President Goodluck Jonathan, former military Head of State, Major-General Muhammdu Buhari
Our Correspondents
President Goodluck Jonathan, former military Head of State, Major-General Muhammdu Buhari and Senate President David Mark, among others, in their New Year messages have promised Nigerians a better future and a violence-free 2015 general election.
In his New Year broadcast, the president assured Nigerians that political campaigns and the 2015 general election would not distract his administration from its ongoing effort to significantly improve their living conditions.
He vowed that notwithstanding his involvement in the campaigns and election as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he would remain fully focused on providing good governance and delivering better public services to Nigerians.
The president also pledged that steps would be taken by his administration to shield the poor and low-medium income earners from the full brunt of measures included in the 2015 budget to ensure the stability of the national economy in the face of the current downturn in the prices of crude oil.
“The federal government, under my leadership, has continued, in the past four years to lead our country forward, even under the most trying circumstances. The progress we have made in priority areas bears us testimony.
“The 2015 national budget, which is now before the National Assembly, is targeted at deepening our efforts at becoming a non-oil economy.
“The budget also includes measures to ensure that the downturn in the price of oil does not affect our development plans and our national economy too adversely.
“We are adjusting our financial processes to safeguard our economy. We are also taking steps to ensure that the poor and the low and medium income earners do not bear the brunt,” he said
The president also reassured Nigerians and the global community of his administration’s resolute commitment to free, fair, credible and acceptable elections.
He also warned that firm and decisive action would be taken against any individual or groups who attempt to disrupt the public peace before, during or after the 2015 elections.
“The elections are very important for us as a country. Their successful conclusion will further strengthen our democratic institutions and place our beloved country even more firmly in the comity of truly democratic nations.
“Given the challenges that have characterised some previous electoral contests in our country, the eyes of the world will certainly be on the conduct and outcome of our fifth post-military rule general election.
“I reassure all Nigerians and the international community of our firm commitment to free, fair and credible elections. My commitment to free elections and one man, one vote remains unwavering.
“Our administration has worked hard in previous elections to prepare all key stakeholders including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the electorate optimally, to ensure a progressively improved electoral process in the country under my watch. We will continue to do so for the coming elections,” he said.
He expressed optimism that with the cooperation of all law-abiding citizens of the country, the government’s commitment to have a peaceful and violence-free election will be actualised.
He called on politicians and parties to stop the promotion of sectionalism, disunity, intolerance, hate, falsehood or the malicious abuse of political opponents, adding: “Whatever we feel or seek, we must have a nation and a people before we can dream of political ambitions. Let us put the nation and the people first.”
He recalled that after the 2011 general election, “some unpatriotic elements embarked on an orgy of violence, resulting in the destruction of lives and property”, but promised that this would not be allowed to happen in 2015.
“This government will act decisively against anyone who disrupts the public peace, before, during or after the 2015 general election. All Nigerians, of voting age, are free to vote based on their convictions. It is our duty to defend and protect that basic right, and let no one be in doubt, we will,” Jonathan declared.
He also praised the gallant officers, men and women of the armed forces and other security agencies who have been at the forefront of the war against terrorism and violent extremism in Nigeria.
“I want to assure you that the terrorists will not get away with their atrocities: they will not win; they will be routed,” Jonathan said.
Wishing Nigerians a happy and prosperous 2015, the president urged them to enter the New Year with renewed hope, patriotism and zeal to serve their fatherland.
In his message, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) promised that a vote for him will lead to cheaper electricity tariff, free education and effective security of lives and property.
He urged Nigerians, especially the youths to march into 2015 with renewed hope and the knowledge that things can and will change.
“In Nigeria’s case, we can truly look forward to the change that the elections can and will bring. Our country will be secure again. Our country will prosper again,” he said.
Buhari blamed the Jonathan administration for declaring a regime of “austerity” that will be executed in 2015, stating that with the devaluation of the naira by the government the resultant effect will be that the price of goods and services will rise.
“My message to you is to use your voter’s card on February 14, 2015 to liberate our country by voting for a real happy New Year for yourselves. Your vote for us will translate to cheaper electricity, food security, accelerated power supply, integrated transport network, free education, affordable health care service and effective security of lives and property,” he said.
Buhari said all that is required is a disciplined and visionary leadership that genuinely and determinedly fights corruption while utilising the talents of the country’s best brains in the task of national redemption and rejuvenation.
On their part, the senate president and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, urged citizens to look up to the New Year with renewed hope.
The duo, in separate goodwill messages, reflected on the myriad of problems facing the nation as well as the unprecedented 15 years of unbroken democracy and encouraged Nigerians to consolidate on this feat through violence-free polls.
Mark said: “There is no doubt that the situation especially insecurity is challenging. We cannot pretend that all is well with us. But we are a nation of good faith in one God. When it seems impossible. God will make it possible.”
On the forthcoming general election, Mark advised politicians to play the game according to the rules, saying civilised and decent societies are usually governed by laws and not a display of might.
“We must also remember that we must have a peaceful country before we can have the platform to pursue our individual or group ambitions,” he added.
In his own message, Ekweremadu called for prayers and patriotic action towards the success of the 2015 general election.
According to him, the forthcoming election is a potential milestone for the nation’s democracy and development, adding that the continuity of the current democratic dispensation, which is unprecedented in the nation’s history, has been made possible by sacrifice, commitment and determination on the part of Nigerians.
In his message, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, urged Nigerians to take special interest in the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the North-east who have been forced out of their homes as a result of the insurgency.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal said IDPs in various camps within and outside the country deserve the public’s support at all times, adding that governments at all levels must put in place a comprehensive and coordinated strategy that will enhance the welfare and living conditions of the affected persons.
According to him, the House in conjunction with other arms of government will support any effort aimed at finding durable solutions to the challenges of the IDPs.
Tambuwal said Nigerians have resolved not to give in to terror, and expressed optimism that the present security challenges faced by the country will soon be a thing of the past.
He equally wished all Nigerians a happy and prosperous New Year
He equally wished all Nigerians a happy and prosperous New Year
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