28th May, 2023
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
President Muhammadu Buhari has said he still grieve for Chibok girls, Leah Sharibu and others still being held captive by terrorists.
Buhari, in his farewell nationwide broadcast on Sunday morning said “Up-till now, I still grieve for our children still in captivity, mourn with parents, friends and relatives of all those that lost loved ones in the days of the senseless brigandage and carnage.
“For all those under unlawful captivity our Security Agencies are working round the clock to secure their release unharmed.”
He said the battle to ensure that all Nigerians live in a safe and secure environment had achieved considerable results, saying that as he completed his term in office, he had been able to reduce the incidences of banditry, terrorism, armed robbery and other criminal activities considerably.
“To sustain the gains made so far, I call on all Nigerians to be more vigilant and support the security agencies by ensuring that our values defined by being your brothers’ keeper govern our actions” he said.
Buhari added said Nigerians knew how dear the desire in his heart was, to rid the country of corrupt practices that had consistently diminished the nation’s efforts to be a great country.
“I did pursue this commitment relentlessly, in spite of the expected push back. I am happy that considerable progress had been made in repatriating huge sums of money back to the country and also taken over properties illegally acquired from our common wealth.
“To improve service delivery, we began the implementation of a number of reforms aimed at producing an Efficient, Productive, Incorruptible and Citizen-oriented (EPIC) Federal Civil Service and the results are beginning to show.
“On the international scene, Nigeria’s influence continues to grow as exemplified by notable Nigerians occupying headship and leadership positions in renowned global bodies.
“Our democracy is built on and continues to thrive on the principles of separation of powers. The leadership and members of the National Assembly deserve my appreciation for their patriotism which did not detract from their roles as a check to the executive arm,” he said.