By Emmanuel Obisue
President Muhammadu Buhari has promised Nigerians that his successor in 2023 will emerge from a “free, fair and credible” election process.
The president gave this strong assurance on Sunday while he spoke to Nigerians in a national broadcast to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day.
Buhari advised all stakeholders in the electoral process to work together to ensure that the next transition is done in a peaceful manner in honour and memory of one of the national heroes for democracy, Chief M.K.O Abiola
“I am also promising you a free, fair and transparent electoral process. And I am pleading with all citizens to come together and work with Government to build a peaceful and prosperous nation.
“I am hopeful that we can achieve this. The signs so far are positive. We must never see it as a “do or die” affair. We must all remember democracy is about the will of the majority. There must be winners and losers.
“For the voters, I am pleased to inform you that in the last seven years, our government across all tiers have made significant investments to reform and enhance our electoral laws, systems, and processes to safeguard your votes,” he said.
On rising insecurity across the country, Buhari said he lives “daily” with “grief” for victims of terrorism. He said the Federal Government is working hard to contain and address the challenges of insecurity and ensure that the 2023 general elections are safe and secure for all Nigerians.
“On this special day, I want us all to put all victims of terrorist activities in our thoughts and prayers. I am living daily with the grief and worry for all those victims and prisoners of terrorism and kidnapping. I and the security agencies are doing all we can to free those unfortunate countrymen and countrywomen safely.
“For those who have lost their lives, we will continue to seek justice for their families against the perpetrators. For those currently in captivity, we will not stop until they are freed, and their kidnappers are brought to justice. If we all unite, we will be victorious against these agents of terror and destruction.
“We have reformed some of our security structures. Some of the defence assets we procured three years ago have arrived and have been deployed,” the President said.
