President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria has disclosed that his government in the last four years had embarked on unpopular programmes and policies which have offended the interest of powerful and corrupt elements in the system.
The president stated this when he received the Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) led by its chairman, Omoniyi Akinsiju, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said it has not been easy to sell the administration’s policies and services to a vast generality of Nigerians.
During the interaction, the President said: “It is not an easy job to sell the administration’s services; we are doing unpopular things and facing powerful individuals and taking on vested interests who are accustomed to the corrupt era.”
Buhari, however, insisted that government under his leadership must do things right to move the country forward.
“But we must do things the right way. If we promised change, then we must deliver it. This is regardless of whose interest is touched. There must be a manifest departure from the old order.
“We are making significant progress and these are evident for all to see. Despite attempts by enemies to twist and bend facts, most Nigerians know the truth.
“I acknowledge your steadfastness in telling the story of this administration’s successes. We will continue to intensify our efforts and ensure that our promises to Nigerians are kept and fulfilled.
“One message that is dear to me, which I urge you to propagate is that I am determined to end security challenges we are facing in the country and make Nigeria a peaceful and a prosperous country.
“I implore you to continue the good work you have done with such commitment and the determination, ultimately your patriotism and love for this country can never be quantified or repaid,” he said.
For the second time, President Buhari explained that going into the Next Level agenda, he would put together a formidable team to help deliver on the mandates to Nigerians.
The President reiterated that he was resolute in his promise to leave Nigeria better than he met it.
According to him, the government was determined to end security challenges facing the country and make it peaceful and prosperous.
On the BMO delegation was Tunde Thompson, who was imprisoned by the Buhari military government under the draconian Degree 4 of 1983.
The journalist was The Guardian newspaper diplomatic correspondent when he was arrested by the defunct secret police, the National Security Organisation (NSO), alongside Nduka Irabor, who was then an assistant editor at The Guardian.
Thompson was sentenced to a year in prison, for writing about the closure and retirement of some diplomatic staff.
President Buhari told the BMO that, as a team, they have fought a good fight and won the race in the just concluded elections.
“Our government continues to grow in strength and will place a firm foundation for future generations.
“While there will be those who are determined to drag us back to the bad old days, your visit is timely. It is exactly a month ago that I was sworn in for a second term in office. The task ahead for the four years will require a formidable team,” he said.
The President described the BMO as a key communication in the information management asset to his administration.
“Your efforts have been commendable. I cannot thank you enough for your sacrifices during the first part of our journey.
“We have just come off rigorous campaigns during which I visited all the 36 states of the federation campaigning, seeking the votes of Nigerians and telling them what we have done in the last four years.
“I campaign on three simple premises not different from those of 2015. To tackle insecurity, promote economic diversification and to fight corruption. Fulfilling these three promises are fundamental to taking Nigeria to the next level.
“I assure you that I am resolute on fulfilling these promises and will leave Nigeria a far better place than when we came.”
In his remark, Akinsiju said the Buhari administration has achieved more since the return to democracy in the country with abundance of facts to prove.
He said despite twisted narrative about clashes between farmers and pastoralists, the Buhari administration has shown commitment towards ending these decades-long conflicts; it has produced several strategies and plans aimed at providing a sustainable resolution.
Meanwhile, the Buhari Support Group Centre, yesterday, said it has begun work to institutionalize a Buharism philosophy in Nigeria.
President Buhari received the group at the Presidential Villa, Abuja led by its Director General, Alhaji Umaru Dembo.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dembo assured President Buhari of the continuous support of members for the actualisation of his mandate for Nigerians.
The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Mr. Femi Adesina, in a statement, quoted Dembo as saying that “the Centre had already started work on institutionalising the philosophy of ‘Buharism’”.
According to Dembo, the Buhari Support Group Centre will be renamed Buharism Centre in order to share the political vision and philosophy of President Buhari.
In his remarks, President Buhari commended members of the support group for their steadfastness and support in all elections that he participated in, including the 2019.
The President assured them of inclusiveness in pursuing the goal of good governance for the country.
He said results of 2019 elections clearly reflect the interest of Nigerians, and having received the mandate for a second term, he will not disappoint the people.
Buhari said that his administration will serve honestly and genuinely, with a focus on unleashing the human and natural potentials of the country for growth.
“The 2019 elections are behind us. Nigerians have spoken, and they have spoken loudly in our favour. It is now time to serve them, and serve well. We will not fail.
“We will serve honestly, genuinely, and with our heart and might. Our country has oscillated for too long at the level of promises and potentials. It is now time to explore and exploit the potentials for the good of all Nigerians, particularly the ordinary people. It shall be accomplished,” he said.
Speaking on the membership of the group, the President said: “This group is composed of people who have identified with me since I threw my political hat into the ring in 2002. And they have stood with me through thick and thin, abiding with me in the electoral and legal processes of 2003, 2007, 2011, till God gave us victory in 2015, and also 2019.
“Many more people joined us along the line, and the Centre expands by the day. I salute your faithfulness, your persistency, and your ruggedness. It never ceases to amaze me that you have kept faith, even when I have not given you much, or even anything, in return,” he added.