Godson Irikefe
May 29, 2015 – Former military Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari was today sworn-in as President of Nigeria.
He was sworn in at an elaborate ceremony in Abuja with all the former Head of States in attendance. Speaking at the event, Buhari quickly moved to tackle the most problematic problem on the lips of Nigeria, which is power supply.
According to him, studies are ongoing on ways to quickly and cheaply restore power supply to Nigerians adding that it is unacceptable that a nation with over 180 million people generates just 4000 megawatts of electricity.
“Continuous tinkering with the structures of power supply and distribution and close on $20b expanded since 1999 have only brought darkness, frustration, misery, and resignation among Nigerians.
“We will not allow this to go on. Careful studies are under way during this transition to identify the quickest, safest and most cost-effective way to bring light and relief to Nigerians”, he said.
The president did not say much on the lingering fuel crisis but said it will nevertheless tackle it headlong.
Turning to the press, he said the Nigerian press is the most vibrant in Africa but appealed to the media to use its powers with responsibility and patriotism.
“ My appeal to the media today – and this includes the social media – is to exercise its considerable powers with responsibility and patriotism.
“My appeal for unity is predicated on the seriousness of the legacy we are getting into. With depleted foreign reserves, falling oil prices, leakages and debts the Nigerian economy is in deep trouble and will require careful management to bring it round and to tackle the immediate challenges confronting us, namely; Boko Haram, the Niger Delta situation, the power shortages and unemployment especially among young people”, he said.
