Defend Our Achievements, Buhari Charges Ministers

President Muhammadu Buhari has charged ministers, heads of departments and agencies to vigorously defend the achievements of his administration.

The President also urged them not to allow any “irresponsible and politically motivated statements to keep spreading falsehoods” about his government.

President Buhari gave the charge at the closing ceremony of the one-year ministerial performance review retreat in Abuja on Tuesday.

“I have charged all of you to defend the government vigorously and not allow any irresponsible and politically motivated statements to keep spreading falsehoods about this government,” he said.

“Information to the public should be better packaged, go on the offensive, we are proud of our achievements and we should blow our own trumpets.”

The President also said he wants to be judged fairly by the Nigerian elites and asked his appointees to encourage the people.

“I want the Nigerian elites, please encourage them, to judge us fairly… the average production of oil in the country, from 1999 to 2014, was 2.1 million barrels per day (and) sold at an average price of $100,” he said.

“When we came, it collapsed to $37, $38 per barrel, you know it. And the militants were unleashed on the administration, and the production went down to half a million barrels per day.”

Continuing he added, “Let me also reiterate that all submissions for my attention or meeting requests should be channeled through the chief of staff, while all federal executive council matters should be coordinated through the secretary to the government of the federation.

“I have directed the minister of finance, budget and national planning, the governor of the central bank of Nigeria and all other responsible agencies to ensure speedy and timely release of funds to MDAs for implementation of the N2.3 trillion economic sustainability plan and the capital projects in the 2020 budget.

“I also enjoined ministers to ensure that funds released are utilized efficiently and transparently in implementing the programmes and projects under the line priorities areas of government.

“I hereby charged the ministers, permanent secretaries, and all heads of parastatals to be continuously conscious of their commitment and responsibilities.

“On behalf of the people of Nigeria, I demand uttermost levels of performance, deliverables, and results. I look forward to a result orientated year with tremendous benefits that will continue to change the lives of our people positively.”