed, Buhari Declares In Independence Speech

The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, has said that “there has been a steady improvement in the security situation in the North East,” adding that he remains committed  to ending the crisis and make the North East safe for all.”

Delivering his independence address aired live nationwide, the president added that Boko Haram terrorists agenda include capturing territories, destroying the nation’s democracy and denying the young the right to education, as he vowed that his administration will not allow them to succeed.

President Buhari continued: “I assure 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.”

On the age-long  conflict between herders and farmers, he observed that it was being exploited by those seeking to plant the seeds of discord and disunity amongst our people, saying that the issue is being addressed decisively.

He said: “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.”

Speaking on the issue of his administration’s fight against corruption, he said: “We are making progress in the fight against corruption and recovery of stolen public funds and assets despite vicious and stiff resistance. The shameful past practice, of the brazen theft of billions of Naira is no more. Shady oil deals and public contracts that were never delivered have become things of the past.

“It is very evident across the country, we have done more with less in infrastructural developments. Roads, railways, major bridges, schools, energy and power, air and sea ports, welfare of serving and retired personnel both civilian and military including payment of legacy debt such as pension arrears, have been attended to.

“There is now an enabling environment for local and foreign investment in Nigeria.  We are building a rules-based system – a level playing field that is free from fixers and intermediaries. This is the cornerstone to help genuine investors and honest consumers, and the platform that will allow for the real reforms that we intend to deliver over the coming years.

“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.”

Furthermore, he said: “These positive developments are the result of our collective pursuit of a common vision through  hard work and dedication, after the missed opportunities and disappointments that followed the return to democracy in 1999.

“The school feeding program in primary schools is aimed at encouraging enrolment and attendance. We are building on what we have already introduced to support schools and universities to which funds have recently been released for upgrade of facilities, training programs for our entrepreneurs, and rehabilitation schemes for victims of terrorism and human trafficking.”

The president also assured Nigerians that he’ll ensure that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducts free and fair elections in 2019.

“I have committed myself many times to ensure that elections are fully participatory, 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,“ he said.