Buhari Writes In Washington Post, Restates Commitment To Fighting Corruption, Terror

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To coincide with a meeting on Monday in Washington DC with President Barack Obama, President Muhammadu Buhari has written an opinion article in the Washington Post addressing some of the fundamental challenges facing his Presidency.

Key among the issues are corruption and insecurity. He explains some of his decisions since assuming office, including the recent reshuffling in the leadership of the Nigerian military.

“Our new military leadership has not been chosen because of their familiarity with those in government, as was too often the case in the past, but on their track records and qualifications alone.

“These new military leaders will be based in Borno State in northern Nigeria, where the headquarters of the armed services has been relocated.

“This shift of resources and command directly to the front line, in addition to the replacement of the head of the State Security Service, Nigeria’s intelligence organization, and a new emphasis on working in partnership with our neighbours, has equipped us to take the fight directly to Boko Haram.”

The President, in the Washington Post article, also asked for patience in the campaign against Boko Haram; “While we work to defeat the terrorists, I ask the people of Nigeria and the world for resolve and fortitude.

“The campaign we will wage will not be easy; it may not be swift. We should expect stages of success and also moments when it may appear that our advances have been checked. But no one should have any doubt as to the strength of our collective will or my commitment to rid this nation of terror and bring back peace and normalcy to all affected areas.”

On the importance of good governance, and the appointment of cabinet ministers, the President wrote, “It would neither be prudent nor serve the interests of sound government to have made these (cabinet) appointments immediately on my elevation to the Presidency; instead, Nigeria must first put new rules of conduct and good governance in place.

“I cannot stress how important it is to ensure that this process is carried out correctly, just as it has been crucial to first install the correct leadership of the military and security services before we fully take the fight to Boko Haram.”