The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP), which ruled Nigeria from the return of democracy in May 1999 till it was uprooted last year by the All Progressives Congress (APC), heavily set the country back, President Muhammadu Buhari claimed yesterday.

In his speech on the occasion of the 2016 National May Day Celebration held at the Eagle Square, Abuja, President Buhari said: “This year’s celebration is significant in a number of ways. First, it marks the first May Day celebration under the All Progressive Congress (APC) Administration which brought an end to the sixteen (16) years of national squander, bad governance, unbridled corruption and economic woes by the previous administration.”

Lamenting that his administration took office “at a time when the whole world is experiencing some form of economic crisis or the other,” Buhari said: “For us whose main foreign exchange comes from oil, the global decline in the price of oil has further exacerbated our economic crisis. The resultant effects of this are noticeable in government dwindling resources, reduction in operational capacities of most companies especially in the Oil and Gas Sector, threats of workforce reduction by multinationals and the escalations of volatility amongst others. These developments no doubts, have socio-economic implications for the economy as well as the working class.”

The Nigerian leader noted that “it only requires reasonable time to remedy the maladministration and put forth a change so desired by all of us.”

He, however, added: “I make no excuses as this Government of the APC is determined to tackle headlong all socio-economic ills that have troubled our nation and we shall evolve solutions to emerging threats to our well being and the realisation of sustainable development as well as growth anchored on equity and social justice.

“Development must be sustainable for it to benefit society in general. It is therefore the responsibility of those in the citadels of power to align themselves with the working class who make development possible by generating and sustaining the momentum of positive change. That is why the present Administration has sought and will continue to seek the hands of Labour so that together we can attain the enviable heights of progress in our beloved country.

“It is for this very reason that I aspired to become President which the Nigerian people have now made a reality. This Administration shall effect positive Change in the lives of average Nigerians, to ensure that the downtrodden are elevated and most importantly to fight the intense pain of corruption which has enriched the very few to the detriment of the majority of Nigerians who groan under the overwhelming weight of poverty and all the superstructural and infrastructural maladies resulting from corruption.

“In this fight against corruption, I need you all to be very willing partners. Fighting corruption in the Public Service in particular, requires the workers to play major roles by cooperating with the Government.

“There will always be challenges in the life of a man and what defines greatness is the way and manner such challenges are tackled and overcome. I assure you, great Nigerian workers that this Administration is able and willing to constructively handle the challenges.

“In so doing, I request your cooperation and understanding, as partners in progress. The need to ensure a conducive atmosphere devoid of incessant industrial actions becomes paramount to ensure no loss of man-days and accordingly promote high productivity which is perquisite for sustainable development based on increased investments, creation of jobs as well as protection of jobs. I further assure you that working together, this Administration protect workers’ rights and shall promote incentives for great productivity and hence greater prosperity.”

•Photo shows President Buhari.