Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday came under criticisms over his claim, on Monday during his maiden meeting with Aso Rock Presidential Villa Correspondents, that he is in a fix because he inherited a “virtually empty treasury” from his immediate predecessor, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

A cross section of Nigerians reacted angrily to the statement, cautioning Buhari, who assumed office on May 29, to concentrate on delivering his campaign promises instead of complaining about his purported hindrances. Below are some of the reactions on social media:

Austin Iyashere: APC and Buhari said during the campaign that Nigeria was broke from Jonathan’s mismanagement, so an empty treasury should not be news to him. This man should stop offering excuses and bring on the miracles he promised.

Aziza Uko Douglas: Empty treasury, Buhari says... But he had $23 million to give Chad Basin Commission just a few days ago.

Ogbuagu Anikwe: Did I hear our president say that he inherited empty treasury? Where did the $21m he gave the multinational force 10 days ago (according to him), and the forex he and his vice have been spending on their foreign junkets since they were sworn in come from then? What is his definition of empty treasury? Mr. President, Sir, we implore you to henceforth try to communicate with Nigerians clearly, factually. We know that things are bad but please remain yourself rather than move into your party’s propaganda mode. That would not be cricket.

Olufunke Adedayo Fadugba: It’s all politics. Let him revamp the economy and close his book of lamentations

Charles Okogene: He should source for money and do his job; was he expecting Jona to leave bag full of money behind for him to finance his project or manifesto. Then, he is also clueless like Jona if he was expecting that . . . Let him first rescue the Chibok girls before I begin to take him seriously. Conspiracy will only last or succeed but for a while.

Goshwe Simi Angeline: He knew the high level of corruption of the nation before he came in at all cost...less talk more action pls.

Okwy Onyia: President Buhari’s lamentation about meeting an empty treasury is to say the least embarrassing. Describing Nigeria as broke is even shameful. In my opinion, Nigeria is not broke. The economy needs fixing. This is a task PMB must do rather than waste time seeking needless sympathy. He must either move Nigeria forward now, or reverse the gear to the past. But we won’t allow him drive Nigeria in reverse

•Photo shows President Buhari.

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