President Muhammadu Buhari has called on Nigerians to remain patient as his administration works to alleviate the difficulties caused by the controversial naira swap policy.
Although the policy was intended to limit cash hoarding and vote-buying ahead of the general elections, it has led to a shortage of naira and violent protests across the country, with some considering it to have been implemented hastily.
In a video message to drum up support for the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, the President expressed his gratitude to Nigerians for electing him to two terms and urged them to vote for the APC candidate, whom he described as “reliable” and capable of “building on our achievements.”
The President acknowledged that some of the government’s policies have resulted in hardship for Nigerians, but he assured them that the administration is taking appropriate measures to alleviate their suffering. He appealed to citizens to remain patient and optimistic, assuring them that things will improve in due course.
See the full statement below:
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
IN A VIDEO TO SWAY VOTERS FOR TINUBU, PRESIDENT BUHARI VOWS END TO CURRENT HARDSHIP
President Muhammadu Buhari, Sunday sent a message home from Addis Ababa, saying he is fully aware of hardship some policies of government, “which are meant to bring overall improvement to the country” had caused and appealed for further patience as the government takes appropriate measures to ease them.
In a video recording to shore up support for Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the upcoming elections a few days ahead, the President thanked Nigerians for electing him to be President for two terms, and urged them to vote for the APC flag bearer because “he is reliable and I know he will build on our achievements.”
In the campaign message to voters, the President specifically put a call on “our traditional rulers, religious leaders and parents to warn their followers and wards alike, to not allow themselves to be used by a few to foment trouble.
“I want to assure you that the Government has taken adequate security measures to allow everyone to come out and cast their votes. I am therefore appealing to everyone to give them the necessary support.
“Fellow Nigerians, I want to use this opportunity to once again thank you for electing me to be your President on two occasions.
“I am not a contestant in this election, but my party, the All Progressives Congress, has a candidate in the person of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As I mentioned before, Tinubu is a true believer in Nigeria, who loves the people and the development of our country.
“I am calling on all of you to vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He is reliable and I trust he will build on our achievements.
“Finally, I want to once again assure you that I am fully aware of the current hardship you are facing as a result of some policies of the government which are meant to bring overall improvement to the country.
“I am appealing to you to exercise further patience as we take appropriate measures to ease these hardships. God willing, there will be light at the end of the tunnel.”
The President emphasized that the APC presidential candidate has demonstrated his commitment to the development of the country and the well-being of its people.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 19, 2023