In New Year message, Buhari restates commitment to free, fair, credible elections

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday, restated his commitment
to the conduct of free, fair and credible 2019 elections in the
country.

Mr Buhari, who stated this in his New Year message to Nigerians,
expressed his happiness over over the number of political parties’
candidates that have signed the Peace Accord towards the
election.

He said: “Elections need not be do or die affair, and we should
not approach that eventuality in a democracy with trepidation and
mortal fear. Happily, a large number of presidential candidates
have committed to peace, and peace we shall have.”

Read the Full Speech Below:

NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU
BUHARI

Dear compatriots,

It is my utmost pleasure to rejoice with all Nigerians as we
enter the year 2019, which will be a very significant one for our
country.

1. At the turn of every year, we often use the opportunity to look
   back at the past and forward to the future. To review the outgoing
   year, its high and low points, successes and failures, and be fully
   thankful to God.
2. We Nigerians are a religious people, and we believe that God
   reigns and rules in the affairs of men. A time like this offers
   precious opportunity for thanksgiving, stock taking and reflection
   on goals and targets set for the receding year, and how much was
   accomplished. The ones not done can then be rolled over into a new
   year.
3. The dawn of a New Year is also a time to look forward. To
   consider new prospects, unfold our plans, and prepare for landmark
   dates and events.
4. 2019 will be an election year for us. In about two months, the
   polls are due, and we will elect leaders into various offices, at
   national and state levels.
5. As I welcome you into 2019, I also reiterate my many promises
   and declarations that the general elections will be free, fair and
   credible.
6. Elections need not be do or die affair, and we should not
   approach that eventuality in a democracy with trepidation and
   mortal fear. Happily, a large number of presidential candidates
   have committed to peace, and peace we shall have.
7. Those who continue to trumpet falsehood and negativity are on
   their own, fighting a losing battle. The greater number of
   Nigerians are trusting and believing that we shall deliver on our
   promises for a level playing field at the polls, and that is what
   we shall do.
8. Nigerians desire peace, security, prosperity, inclusiveness and
   infrastructural development, a nation they can be proud of, a
   country that can hold its own among the nations.

10.That is the journey we have embarked on since we came onboard
in 2015, and we are not distracted as we move on. We are resolved
to build a country in which the resources are utilized for the
benefit of the largest number, and not appropriated by a privileged
few in their never ending quest to satisfy their greed.  We
are on this mission together, and I assure you of a firm commitment
to the ideals of a safe, secure, fair, just and prosperous
country.

1. We have had our challenges: security, economic, political,
   social. But we are resolved to combat and overcome them all.
2. I appreciate your support and collaboration in previous years,
   and look forward to same in 2019, and beyond, as I hope you will
   renew the mandate you overwhelmingly gave us in 2015, for another
   term.
3. We are motivated by nothing other than service to motherland,
   and service without selfishness or personal interest.

1. I can assure you all that we are making steady and sustainable
   progress in all areas of national life. Those who are unbiased can
   see and appreciate the progress the country has made since
   2015.
2. A New Year provides opportunity for renewal of commitment, and
   I invite you to rededicate yourselves to the vision of a Nigeria
   that works for all.
3. We are moving from potentials to actualization, and it’s a task
   to be accomplished by us all; man, woman, young, old, military,
   civilian, all Nigerians.
   Please come along, as we journey to the land of our dreams. Happy
   2019.
4. Thank you  and God Bless the Federal Republic of
   Nigeria.

Boko Haram: Army Warns Perpetrators of Subversive
Propaganda

The Nigerian Army has noted with great concern the concerted
efforts by some unpatriotic elements to politicise and derail the
ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency in the country.

This is manifested in the recent systematic releases and
recycling of old BHT propaganda video clips, old interviews of
disgruntled and cowardly soldiers, as well as false and inaccurate
news reports by some section of the media.

We regrettably further observed that the unscrupulous elements
are also perfecting strategy to rubbish the government’s efforts in
the provision of safety and security for her citizens. They are
determined to dampen troops’ morale especially in the North East,
so that the troops will become compromised against the war efforts
and complicate the security situation in the country for selfish
and cheap political gains and expediency.

We would like to reiterate that Nigeria is at war with Boko
Haram terrorists, in any form or guise that they may manifest and
strongly warn these subversive elements to desist from these
unwholesome efforts. We would like to warn that the Nigerian Army
will no longer tolerate these subversive acts and sabotage aimed at
dampening troops’ morale, affect their performance and to finally
abandon the war.

We will continue to monitor subversive propaganda and take
necessary action against perpetrators. The Nigerian Army will
remain undaunted in the successful prosecution of this war against
terrorism, insurgents, militants and bandits in the country.

In another development, the attention of the Nigerian Army has
been drawn to an old video clip circulating on the social media in
which a supposedly soldier clad with an AK-47 rifle alleging lack
of arms and ammunition, among other soldiers in a remote location
walking. This is not true, as the video was recorded in 2014 and
therefore cannot be a true reflection of the present reality. The
public are please requested to discontenance the video clip.

SANI KUKASHEKA USMAN
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations