Buhari promises better deal if elected, says GEJ has "run out of ideas"

The All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, has said President Goodluck Jonathan and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party "have not only run out of ideas, they have run out of excuses for failure". In a New Year message to Nigerians on Wednesday, the former Head of State stated that the Jonathan-led government is not capable of addressing the hardship suffered by many Nigerians considering the high level of corruption and impunity in the country.

Buhari is quoted as saying “Indeed, the Presidency has declared a regime of austerity that will be executed in 2015. To quote the press reports, the President himself has declared that year 2015 shall be “tough” on our people.

“Against this season of despair foisted on our people, I bring to you, a New Year Message of hope and optimism. I share the anxiety of the middle class and the poor who have borne the brunt of the policies of this government for so long with increasing burden.

“I share the fear of the unemployed whose hopes for new jobs in the New Year is being dashed because companies will cut jobs to escape spiral inflation. I share the concerns of the manufacturers whose import-dominated production will be challenged by the austerity measures.”

Speaking on the level of corruption in the country, the former military leader noted that “It is only some Nigerians who have access to the corridors of power and benefit from the monumental graft that characterises governance in the country today that can enjoy their perverse and ultimately futile form of happiness.”

He promised to provide “cheaper electricity, food security, accelerated power supply, integrated transport network, free education, affordable health care service and effective security of life and property” if elected President.

Buhari further stated that “Nigerians must be the sole object and focus of government. Man must be the pivot around which governance revolves. The more the potential of citizens are maximised within any nation, the higher will be the prospects of that nation for attaining greatness. The first great task facing Nigeria today, therefore, is to put in place a government that can guarantee the safety and security of Nigerians throughout the length and breadth of our country. This is because Nigerians must first of all be alive, safe and free from fear before they can exercise and utilise their talents for the benefit of their nation.

“I declare, that, collectively, we can bring an end to this season of despair; we can bring an end to this avoidable fear; we can bring an end to this needless anxiety. On February 14, 2014, the Almighty offers us a historic opportunity to chart a new course out of the tragedy that we have found ourselves; History offers us a chance to correct the errors of the past. Great Nigerian people! This is our chance!

“…My message to you is to use your voter card on February 14, 2015 to liberate our country by voting for a real happy new year for yourselves.

“This is the type of leadership I offer and for which I humbly seek the mandate of Nigerians at the polls this New Year. I am confident that great days are ahead of Nigerians. I therefore enjoin us all to keep hope alive. The glory and pride of Nigeria will be restored both internally and externally this New Year. Renew your faith that, for Nigeria, the best is on the way and by the grace of the Almighty, I shall meet you there. Happy New Year!”

credit: The Punch