Buhari: Merchants of evil won’t overwhelm Nigeria under my watch

President Muhammadu Buhari says he will not allow those he described as “merchants of evil and death” to overwhelm the country under his watch. 

In the Easter message issued on his behalf by Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, Buhari said his administration will continue to provide honest leadership and secure the lives and property of Nigerians.

Buhari said he would not treat with triviality, the expectations of Nigerians who re-elected him for a second term in office.

He enjoined everyone, especially Christians, to take advantage of the Easter season to embrace love, tolerance and peaceful co-existence.

The president expressed optimism that the country would surmount the insecurity challenge plaguing it.

He assured Nigerians that his administration would deliver on its promises to fight corruption, improve the economy and protect the people.

“Our nation is currently gripped with gloom over unfortunate killings, kidnappings and violence, as seen in the recent tragic incidents in some states of the federation,” Buhari was quoted to have said.

“This should not be. We must reinforce the bond of brotherhood and good neighbourliness that citizens of a cohesive country must share. We must not allow the few bad elements in our communities to put asunder our communal tendencies and chords of unity.

“Easter is the most important feast in the Christian calendar and represents God’s redemptive mission over humanity, the triumph of light over darkness, hope over despair and good over evil.

“The Christian festival commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ is also a time to emulate the virtues of love, sacrifice, forgiveness, humility, courage and endurance, which Christ embodied and remarkably demonstrated during His earthly ministry.

“Let us use this auspicious season to show love to our neighbours, and cater to the needs of the less-privileged in our midst.

“I do not take the import of my re-election for granted, especially the expectations of majority of Nigerians towards providing adequate security, fixing the economy and fighting corruption.

“The obligation of this administration as we prepare to take governance to the Next Level, is to continue to provide dedicated and honest leadership, where every citizen irrespective of religion or ethnic origin, feels secure to live, invest and prosper; where public office holders are accountable; and law breakers are brought to justice.

“This administration will do all it takes to adequately equip and motivate our armed forces and other law enforcement agencies to enable them successfully confront these security challenges. We will not allow merchants of evil and death to overwhelm the nation. Under my watch, the nation will triumph over them – terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and the like.”