President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said that a formidable team is required for him to deliver his campaign pledges to Nigerians.
Speaking when he hosted members of the Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) at the State House, Abuja, he said he would work hard to leave the country better than he met it.
Buhari also assured Nigerians that a firm foundation for future generations is being laid.
“While there will be those who are determined to drag us back to the bad old days, your visit is timely. It is a exactly a month ago that I was sworn in for a second term in office and the task ahead for the next four years will require a formidable team,” he said.
Describing the BMO as a key communication in the information management asset to his administration, Buhari said their efforts are commendable.
“We have just come off a rigorous electioneering campaigns during which I visited all the 36 states of the federation campaigning, seeking the votes of Nigerians and telling them what we have done in the last four years.
“I campaign on three simple premises not different from those of 2015; to tackle insecurity, to promote economic diversification and to fight corruption. Fulfilling these three promises are fundamental to taking Nigeria to the next level.
“I assure you that I am resolute on fulfilling these promises and will leave Nigeria will be a far better place than when we came.
“It is not an easy job to sell the administration’s successes, we are doing unpopular things and facing powerful individuals and taking on vested interest who are accustomed to the corrupt era. But we must do things the right way, if we promised change, then we must deliver it. This is regardless of whose interest is touched. There must be a manifest departure from the old order.
“We are making significant progress and these are evident for all to see. Despite attempts by enemies to twist and bend facts, most Nigerians know the truth.
“I acknowledged your steadfastness in telling the story of this administration’s successes. We will continue to intensify our efforts and ensure that our promises to Nigerians are kept and fulfilled,” he said.
Reiterating his determination to end security challenges, Buhari said his efforts are to make Nigeria a peaceful and a prosperous country.
Earlier the chairman of the BMO, Omoniyi Akinsiju, said the Buhari administration has performed more than his predecessors.
“Despite twisted narrative about clashes between farmers and pastoralists, your administration has shown the most commitment towards ending these decades-long conflicts; it has produced several strategies and plans aimed at providing a sustainable resolution.
“We are conscious of the need to push your achievements beyond elitists boundary to the millions of silent and media underserved Nigerians at the base of the pyramid. We are resolute that this must be done. We, therefore, respectfully, seek the strengthening of our organization, by a strategic reinforcement of our capacity – through the leadership of Messrs Femi Adesina, Garba Shehu and Laolu Akande,” he said.
Daily Trust reports that Tunde Thompson, a journalist who was imprisoned during the military era of Buhari, under the decree 4 was among the BMO members.
