Abuja, Nigeria – President Muhammadu Buhari, in his final broadcast to the nation, expressed a sense of fulfillment and progress as he looked back on his eight-year tenure. While acknowledging the challenges faced by his administration, he emphasized the strides made in various sectors during his time in office.
President Buhari, who will be retiring to his hometown of Daura in Katsina State, stated, “I am confident that I am leaving office with Nigeria better in 2023 than in 2015, as we have started the Nigeria Re-Birth by taking the initial critical steps.”
One of the areas in which the President expressed satisfaction was the country’s electoral process. Commending the peaceful transition of power from one elected government to another, he called for greater accountability and emphasized the importance of ensuring that votes count, results are credible, and elections are fair and transparent.
Regarding the Nigerian economy, which has faced criticism during his tenure, President Buhari held a different perspective. He noted that despite challenges such as inflation, unemployment, and a weakened currency, the Nigerian economy had become more resilient due to the strategies implemented to withstand global economic downturns, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted his administration’s response to the pandemic as a global best practice.
In terms of infrastructure development, President Buhari underscored the completion of longstanding projects, including the Petroleum Industry Act, power projects, the second Niger Bridge, and important road networks connecting cities and states. He also mentioned the support provided to rural and underprivileged Nigerians to improve their livelihoods and the emphasis placed on skill acquisition and the strengthening of the private sector.
Addressing the security situation, a major concern throughout his tenure, President Buhari acknowledged that although some Nigerians remained in captivity and lives had been lost needlessly, significant progress had been made in reducing incidences of banditry, terrorism, armed robbery, and other criminal activities. He called on all Nigerians to remain vigilant and support the security agencies, urging the values of brotherhood and unity to guide their actions.
The President highlighted his administration’s fight against corruption, emphasizing his commitment to ridding the country of corrupt practices that hindered Nigeria’s progress. He expressed satisfaction with the considerable progress made in repatriating illicit funds and recovering properties acquired through illegal means. Additionally, steps were taken to reform the federal civil service, aiming for efficiency, productivity, incorruptibility, and citizen-oriented service delivery.
As President Buhari concluded his address, he expressed his heartfelt grief for children still in captivity and extended his condolences to those who lost loved ones during acts of violence. He assured the nation that security agencies were working tirelessly to secure the release of those unlawfully held.
In his farewell address, President Buhari reflected on his tenure and outlined the progress made in the electoral process, economy, security, and the fight against corruption. While acknowledging the challenges that remain, he expressed confidence in the incoming administration’s ability to continue the journey toward making Nigeria a great nation.
