President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday expressed concern over the growing criticism of his administration over security challenges in some parts of the country.
Speaking when he received national executives of the Buhari Campaign Organisation (BCO) in the State House in Abuja, the president those criticising him over the current insecurity in the country are not patriotic.
“Every country in the world has security challenges. While we have made significant progress in the fight against terrorism, we acknowledged that there are also new and emerging challenges like kidnapping and banditry.
“I assure you and Nigerians that we will not relent in our efforts to secure the country from criminal activities. Those who politicize the isolated cases of insecurity are not patriotic Nigerians.
“I’m confidence that this administration uses all resources at its disposal to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians and not just prominent Nigerians or those who make headlines.’’
On corruption, the president said his administration would continue to be tough on its ongoing crusade against corrupt practices in the country.
“We will continue to be tough on the cancer of corruption as you may be aware the African Union in its deliberations last year appointed me as African Corruption Champion for the continent. This is because other countries have seen our dedication to fighting corruption and are keen to emulate our approach,’’ he said.
The president also reiterated the determination of the All Progressives Congress-led federal government to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty.
He said that policies and programmes put in place by the government to support farmers and small businesses had started yielding positive results.
“We remain committed to lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years. Policies put in place to support farmers and small businesses are yielding positive results and we are determined to integrate them into the larger economy,” he said,
In his remarks, the coordinator of the group, Mr Danladi Pasali, said they were in the presidential villa to congratulate the president on his electoral victory in the recent presidential election.
He said the president’s electoral victory was ordained by God and hence it was duty bound by all well-meaning citizens to support the Buhari administration.