President Muhammadu Buhari has said Niger Delta militants were unleashed on his administration.
Buhari said this yesterday while commenting on the challenges his government encountered when it came on board.
He said through dedication and hard work, his government was able to surmount those challenges.
The president spoke at a mega rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held at the Eagle Square, Abuja.
“When we came in, Boko Haram was controlling 17 local government areas and even operating here in Abuja but today that is no longer happening,” he said.
“What Boko Haram is doing now is to indoctrinate some young people. Our government faced so many challenges… militants were unleashed on my administration but we have been able to make progress.”
Buhari spoke a few hours after some militants endorsed his re-election bid.
The resurgence of militancy under Buhari happened in the heat of economic recession. Led by a group known as the Niger Delta Avengers, the militants blew up several oil pipelines in the region.
This affected the country’s oil production and created economic instability.
…Says elections important only if they make nation safe
President Muhammadu Buhari has said elections are important only if they make the country safe.
Buhari said this at the signing of the national peace accord ahead of the February 16 presidential election.
Citing the growing number of political parties, young candidates participation and female representations in the political sphere, the president expressed his delight at the changes being experienced in the country’s electoral process, saying the nation’s democracy is “deepening and expanding”.
He called on the youth to avoid being used as tools for violence, saying peaceful elections are the bedrock of the nation’s democracy.
Buhari said, “Another election is upon us and not unexpectedly, there is anxiety in the air. This is typical of any form of competition and contest, no matter how well prepared all contestants and regulators are. The forthcoming elections are very special and significant for the growth of our Democracy.”
He added that Nigeria is witnessing an exciting development in the area of the engagement of the youth and women in the democratic process.
“Hitherto, these groups have often not been in the mainstream of our political competition. It is in appreciation of their contribution that we passed the Not Too Young to Run Bill last year.
“The success of the Act is illustrated by the unprecedented number of young men and women who have stepped forward to participate in this process as Candidates at all levels. Significantly, we have witnessed also the emergence of Women as Candidates across the political space.”
Speaking further, he said elections are taking place against the backdrop of the emergence of an unprecedented number of Political Parties.
“As of now, we have 91 Political Parties, out of which over 70 fielded Presidential Candidates. Although some Candidates have dropped out of the race, there is no doubt in our minds that our country is moving forward and that our democracy is expanding and also deepening.”
