In an article published in the Washington Post today, the Nigerian President made bold statements and made several assurances regarding what many have tagged a slow start.
He has categorically stated that new ministers will not be appointed until September and that the priority before then is crucial that “Nigeria must first put new rules of conduct and good governance in place.”
He also spoke about the fight against Boko Haram insurgents, citing that the new service chiefs have been appointed on the basis of their ability; “This month, the world moved a step closer to the defeat of Boko Haram, the jihadist group that has terrorized hundreds of thousands in the northern states of Nigeria. In one of my first acts since taking office as president six weeks ago, I have replaced the heads of Nigeria’s army, navy and air force. 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.”
President Buhari is on a four day visit to the United States seeking even more cooperation from President Barrack Obama to ensure that insurgency is a thing of the past in Nigeria.
He however, warned that the campaign against the terrorist might not be as swift or easy as many expect it to be; “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.”