I have laid foundation for a prosperous Nigeria, says Buhari •*Tasks Govs on democratic ideals

ahead”, he said.

Continuing, Buhari said, “In March 2023, Nigeria consolidated and reinforced its democratic process with a general election which saw the election of a new President and about 18 newly elected/incoming governors.

“I am happy to note that democracy is alive, vibrant and thriving in Nigeria.

“With the elections now over, it is time for us to deliver the promises we made during the campaigns.

“I have always maintained that democracy is not an end state nor is it a static event. It is an evolutionary process that takes its participants on a journey of self actualization.

“The process forces us to hold a mirror to our elves, and by doing so we are made to constantly review and improve its critical elements to ensure that we have an inclusive democratic practice that gives faith to voters.

“We must therefore be patient, tolerant and use the appropriate channels to seek redress if we believe there have been unfair practices along the way.

“As you can tell, am speaking as a veteran of the process, with the scars to show for it.

“On May 29, you will be called upon to steer the affairs of your States for the next four years. From this day you become wholly responsible for the state as an enterprise.

“You as the Governor or State Chief Executive inherit all its assets and liabilities.

“The assumption of office is a constitutional process that we must take with utmost dedication, in the light of the trust bestowed on you by those who elected you into office.

“One interesting development that we all saw from the last election is that the electorate is maturing, and people are increasingly finding their voices. “Any public officer who fails to either meet up with the expectations of the people or deliver on his campaign promises would be voted out in the next election. That is what democracy is about. Deliver or get shown the door out.

“I enjoin the Forum to promote ideals that will address the challenges of democracy and governance in our country today.

“The role of the Sub-nationals is critical in our Socio-Economic development as a nation.

“Your proximity to the people, gives you the privilege to have an instant pulse on their needs and challenges and yours is to device creative and judicious means of addressing the myriad of issues that confront them daily.

“As returning or incoming State Executives you also must be cognizant of the comparative advantages inherent in each of your states, and how you can form partnerships with each other, by leveraging your various strengths while recognizing that there is no one size fits all solutions.

“I also bid you to take this opportunity to unite across party divides to put the country first. Nigerians desire peace, progress and security.

“A country where they have access to quality education, health and social services.

“Your ability to champion these values significantly impacts the atmosphere where in the delivery of social goods and services will be conducted efficiently and harmoniously.

“We could not have done everything, but we focused on a number of areas: Infrastructure, Agriculture and strengthening our Armed Forces.

Despite the difficult fiscal conditions, we remained committed to our promises. “These key areas were strategically targeted.

“Our focus on Infrastructure was to improve access to markets, improved linkages and to reduce overall supply chain costs.

“This singular commitment to infrastructure development for roads, rails, airports, ports and affordable housing were designed to create better means of livelihood for our people and facilitate access to jobs.

“I am happy that we are succeeding in investing the nation’s wealth in every State of the federation and a clear path for sustainable development has been set.

“Our various interventions in agriculture ensured that we reduced our food import bill while increasing domestic production and even expansion of critical export crops.

“This deliberate policy was especially necessary as Covid forced shutdown led to increase in global food prices, and whilst we experienced some spike, we nonetheless were better able to contend with the food crises.

“Our Men and Women of the Armed Forces have through their gallant actions and sacrifices ensured that our territorial integrity remains intact; and they continue with laser focus to combat what remains of a significantly degraded enemies of state, and there shall be no letting on until peace and stability returns to our nation.

“As found in the oath I took, I shall continue to support their efforts with improved resources and modern warfare equipment to enhance their abilities.

“1 believe that the outgoing governors have left a legacy that will ensure that incoming governors are able to transit into office with minimal interruption in governance.

“This will ensure that new governments are able to make significant mileage as they step in, including identifying key operational and policy issues that require early action.

“1 am very confident that from the foundation we have laid, the incoming federal government will build on our legacies in ensuring that we continue to build the country of our dreams.

“Congratulations to all of you and good luck in the days and years ahead”, he said.

As Governors-elect begin induction in Abuja: Okonjo-Iweala, Amina Mohammed say trust key to nation building

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

Ahead of the May 29 inauguration of the new President and Governors in the country, the Director-General of World Trade Organization, WTO, Dr (Mrs) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has declared that the task of nation building requires a lot of trust factor, lamenting however that trust in Nigeria has always been fragile.

Okonjo, a former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy in the country, noted that a lot of trust was broken in Nigeria during the last general election.

Similarly, the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), Ms Amina Mohammed has said that when elected officials fail to deliver on their promises to their electors, “we erode their faith in power, in politics, in the state”.

Okonjo-Iweala, Amina Mohammed and several others spoke yesterday at an induction program organized by the Nigeria’s Governors Forum, NGF, for Governors-elect and re-elected Governors at the Banquet hall, State House, Abuja.

The DG of the World Trade Organization categorically told the incoming Governors that they have a lot of healing to do within their states, and between them.

She said, “Honourable governors, let us be candid: trust in Nigeria has aways been fragile but following the election, a lot of trust has been broken.

“Through your words, deeds, and policies, you need to demonstrate to Nigerians that they are equally loved. That they can settle and do business in any part of the country without fear.

“I love Nigeria deeply and I want to feel welcome in any part of this country.

“Just as different states need to rebuild perceptions among people across Nigeria, we collectively need to rebuild the Nigerian brand in the wider regional and international economy”, the former Minister of Finance said.

Speaking in the same vein on the issue of nation building, Amina Mohammed said that one estimate from UNDP suggests that terrorism has cost Nigeria over US$97 billion in ten-years.

According to the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, “When we fail to deliver for people on their rights and their futures, we erode their faith in power, in politics, in the state.

“And that results in a loss of trust, in resentment between generations and towards elites; and in greater tensions between groups, cultures, ethnicities, and religions.

“The only way to build a more cohesive nation and a more harmonious world is to deliver better for people:

“Better services, better opportunities, better safety, better government, and a healthier environment.

“And despite all the challenges, I believe we have what we need to make a great leap forward in these areas in the next few years.

“Massive investment and political attention in a number of concrete areas could be key”, she said.

Continuing, the former Nigeria’s Minister of Environment said, “Globally, we need to end our addiction to fossil fuels while building base load and expanding access to reliable, clean and affordable energy for all.

“In Nigeria, we face a situation where 36 per cent of households do not have access to the electricity grid and where we remain almost entirely dependent on fossil fuels for electricity generation.

“Nigeria has a well defined energy transition plan. Our energy mix must change and the international community must meet its investment pledges to support countries in this transition.

“We know that the green and blue economy has the potential to unleash the next great wave of human development with women and youth the beneficiaries.

“It’s absolutely crucial that we unleash a rapid and just transition to clean energy – opening new frontiers in the economy, creating new jobs, improving health, strengthening human and digital connectivity, and protecting our natural environment.

“The same is true in other areas where we need to both expand and rethink: food and agriculture; education and skills; digital connectivity; social protection and protecting our environment.

“In each of these areas, we face great challenges but if we can find the tools to breakthrough, the opportunities for Nigeria and indeed the world are immense.

“So, we need to make sure that Nigeria does not get left behind.

“As you look to your governors’ mission, you must answer a key question: what do you need to accelerate these transitions in your state?, she told participants at the program.

Speaking further, the DG of the WTO said, “The World Bank estimates that with the COVID-19 pandemic having pushed 5 million more of our fellow citizens into poverty, the number of Nigerians below the national poverty line reached 95 million last year, 43% of our population, which has considerably worsened from 40% in 2018/19, and an estimated 37% in 2015.

“Food insecurity is also on the rise. A government-led, UNsupported analysis earlier this year warned that the number of Nigerians at risk of facing hunger could rise from 17 million to nearly 25 million in the lean season between June and August.

“It is really hurtful when I hear Nigeria listed internationally as one of those countries where people may need food assistance.

“As a country with fertile arable land we have no business being in that category.

We have challenges on the fiscal, debt, and monetary policy fronts.

“Nigeria’s gross debt level has climbed from N19.3 trillion in 2015 to $N91.6 trillion in 2023. The debt-toGDP ratio has almost doubled from 20% to 39% over that time period.