The CBN’s hurried policy, which some have criticised, was intended to prevent vote-buying and cash hoarding, but it has instead led to violent protests across the nation and a scarcity of naira.
President Muhammadu Buhari has pleaded with Nigerians to exercise patience as his administration takes the necessary steps to lessen the hardships brought on by the contentious naira swap programme.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) implemented the policy, which some have criticised as being rushed, in order to prevent money hoarding and vote-buying before the general elections. Nevertheless, it has subsequently led to a shortage of naira and violent protests across the nation.
Garba Shehu, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, said that Buhari made the appeal on Sunday in a video tape to boost support for Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for president.
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The President thanked Nigerians for choosing him for two terms as President and urged them to vote for the APC candidate, calling his chosen successor “trustworthy” and certain to “expand on our successes.”
“I want to reiterate that I am completely aware of the current difficulties you are experiencing as a result of various government actions that are intended to better the country as a whole.
“As we take the necessary steps to lessen these challenges, I’m pleading with you to continue being patient. There will, if God wills it, be a light at the end of the tunnel.
See the full statement below:
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
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IN A VIDEO TO SWAY VOTERS FOR TINUBU, PRESIDENT BUHARI VOWS END TO CURRENT HARDSHIP
President Muhammadu Buhari, Sunday sent a message home from Addis Ababa, saying he is fully aware of hardship some policies of government, “which are meant to bring overall improvement to the country” had caused and appealed for further patience as the government takes appropriate measures to ease them.
In a video recording to shore up support for Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the upcoming elections a few days ahead, the President thanked Nigerians for electing him to be President for two terms, and urged them to vote for the APC flag bearer because “he is reliable and I know he will build on our achievements.”
In the campaign message to voters, the President specifically put a call on “our traditional rulers, religious leaders and parents to warn their followers and wards alike, to not allow themselves to be used by a few to foment trouble.
“I want to assure you that the Government has taken adequate security measures to allow everyone to come out and cast their votes. I am therefore appealing to everyone to give them the necessary support.
“Fellow Nigerians, I want to use this opportunity to once again thank you for electing me to be your President on two occasions.
“I am not a contestant in this election, but my party, the All Progressives Congress, has a candidate in the person of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As I mentioned before, Tinubu is a true believer in Nigeria, who loves the people and the development of our country.
“I am calling on all of you to vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He is reliable and I trust he will build on our achievements.
“Finally, I want to once again assure you that I am fully aware of the current hardship you are facing as a result of some policies of the government which are meant to bring overall improvement to the country.
“I am appealing to you to exercise further patience as we take appropriate measures to ease these hardships. God willing, there will be light at the end of the tunnel.”
The President emphasized that the APC presidential candidate has demonstrated his commitment to the development of the country and the well-being of its people.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 19, 2023
