23rd December, 2021
President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians to be fair in the assessment of his administration.
Buhari stated this while speaking in Borno on Thursday.
The President, who was in Borno to inaugurate some projects executed by Borno Government, said Nigerians must understand that things are better compared to previous administrations despite the obvious obstacles.
He said: “Nigerians should be fair to the administration in terms of reflecting on where we were before we came in 2015 and where we are now.
“In relative to time and resources, I want people to check with CBN and NNPC between 1999 and 2015. Oil production is 2.1 million barrels per day and at a cost of 100 dollars per barrel. I challenged everybody to go and check.
“When we came, unfortunately, the militants from the South-South were unleashing on the pipelines, the production went down to half a million barrels per day.
“The prices went down to 36 dollars per barrel. So relative time and resources would make you know that this administration has really worked hard.”
However, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn-Umar Elkenemi, who was present at the inauguration, said that the security situation in the state has improved tremendously since President Muhammadu Buhari came to power.
He said: “It is gratifying to inform your Excellency that peace has gradually returned to Borno and we must sincerely appreciate and commend the efforts of your administration toward bringing lasting peace in Borno as well as the entire North East Sub-Region.
“I am happy to inform the President that farming activities have picked up in most parts of the state and many displaced persons have started to return to their communities.”
The Shehu expressed optimism that with the recent mass surrendering of Boko Haram elements, normalcy would return in the part of the country as well as the whole country.
He also commended the commitment and dedication of men and officers of the Nigerian armed forces who have brought reasonable peace to the state and consoled with the family of those who paid the supreme prices in the course of duty.
He said: “On our part, we will not relent in prayers for their success for peace to prevail in all parts of the country and indeed for Mr. President who despite all odds, achieved tremendous successes in the rapid development in all sectors of Nigeria economy.
“To Gov. Babagana Zulum, who in spite of the security challenges in this state, has left no stone unturned in making efforts to restore the peace as well as embark on projects which have positively impacted the lives of our people. May Allah grant him more strength.”
The Shehu appealed to the President to consider the reconstruction of federal roads in the state especially Damboa-Biu Road Gamborun Ngala, Biu- Shani and Kukawa then Kukawa- Guzamala-Damasak through Gashagar to Malam Fatori.
He said that the reconstruction of the roads will not only enhance security but also accelerate rehabilitation of the destroyed communities to quickly revive the economic well-being of the displaced persons.
On his part, Borno Governor Zulum, who expressed the same feelings, said that the successes recorded in the counter-insurgency campaign wouldn’t have been possible without the commitment of the Nigerian Military, Civilian JTF and other paramilitary officers.
The Governor said notwithstanding the challenges in some parts of the state, peace was gradually returning to the state.
He identified some areas in Akira Uba and the shores of Lake Chad in Northern Borno with challenges but assured that he would partner with the service Chiefs to address the emerging problems.
Responding, President Buhari said that he would put the demands into considerations.
The President, however, sought the continued cooperation of the elites who already knew the problems in the country to educate the less informed Nigerians on how much effort his administration is putting in despite limited resources.