Boko Haram was a fraudulent ploy to destroy Nigeria — Buhari

Speaking on Wednesday, January 11, while hosting members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the State House in Abuja Buhari noted that people need to grow intellectually.

According to him, during his visit to Yobe and Adamawa states, the people said the situation of insecurity has improved since 2015.

Buhari said;

“I am very grateful for your visit to the Presidential Villa, and I agree with you on some of the observations you have made. The question of insecurity is most important to us because unless a country or institution is at peace, it will be difficult to manage.

“I just came back from Adamawa and Yobe States. During the visit to both states, I listened carefully to what the people and officials had to say. And they all said the situation had improved since 2015, especially in Borno State.

“Boko Haram was just fraudulent and a plot to destroy Nigeria. You can’t say people should not learn; the people need to grow intellectually.’’

The president promised to give more attention to the economy before the end of his tenure on May 29.

He boasted that security had improved across the country, especially in the Northeast since he assumed power as the government is now focused on rebuilding infrastructure and re-orientation on education in the northeast.

“Some people have acknowledged the difference,’’ he added.

“We are credible, that’s why the countries and institutions agreed to support our development with the loans,’’ he stated.

“If you look at the economy, we are trying hard to rely more on ourselves. Nigerians rely more on agriculture for livelihood, and we are putting in our best to enable more people, and diversify.”

“We thank God that Nigeria is still one,’’ he said. “We should not forget that more than a million died for the nation to survive,” he noted.

Responding to the president’s speech, the leader of the delegation and President of the CBCN, Lucius Ugorji, applauded the President for reforms in the electoral system.

Ugorji charged the President to insist that Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, ensure credible elections in February.

“Please do not relent in making sure that INEC and other relevant agencies of government carry out their serious duties to conduct peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections,’’ he said.

Ugorji urged the President to use the remaining months in office as Commander-in-Chief to tackle insecurity in the country, and improve the economy.

“The main crux of our message to you today is one of fervent appeal and strong encouragement. Your tenure of two terms as President, Commander-In-Chief of Nigeria, is drawing to an end. But we believe a lot can be done to turn things around for the better in the about four months left of your presidency before you step down in May 2023,’’ the cleric noted.