President Muhammadu Buhari highlighted his government’s achievements, promised free and fair elections and enjoined Nigerians to embark on the journey toward a better nation in 2019 with him, in his New Year message.
“It is my utmost pleasure to rejoice with all Nigerians as we enter the year 2019, which will be a very significant one for Nigeria”, Buhari began.
“At the turn of every year, we often use the opportunity to look back at the past and forward to the future. To review the outgoing year, its high and low points, successes and failures, and be fully thankful to God.
“We Nigerians are a religious people, and we believe that God reigns and rules in the affairs of men.
“A time like this offers precious opportunity for thanksgiving, stock taking and reflection on goals and targets set for the receding year, and how much was accomplished. The ones not done can then be rolled over into a new year.
President Muhammadu Buhari says 2019 will be better for Nigerians (Presidency)
“The dawn of a New Year is also a time to look forward. To consider new prospects, unfold our plans, and prepare for landmark dates and events”.
Buhari promises free and fair elections
The president also reiterated his promise to hand Nigerians free and fair polls in 2019. Nigeria heads to the ballot to elect political leaders on February 16 and March 2, 2019.
According to Buhari, “2019 will be an election year for us. In about two months, the polls are due, and we will elect leaders into various offices, at national and state levels.
“As I welcome you into 2019, I also reiterate my many promises and declarations that the general elections will be free, fair and credible.
“Elections need not be a do-or-die affair, and we should not approach that eventuality in a democracy with trepidation and mortal fear. Happily, a large number of presidential candidates have committed to peace, and peace we shall have.
President Buhari has on many occasion restated his confidence in his deputy to effective manage the affairs of the country (Presidency)
“Those who continue to trumpet falsehood and negativity are on their own, fighting a losing battle. The greater number of Nigerians are trusting and believing that we shall deliver on our promises for a level playing field at the polls, and that is what we shall do”.
The security challenge
President Buhari also dwelt on security.
Insurgents and nomadic herdsmen killed more than 1,000 people in 2018, even though bolstering Nigeria’s security architecture was one of the president’s key campaign promises in 2015.
“Nigerians desire peace, security, prosperity, inclusiveness and infrastructural development, a nation they can be proud of, a country that can hold its own among the nations.
“That is the journey we have embarked on since we came onboard in 2015, and we are not distracted as we move on.
“We are resolved to build a country in which the resources are utilized for the benefit of the largest number, and not appropriated by a privileged few in their never-ending quest to satisfy their greed.
“We are on this mission together, and I assure you of a firm commitment to the ideals of a safe, secure, fair, just and prosperous country.
“We have had our challenges: security, economic, political, social. But we are resolved to combat and overcome them all.
“I appreciate your support and collaboration in previous years, and look forward to same in 2019, and beyond, as I hope you will renew the mandate you overwhelmingly gave us in 2015, for another term.
President Buhari and his Vice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo before one of his medical trips (Presidency)
“We are motivated by nothing other than service to motherland, and service without selfishness or personal interest.
“I can assure you all that we are making steady and sustainable progress in all areas of national life. Those who are unbiased can see and appreciate the progress the country has made since 2015.
“A New Year provides opportunity for renewal of commitment, and I invite you to rededicate yourselves to the vision of a Nigeria that works for all.
“We are moving from potentials to actualization, and it is a task to be accomplished by us all; man, woman, young, old, military, civilian, all Nigerians. Please come along, as we journey to the land of our dreams.
“I wish you all a Happy 2019. Thank you and God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, Buhari said.
