*Buhari no Longer addressing Nation at Eagle Square
*Buhari addresses Nation at State House
Contrary to an earlier media directive by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity yesterday, President Buhari addressed the nation in the early hours of the morning at the State House Chambers. The State House address started by 7.00am today. News agencies and journalists were baffled by the last-minute change of plans yesterday.
The long speech expressed optimism about the growth and the prosperity of the nation in his tenure without shying away from the social, economic and territorial challenges. He urged Nigerians to redeem the lost ‘moral rectitude’ that has made the nation sink into corruption and disrepute amongst the comity of nations. The President tried to justify the fuel Price hike by comparing the current price in Nigeria with the price in other West African countries.
The President also asserted his commitment to secure the lives and properties of law-abiding citizens of the nation despite the security challenges facing the country. He urged Nigerians to show patriotism by making available to security operatives the necessary information needed to apprehend culprits, insurgents and arsonists living in their communities.
Read Full Text of Speech Here
Femi Adesina had raised some eyebrows when his earlier statement read:
‘One of the activities marking the 60th Independence Anniversary of the country will be President Muhammadu Buhari’s address to the nation from the Eagles Square in Abuja, on Thursday, October 1, 2020.’ Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity made this known in his signed statement.
The statement reads: ‘As part of activities commemorating the 60th independence anniversary of the country, President Muhammadu Buhari will address the nation from the Eagles Square, Abuja, on Thursday, October 1, 2020.
‘The live address will commence after the anniversary parade beginning at 10am which will be covered by major television and radio stations especially the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria.’ he noted.
‘Please note that in view of the open-air live address, the traditional early morning October 1 presidential broadcast will not feature on Thursday.’
In the late hours of September 30, Femi Adesina issued another statement noting that the President would keep to the customary early morning broadcast. “this updated statement supersedes our earlier one indicating an open-air live presidential address on october 1,”. The reason for the abrupt change of plans or breach in communication was not provided to the media.
Peace Omenka