President writes new year letter to Nigerians

Apparently moved by the plight of Nigerians and the hardship most car owners faced in 2015, due to inavailability of fuel, President Buhari revealed to Nigerians in his new year message, that he is also pained.

In his new year message, He said “Welcome to the beginning of a New Year of the continuation of change in our beloved nation. I am aware that Nigerians have experienced a number of significant hardships over the past months. Living in the State House has not alienated me from your daily sufferings. I am aware of the lengthy queues at fuel stations and of the difficulties businesses have faced in acquiring foreign exchange. These challenges are only temporary; we are working to make things better.

“When I presented myself to you as a presidential candidate and asked you to vote for me, I wanted to be a leader who keeps his promises. I wanted to be a leader who restores the people’s hope in those elected to serve them. I wanted to be a leader who initiates positive and enduring change."

Buhari also promised Nigerians that they will enjoy the sweet fruits of his government, while stating that the 2016 budget will cushion the issues Nigeria is facing.

On the war on terror, the President said “One area in which Nigerians, especially those in the northeast, have already begun to experience major change is in the war on terror.

“I commend our Armed Forces for significantly curtailing the insurgency which has ravaged the northeast of Nigeria over the past few years."

Adding that “However, there is still a lot of work to be done in the area of security. Our Armed Forces will maintain, consolidate and build on their successes in the war against Boko Haram and violent extremism.

“This government will not consider the matter concluded until the terrorists have been completely routed and normalcy restored to all parts of the country that have been adversely affected by the Boko Haram insurgency."

Buhari also urged the courts to support his fight against corruption, adding that he will vigorously crack down on corrupt practices and officials.

He also said Nigeria has to reduce its dependence on oil, while hinting that he has asked his ministers to ensure Nigerians enjoy positive change in their lives in 2016.

President Buhari held his maiden presidential media chat on Wednesday, December 30, 2015.