Buhari orders Ministers: Defend me vigorously

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed that all ministers, should go out of their way to defend the policies and achievements of his government. This is seemingly on the backdrop of several criticism of his administration.

He ordered that the ministers, their ministries and agencies should go all out, particularly with the aim of stopping “political opponents from propagating falsehood” about the government.

The President made this known at the first year ministerial performance review retreat for ministers, permanent secretaries and top government officials in Abuja.

He said: “I have charged all of you to defend the government vigorously and not allow any irresponsible and politically motivated statements to keep spreading falsehoods about this government. Information to the public should be better packaged. Go on the offensive, we are proud of our achievements, and we should blow our own trumpet.”

He advised further saying that protocols would henceforth require that all requests for meetings should be passed through the Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, while cabinet matters should pass through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha.

The President reiterated that: “I have directed that the essential coordination delivery unit in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation should be revived to ensure we focus on results. The SGF is to ensure regular reports on progress.”

On corruption, Buhari said that he was doing everything possible to fight corruption, while trying to follow due process. He however pleaded with all and sundry to judge his administration fairly in this regard.