Buhari to elite: stop making expensive demands on economy

President Muhammadu Buhari has urged the country’s elite to stop making expensive demands that things should be done the “old way”, saying it had impoverished the nation over the years.
He spoke at a meeting with a group of Nigerians in the Diaspora at the sideline of the Third Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa in Dakar, Senegal.
According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President said his administration was on the right track to improve the country’s image by entrenching accountability and probity in governance.
He told an 11-man delegation of Nigerian association leaders resident in Senegal and Cote D’ Ivoire that the last 16 years of poor handling of the nation’s resources and infrastructure kept impacting negatively on the country.
He said: “This administration is pleased we won the election and we are pleased Nigerians are cooperating with us. But the problems are so enormous that we need the cooperation of Nigerians, particularly the elite.
“They (elite) should reflect on the condition of the country and stop making expensive demands because things cannot be done the old way.”
On the welfare of Nigerians in the Diaspora, the President assured them that the Federal Government would continue to promote good neighbourliness and improve the negative perception about Nigerians abroad.
“Nigerians are known for their competitiveness and I am very passionate about Nigeria. I will continue to preach good neighbourliness and work hard to improve the numerous human and material resources in the country,” he stated.
President of the Nigerian community, Cote D’ Ivoire Alhaji Adebayo Yahayahailed the President for his bold and unflinching fight against corruption.
“Nigerians are praying for your success, don’t relent and do not lose hope; the almighty God is behind you,” he said.
Also, the President of the Nigerian community, Senegal Mr. Osas Edigin told the President that Nigerians in the country have enjoyed excellent relationship with their hosts.