Buhari Set Standard for Judging His Administration

Today, President Muhammadu Buhari set standard for judging his administration as he said the success of his administration should be measured through the number of Nigerians that are moved out of poverty, adding that his government’s economic focus would ensure inclusive growth.

President Buhari stated this while giving his opening remarks at the presidential retreat organised by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for ministers-designate.

The Presidential retreat for the new Ministers held inside the old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja with the theme, “Delivering Change: From precepts to practice.”

Buhari called on the minister-designates to count themselves privileged to have been chosen among millions of their compatriots to be the instruments that will deliver the change promised by the ruling party.

He further observed that the expectation of Nigerians was high and as such the work of restoration and renewal was urgent, adding that the determination of government officials to succeed and change the fortunes of the country must be equal to the challenge.

According to Buhari, the minister-designates should see the retreat as their first official contact with the machinery of government, of which, they will soon be part of, adding that they should fully acquaint themselves with the direction and priorities of the government so that all officials can move together as a team.

Buhari said, “My election as President of this country was hinged on my promise to tackle corruption, insecurity and revive the economy.

“We have already taken deliberate measures to plug leakages of government revenue and resources. You all know the steps we have taken to tackle Boko Haram. We have degraded them and in desperation, they are resorting to attacks on soft targets, killing innocent people.

“Diversification of the economy away from oil will be a major focus of this government. We will intervene in mining and agriculture and upgrade the country’s physical and social infrastructure, which will broaden our revenue base and significantly improve the level of employment, especially among the youth.

“Our economic focus will be policies that will ensure inclusive growth and we will count our achievements based on the number of Nigerians we move out of poverty.

“The objective of this retreat is clearly reflected in the choice of topics which you will be dealing with during the sessions. The need for observing the rule of law is being emphasised to ensure that impunity is removed from government conduct.

“You are coming on board the ship of governance at an interesting time. So much has been said about the state of our economy. It is expected that we make the running of government at all levels as lean as possible, avoid waste and conserve resources. As Ministers, you must be the vehicle that will administer the change.”