Restructuring: Nigerians are impatient —Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has observed that the call for the restructuring of the country arises from the impatience of Nigerians who, he has now urged to give time for the present system of government to mature.

In his New Year national broadcast on Monday, he observed that Nigeria had already tried without much success the Parliamentary system which some agitators are now calling for.

He said: “In respect of political developments, I have kept a close watch on the on-going debate about ‘Restructuring.’ No human law or edifice is perfect.

“Whatever structure we develop must periodically be perfected according to changing circumstances and the country’s socio-economic developments.

“We Nigerians can be very impatient and want to improve our conditions faster than may be possible considering our resources and capabilities. When all the aggregates of nationwide opinions are considered, my firm view is that our problems are more to do with process than structure.

“We tried the Parliamentary system: we jettisoned it. Now there are shrill cries for a return to the Parliamentary structure. In older democracies, these systems took centuries to evolve so we cannot expect a copied system to fit neatly our purposes.

“We must give a long period of trial and improvement before the system we have adopted is anywhere near fit for purpose.”

He, however, stressed the need to reduce the cost of governance and urged those with ideas to make available their own contribution.

Buhari stated: “However, there is a strong case for a closer look at the cost of government and for the public services long used to extravagance, waste, and corruption to change for the better.

“I assure you that government is ever receptive to ideas which will improve governance and contribute to the country’s peace and stability.”

On the impending take-off of 2019 electioneering, the president advised against mixing politics with religion and ethnicity and urged Nigerians from other parts of the country to emulate the southwestern states which he said had internalized a good model.

According to him, “As the electioneering season approaches politicians must avoid exploiting ethnicity and religion by linking ethnicity with religion and religion with politics. Such must be avoided at all costs if we are to live in harmony.

“In this respect, the rest of Nigeria could learn from the South Western States who have successfully internalized religion, ethnicity, and politics.

“Political discourse should be conducted with civility, decorum and in a constitutional manner. We all have a collective responsibility to strengthen our democracy and entrench the rule of law. We should draw encouragement from the series of bye-elections conducted by INEC last year which were generally violence-free and their outcomes adjudged to be free and fair.”

The president affirmed that his administration had defeated the Boko Haram insurgency even though isolated attacks continue.

While thanking the nation’s military and para-military forces for their efforts, he assured that efforts were being intensified to tackle rampant cases of kidnapping and other criminal activities in the country.

Buhari further stated: “Before I conclude my address I must reassure my fellow citizens that security of life and property is still top of our government’s agenda.

“We have since beaten Boko Haram. Isolated attacks still occur, but even the best-policed countries cannot prevent determined criminals from committing terrible acts of terror as we have seen during the past years in Europe, Asia, Middle East, elsewhere in Africa and in America.

“Our government remains determined to protect all Nigerians in line with our election pledge and promises. 

“On behalf of all Nigerians let me offer our thanks to the Armed forces, the Police, other para-military forces and traditional authorities who are working round the clock to ensure that you and I go about our normal business in reasonable safety.  

 “Terrorism and urban crimes are world-wide phenomena and our security forces are continuously adapting their responses to changing threats.

 “With regard to rampant cases of kidnappings, we are taking immediate short-term measures to combat this new evil creeping into our societies.  

“Tighter police methods and swift and severe punishment for those proved to be engaged in kidnapping are on the way.

“With respect to Niger Delta, Government is still engaging the responsible leadership of the Communities to help in identifying and addressing genuine grievances of the region. 

“Our clean-up programme in collaboration with the United Nations is making satisfactory progress.

 “I am grateful to all the Governors and other Political & Community leaders of the Niger Delta States for their part in bringing relative peace to the areas.”

The president also thanked all Nigerians who prayed for him during his illness last year, saying: “I feel deeply humbled by your prayers and good wishes and I am more determined than ever to serve you to the best of my ability.”