President Muhammadu Buhari has once
against stated his resolve to oppose the devaluation of the naira and increase
in fuel price.
He was speaking in Abuja on Friday night at the 2016
regimental dinner organised by the presidential brigade of guards.
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| President Buhari |
The annual event is organised to mark the end of
drilling year of the commission – and it is also an opportunity for officers to
“mingle” with their commanders.
Buhari suggested that his resistance to devaluation and fuel
price increase during his time as military head of state in 1984-85 led to his
overthrow.
“I have resisted the devaluation of the naira, increase of
the petroleum products, among others,” he told the soldiers and officers.
“When I was military head of state, I rejected similar
advice by the IMF and World Bank to devalue the naira.
“I refused and gave my reasons and the next thing I knew I
was removed and detained for three and half years.
“As a civilian president, I will do my best and I’m telling
you all these because you are part of the leadership of this great country and
God willing we will remain great.”
Although Buhari has consistently said he would not devalue
the naira, the national currency now exchanges for over N300 to $1 officially,
and N495/$1 in the black market.
It was officially N197/$1 when Buhari assumed office in May
2015.
The 2017 budget is predicated on N305/$1 which is considered
to be “more realistic”.
The pump price of petrol has also increased from N86.50k per
litre to N145 since then.
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