President Muhammadu Buhari says he lives daily in grief and worry over rising criminal elements across Nigeria.
Buhari stated this in his 2022 Democracy Day message to Nigerians on Sunday morning.
Buhari added that the thought of victims in the custody of kidnappers gives him sleepless nights, however, his government is doing everything within its power to free those in the custody of terrorists.
“On this special day, I want us to put all victims of terrorist activities in the country in our thoughts and prayers.
“I am living daily with the grief and worry for all those victims and prisoners of terrorism and kidnapping.
“I and the security agencies are doing all we can to free those unfortunate countrymen and countrywomen safely.”
President Buhari vowed that his government would seek justice for families of those who have lost their lives in different attacks in the country, saying the perpetrators would be made to face the wrath of the law.
“For those who have lost their lives, we will continue to seek justice for their families against the perpetrators.
“For those currently in captivity, we will not stop until they are freed, and their kidnappers are brought to justice.
“If we all unite, we will be victorious against these agents of terror and destruction”, he added.
Reacting to the recently conducted primary elections of political parties across the country, Buhari said he “was very impressed to see across all the political parties that most candidates ran issue-based campaigns.”
He called on various party candidates to ensure that they were mature in their campaign and other activities towards the forthcoming 2023 general election.
“As we move into the general election campaign season, we must sustain this mature attitude to campaigning and ultimately, voting.
“We must never see it as a ‘do or die’ affair. We must all remember democracy is about the will of the majority.
“There must be winners and losers. I will therefore take this opportunity on this very special day to ask all candidates to continue running issue-focused campaigns and to treat opponents with dignity.
“As leaders, you must all showcase high character and never forget that the world is watching us and Africa looks up to Nigeria to provide example in governance.
“The tone you set at the top will surely be replicated in your followers.”