President Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday that despite the enormity of the challenges facing Nigeria, the country is destined to achieve greatness. He said this in Sokoto, during the commissioning of the N4.8 billion Kalembaina 500 housing units’ project executed by the state government.
President Buhari was in the state for the 10th anniversary of the reign of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.
Buhari said though the recession was affecting the economy, his administration was resolved to overcome the challenge, fight corruption and ensure good governance for the benefit of the citizenry.
President Buhari equally assured that his administration “is poised to bring positive changes to all Nigerians.”
He said the current challenges must be addressed “through exemplary and disciplined leadership in order to accomplish our aspirations for a strong and prosperous state that would be a source of pride to the present and future generations”.
President Buhari, however, decried that the culture of discipline and patriotism as well as the commitment to national development, for which the country was known in the past, was currently lacking.
He stated: “It is an indisputable fact that in the 60’s, 70’s and even in the early part of the 80’s, Nigeria was known for peaceful co-existence among different ethnic and religious groups.
“The culture of discipline and patriotism was also highly safeguarded. The commitment to national development by all key players in governance was also visible. However, the situation, as we all know, has unfortunately changed.”
President Buhari congratulated the Sultan for the contributions he was making to the development of the Nigerian polity.
He affirmed that the Sultan had continued to promote national unity by building the bridge of understanding among diverse ethnic and religious groups in the country.
President Buhari urged that the anniversary should go beyond merriment, but should provide an opportunity for sober reflections.
He charged traditional and religious institutions in the country to continue to work for peace, religious harmony and sustainable development of Nigeria.
The Sultan, on his part, said the country’s unity was not negotiable. Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar who spoke at the Durbar organized as part of a week-long activities marking his 10th anniversary on throne, said, “the statement here in Sokoto in the last one week is the unity of Nigeria as one indivisible entity. Nobody has been left behind from all the geopolitical zones of the country”.
Also speaking, Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal noted President Buhari’s effort in tacking insecurity, corruption and the economic woes.
“You are on course in the fight against corruption. The war against insurgency, by the grace of God is almost over. With the right policy, the recession would soon be a thing of the past,” he stated.
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