President Buhari finally breaks his silence on the Fulani Herdsmen crisis

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday assured Nigerians that the rising attacks on communities by “herdsmen will soon be brought under control by security forces deployed to the vulnerable areas,” across the country.

Buhari lamented that the unfortunate attacks which had resulted in loss of lives and property, had already “brought sorrow and hardship on many Nigerians, with the government deeply affected.”

He spoke while receiving the Board of Directors of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, NESG, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja and was contained in a statement signed and sent to by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina,

The president also said his administration remains resolute and focused on delivering on the, “three-pronged promises of securing the lives and properties of Nigerians, halting the pillage of the economy by corrupt public officials, and creating employment opportunities for the youths.”

Buhari said the initial economic challenge posed by recession was already dwindling, with the “economy smarting out and posting better results on falling inflation rates, higher foreign reserve and better ranking on ease of doing business.

“If you look critically into the 2018 budget, we have already taken into account key issues of more stable electricity, construction of roads and rails, and the airport concession’’ he said.

He said his government will work more to accelerate and increase momentum in agriculture, power, gas, manufacturing and processing, while commending the Chinese government for its support in improving infrastructure in Nigeria.

“We send our gratitude to the Chinese for all their support to Nigeria. Since Independence, no country has helped our country on infrastructural development like the Chinese. In some projects, the Chinese help us with 85 per cent payment, and soft loans that span 20 years. No country has done that for us,’’ he said.

He said the government will continue to strengthen its relationship with the NESG, especially in integrating its recommendations into policies that will improve the livelihood of all Nigerians.