The poor and disadvantaged still support Buhari - Garba Shehu

Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, says the “popular support” for President Muhammadu Buhari is unlikely to dwindle ahead of the 2019 elections.

Shehu, in a sequel to an earlier piece titled ‘Changing the Change’, said the support for Buhari will grow because ordinary Nigerians acknowledge that he is doing his best.

He said Buhari’s greatest asset is his concern for the poor.

“The administration has fared very well in various policy fronts. There is a long list of achievements to flaunt,” Shehu said.

“The popular support for the administration, especially among the poor and disadvantaged is still holding up and is unlikely to significantly wane.

“In fact trends from our internal polling suggest that this should hold up, or even grow all the way to 2019, the reason being that the ordinary citizens concede it to the president that he is trying to do his best for the country.

“His concerns for the poor citizens and the nation are among his greatest assets.

“This is why he has led the country through difficult changes, such as the increase in the pump price of fuel and the landmark steps to stabilise the naira, at grave risk to political capital, but measures that had become necessary for the benefit of the nation.”

Garba said unlike the previous administration, the Buhari-led regime is not “bombastic”.

He said this is evident in the “simple” programme drawn up to celebrate the administration’s third anniversary.

As part of the activities, Shehu said some ministers will be on radio and television to discuss the “verifiable” achievements of the government.

He said the president will address the populace by 7am on Tuesday.

“The distinguishing characteristic of the administration is its habit of not being bombastic,” he said.

“To mark the occasion, some ministers and senior officials of government are expected to be on radio and TV for much of the day, parading what has been achieved by the government in three years.

“While the claims will be verifiable, the opposition is expected to continue their political jibes much of it unfortunately, promoting hate and intolerance that does not fit with the traditions of modern democracy.

“If not for “dry eyes,” as said in our common parlance, what is it that would push this party to write a letter to the United Nations, laying false claims to constitutionality and alleging that democracy is presently under threat?

“But then, we all understand that by its tone, this is an angry opposition unhappy about the loss of privileges they desperately want to hang on to, privileges now abolished by the prudent, austere Buhari administration.”