President Muhammadu
Buhari has said that the Central Bank of Nigeria had so far assisted more than
30 states of the federation with concessionary loans to offset salary arrears
for their workers.
The president, who stated
this in Abuja on Wednesday at the swearing in of ministers, said the bank also
implemented country-specific and innovative policies that had helped to
stabilise the exchange rate and conserve the nation’s reserves.
``The Central Bank of
Nigeria has also assisted more than 30 states of the federation with
concessionary loans to offset salary arrears for their workers.
``On the monetary side,
the CBN has also implemented country-specific and innovative policies that have
helped to stabilize the exchange rate and conserve our reserves.
``While recognising the
challenges we face and the need to surmount them, let us not fail to note the
progress we have made in the short life of this government, as an indication of
how much better we can do as a people driven by patriotism and a common resolve
to do things right.’’
Buhari expressed delight
over the progress recorded by his administration so far, saying that ``this is
an indication of how much better we can do as a people driven by patriotism and
a common resolve to do things right’’.
According to the
president, trust is slowly but steadily being re-established between the
government and the people.
He said that government
business was being conducted with transparency and ``cynicism is waning as a
result’’.
``On the moral sphere,
trust is slowly but steadily being re-established between the government and
the people.
``Now, when the
government speaks, the people listen; and when the people’s expectations are
not met, they appreciate that it is not for lack of commitment or trying on the
part of government.
``In effect, government
business is now being conducted with transparency and cynicism is waning as a
result.’’
On the new ministers, the
president, who reduced the number of ministries from 38 to 24, said they must
proceed to work speedily and do their utmost to justify the confidence reposed
in them not only by their conduct but also by their performance in their
various positions.
Meanwhile, addressing
State House correspondents after the maiden Federal Executive Council (FEC)
meeting, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Muhammadu, said
the council reviewed the report of the ministerial retreat held last week.
He said the president
challenged the ministers to see their appointments as call to duty and urged
them to redouble their efforts in meeting the expectations of Nigerians.
``Today was not a very
heavy meeting in terms of attendance. The highlight of the meeting was, the
president welcoming us to the executive council and we reviewed the report of
the ministerial retreat that took place last week.
``During the meeting, the
president, once again, reiterated his charge to all of us to see our
appointments as a call to duty and for us to also understand the precarious
nature and the situation of Nigeria, today.
``And we should all
double our efforts to justify the confidence Nigerians have in us and (the
confidence) he has in us.’’
Mohammed, who pledged to
partner with the media, however, solicited for their cooperation and support to
enable him discharge his duties diligently. (NAN)
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