As the nation marks its democracy day to celebrate civilian rule , President Muhammadu Buhari has promised sustainance of press freedom.
Buhari In a nationwide broadcast marking the day, listed most notable achievements of his administration, as he acknowledged the forefathers of the Nation’s democracy and citizens working assiduously to strengthen it.
The President said : “It is a day to honour our founding fathers who toiled to establish our republic and every Nigerian who has worked tirelessly to sustain it.
“We have recorded notable achievements in the course of implementing our nine priority objectives and are establishing a solid foundation for future success.
“On the economic front, our objectives have remained to stabilize the macroeconomy, achieve agricultural and food security, ensure energy sufficiency in power and petroleum products, develop infrastructure, fight corruption and improve governance.
“We have witnessed eleven quarters of consecutive GDP growth since exiting recession. The GDP grew from 1.91% in 2018 to 2.27% in 2019 but declined to 1.87% in the first quarter of 2020 as a result of the decline in global economic activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Buhari commisserated with citizens who have one way or the other been casualties of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He also commended health workers and essential services staff who have been at the frontline since the outbreak of coronavirus to serve the nation.
‘It is indeed a very difficult time for everyone especially those who have lost loved ones to the virus and those whose sources of livelihood have been severely constrained by the stringent measures we introduced at every level of government to contain the virus and save lives.
“The dedication of our health and other essential services staff towards containing this virus is a testament of our courage and resilience as a people and as a great nation, and I use this opportunity to say thank you to all of you for your service to the nation.”
Freedom of speech being one of the hallmarks of a democracy; Buhari acknowledged journalists for their tenacity in the sustenance of the system.
He said ” I will also like to convey our deep appreciation to members of the Press for your doggedness in the struggle for attainment of democracy since the beginning of our nationhood.
” I must admit that the relationship between the media and successive governments has not always been perfect. But there is no denying the fact that you have been an effective watchdog for the society especially in holding public officers to account. It is sad that in the course of securing our democracy, some of your colleagues have had to pay a heavy price.
“We will continue to guarantee freedom of the Press as we place a high premium on responsible journalism that is devoid of hate speech, fake news and other unethical professional conduct.”
President Buhari on June 6, 2018, formally declared June 12 as the new democracy day in Nigeria.
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