President Muhammadu Buhari has stated that he is wary of the difficult times faced by Nigerians since he assumed office, and promised that his administration will deliver a positive change to average Nigerian notwithstanding.
In his speech to mark the annual workers day on May 1, 2016, Buhari reiterated that his administration would remedy the situation.
He made the speech just as the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and Trade Union Congress, TUC lamented that Nigerians were losing faith in his administration’s change mantra.
The congresses unanimously stated that Nigerians are facing tough times contrary to the promised change from the All Progressive Congress, APC.
He said: “I make no excuses as this government of the APC is determined to tackle, headlong, all socio– economic ills that have troubled our nation and we shall evolve solutions to emerging threats to our well being and the realization of sustainable development as well as growth anchored on equity and social justice.
“Development must be sustainable for it to benefit society in general. It is, therefore, the responsibility of those in the citadels of power to align themselves with the working class who make development possible by generating and sustaining the momentum of positive change.
“That is why the present administration has sought and will continue to seek the hands of Labour so that together we can attain the enviable heights of progress in our beloved country.
“It is for this very reason that I aspired to become President which the Nigerian people have now made a reality.
“This administration shall effect positive change in the lives of average Nigerians, to ensure that the downtrodden are elevated and most importantly to fight the intense pain of corruption which has enriched the very few to the detriment of the majority of Nigerians who groan under the overwhelming weight of poverty and all the superstructural and infrastructural maladies resulting from corruption.
“In this fight against corruption, I need you all to be very willing partners. fighting corruption in the public service in particular, requires the workers to play major roles by cooperating with the government.
“I have listened to the speeches made by both the Presidents of the TUC and NLC. By the speeches, you have without any equivocation affirmed your faith in the greatness of Nigeria as a nation.
“The challenges facing Nigeria have been highlighted and I assure you that they shall be accorded due consideration. It is worthy to note that solution to some of those issues and requests are already being considered and would be made public in the near future.
“The times may be tough, but we Nigerians are by nature resilient and strong and it is that nature that propels us to overcome adversities and still thrive as a nation.
“Let us use this National May Day to celebrate the workers and Nigeria as a nation. There will always be challenges in the life of a man and what defines greatness is the way and manner such challenges are tackled and overcome.
“I assure you, great Nigerian workers that this administration is able and willing to constructively handle the challenges. In so doing, I request your cooperation and understanding, as partners in progress.”
