Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari, addressed the nation in the early hours of Thursday, October 1, in commemoration of the country’s 55th Independence Anniversary.
He congratulated the citizens and emphasized the need to celebrate the anniversary.
“No temporary problems or passing challenges should stop us from honouring this day,” he said, also highlighting the uniqueness of the country. “Let us remind ourselves of the gifts God has given us. Our Creator has bequeathed to us numbers – Nigeria is the ninth most populated country on the planet. We have in addition arable land; water; forests; oil and gas; coastline; and solid minerals”
Blocking leakages in the management of these resources has been a major part of President Buhari’s drive to improve the economy and he noted that his admistration’s anticorruption campaign was not to witch-hunt anyone.
“As I said in my inaugural speech, I bear no ill will against anyone on past events. Nobody should fear anything from me. We are not after anyone. People should only fear the consequences of their actions. I hereby invite everyone, whatever his or her political view to join me in working for the nation,” he said.
While reeling out the efforts of his government at improving the economic situation of the country and the successes recorded by the military in its war against Boko Haram insurgents, he asked for support and a change of attitude among Nigerians for the new administration to fulfil its promises.
He also asked for patience as the promise of “change” remained on course but would require strategic execution with the cooperation of all Nigerians.
“There is no cause to be anxious. Our government set out to do things methodically and properly.
“Change does not just happen. You and I and all of us must appreciate that we all have our part to play if we want to bring change about.
“We must change our lawless habits, our attitude to public office and public trust. We must change our unruly behaviour in schools, hospitals, market places, motor parks, on the roads, in homes and offices. To bring about change, we must change ourselves by being law-abiding citizens.”
He added, “Better results for our country is what the APC government for change is all about.”
The full text of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Independence Day Speech is published on Channels Television website.
