Buhari reassures on free, fair elections in 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari has reassured of his administration’s determination to lay credible elections in the country, adding that the 2019 general elections would be free and fair.

Responding to a speech by a delegation of imams and senior Islamic scholars from the 36 states at the State House, Abuja yesterday, Buhari said a number of measures put in place had already seen the gradual improvement of elections as in Edo, Anambra, Ekiti and Osun states from what he described as “dismal and unacceptable levels witnessed in Rivers and Kogi states.”

“What I want to assure Nigerians is that I will continue to pressure the police and other agencies to do their best to ensure a conducive atmosphere for free and fair elections,” he was quoted in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.

On the issue of security raised by the religious group, Buhari said he would continue to nudge security agencies to find lasting solutions, stressing however, the need for community and religious leaders to play a part in identifying criminals in their midst.

The president thanked the religious leaders for recognizing the various achievements of the administration, especially in dealing with security, fighting corruption and progress in agriculture.

“I am not satisfied with the reporting of agriculture. Millions of our citizens have returned to the farms with many leaving white collar jobs for opportunities in agriculture,” he noted.