In farewell broadcast, Buhari apologises for pain caused by his economic policies

The outgoing President, Muhammmadu Buhari, has apologised to Nigerians for pain and suffering associated with the implementation of currency swap and other economic policies.

The president spoke this morning in his farewell broadcast as President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

He said it was meant to revamp the economy.

The president called on all Nigerians to be more vigilant and support the security agencies by ensuring that “our values defined by being your brothers’ keeper govern our actions.”

Buhari said: “In the course of revamping the economy, we made some difficult choices, most of which yielded the desired results. Some of the measures led to temporary pain and suffering for which I sincerely apologised to my fellow countrymen, but the measures were taken for the over-all good of the country.

“Mindful of the need to ensure adequate infrastructure to drive economic growth, we completed age-long projects and processes notably amongst which are the Petroleum Industry Act, completion of some power projects, completion of the second Niger bridge and various important roads linking cities and states.

“Our battle to ensure that all Nigerians live in a safe and secure environment has achieved considerable results. As I complete my term in office, we have been able to reduce the incidences of banditry, terrorism, armed robbery and other criminal activities considerably.

“To sustain the gains made so far, I call on all Nigerians to be more vigilant and support the security agencies by ensuring that our values defined by being your brothers’ keeper govern our actions.

“Up-till now, I still grieve for our children still in captivity, mourn with parents, friends and relatives of all those that lost loved ones in the days of the senseless brigandage and carnage. For all those under unlawful captivity our security agencies are working round the clock to secure their release unharmed.”

Buhari will hand over the baton of leadership to the President – elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Monday as the 16th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.