In his New Year message to Nigerians on Tuesday, Buhari also cautioned against fake news and misinformation.
“Those, who continue to trumpet falsehood and negativity are on their own, fighting a losing battle. The greater number of Nigerians are trusting and believing that we shall deliver on our promises for a level playing field at the polls, and that is what we shall do,” he said.
At the turn of every year, he said that the nation often used the opportunity to look back at the past and forward to the future and review the outgoing year, its high and low points, successes and failures.
“We Nigerians are a religious people, and we believe that God reigns and rules in the affairs of men. A time like this offers precious opportunity for thanksgiving, stock taking and reflection on goals and targets set for the receding year, and how much was accomplished. The ones not done can then be rolled over into a new year.
“The dawn of a New Year is also a time to look forward. To consider new prospects, unfold our plans, and prepare for landmark dates and events,’’ he said.
He said that 2019 would be an election year and reiterated his many promises and declarations that the general elections would be free, fair and credible.
“Elections need not be do or die affair, and we should not approach that eventuality in a democracy with trepidation and mortal fear. Happily, a large number of presidential candidates have committed to peace, and peace we shall have.
“Those who continue to trumpet falsehood and negativity are on their own, fighting a losing battle. The greater number of Nigerians are trusting and believing that we shall deliver on our promises for a level playing field at the polls, and that is what we shall do.
“Nigerians desire peace, security, prosperity, inclusiveness and infrastructural development, a nation they can be proud of, a country that can hold its own among the nations,’’ he added.
Looking back to when he assumed office in 2015, President Buhari said that the government moved on and had not been taken to distraction.
The administration, according to him, resolved to build a country in which the resources are utilized for the benefit of the largest number and not appropriated by a privileged few in their never ending quest to satisfy their greed.
He assured Nigerians of a safe, secure, fair, just and prosperous country.