I felicitate together with our Christian brothers and sisters in all Nigerians in general with this joyous occasion of Christmas 2020, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.
In Christendom, the Christmas season represents happiness, peace, hope, love, goodwill and imminent salvation. These worthy values which Jesus’ Advent signify, are extremely much needed in our country now once we are confronted with varied challenges like a rising spate of armed banditry, kidnappings, insurgency, economic downturn and an upsurge of COVID-19 infections.
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I want to, therefore, enjoin fellow compatriots into appropriate the expectation which comes with Christmas and reinvest trust inside this Administration’s decision and unwavering dedication to restoring peace, prosperity and security to our beloved nation.
Under my view, the Federal Government will continue to supply the needed support in available resources to the gallant members of our armed forces and security agencies as they face threats to our citizens. While I commend them for their efforts so far, I recommend them to do more to checkmate rising incidents of security dangers particularly in the northern parts of the nation as well as the whole country in varying amounts.
For me, providing security for all residents in the country remains an article of faith. It formed an essential segment of this Administration’s three-point schedule right from inception, and we have to follow along with it.
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I can’t in good conscience shirk this cardinal duty to secure property and lives. I feel pained each time a breach of peace and safety happens in any region of the country. I’m even more distressed when our youths, especially school kids, are the targets and victims of dumb and malevolent elements in society. As a parent, I discuss the psychological torture and misery parents and guardians go through whenever their children and wards fall into the cruel hands of these enemies of decency and decent society.
I plead with fellow compatriots to present our military and other security agencies more time, collaboration and support by volunteering credible intelligence/information on activities of armed bandits, insurgents and other criminal elements in their communities so as to put an end to the blight on our safety landscape.
To be sure, the problems are beyond the simplistic options being bandied around. We shall remain focused on following the complex, multi-dimensional route to reducing the episodes of insecurity into the barest minimum. Our people have to be free to reside and move with no let or hindrance. This can be crucial not just to enthroning an atmosphere of calm and social cohesion, but also for the market to grow.
Let us utilize this season of joy and goodwill to revive our faith in the ability of this Administration to make a lasting difference in the lives of our hard-working men and women. Our Social Intervention measures and other economic policies are already generating positive results even at modest rates.
We will deliberately target our youths so they will not fall into the snare of unpatriotic components to foment social disobedience resulting in avoidable loss of property and lives.
Let me reiterate that although the right to peaceful association and protest is guaranteed under our laws, this Administration won’t fold its arms and watch protests however well-intended, degenerate into wanton killings of law enforcement and other safety personnel in addition to the destruction of private and national assets.
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It’s gladdening to note that the numerous schemes and elements of the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) have been implemented faithfully to support micro-small businesses. I am especially delighted that artisans, small-time transporters, farmers and traders are the main beneficiaries as we continue to provide safety nets to the most vulnerable members of our society as well as business owners to mitigate the harsh economic environment occasioned by COVID-19.
In spite of intense federal earnings slowed from the pandemic, we will do all that’s required to fully implement the 2021 Budget of Economic Recovery and Resilience. We are optimistic that things being equal, we need to have the ability to depart a recession in the shortest possible time.
There’s every sign that our nation is currently experiencing another wave of COVID-19 infection. As we celebrate Christmas with friends and families, I urge all citizens and people to adhere rigorously to the non-pharmaceutical prevention guidelines of regular hand-washing, wearing masks and social/physical distancing with a view to mitigating the spread of this devastating virus. While state and national institutions are trying their best, we must take individual responsibility and resist the strong temptation of compliance-fatigue by following the recommended protocols put in place from the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and conquer the ravaging pandemic.
I have absolute confidence in the soul of the resilience of our visitors to do the needful and stay vigilant even as this festive season witnesses improved travels and parties.
I wish all Nigerians divine protection and Merry Christmas.
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