As he prepares to step down from office after eight years as Nigeria’s civilian president, President Muhammadu Buhari reflected on his difficult journey.
“I dared the politicians and ended up at the Supreme Court three times,” President Buhari said of his three unsuccessful election campaigns in 2003, 2007, and 2011.
“They made fun of me, so I retorted, ‘God dey,’ (and) God sent technology to my rescue, in the form of a Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC) (God dey). People who committed fraud lost their jobs.
While greeting Federal Capital Territory (FCT) residents on Sallah, the president thanked Nigerians for the honor of electing him to serve for two terms, from 2015 to 2023, while also pleading for forgiveness from anyone he might have wronged while performing his duties.
In response to criticism, President Buhari said he took it all in stride, acknowledging that it was a necessary component of the leadership God had granted him in his prayers.
“God provided me with a fantastic opportunity to serve my country. Since we are all only human, I kindly ask for their forgiveness if I have ever hurt anyone while serving my country.
“I ask forgiveness from everyone I have offended.”
President Buhari stated that he is still appreciative of Nigerians who supported him by voting for him in 2015 and 2019 without receiving any financial compensation, with some only attending campaigns and receptions in different states to catch a glimpse.
“I believe it is a good coincidence for me to say goodbye and thank you for putting up with me for almost eight years,” the speaker said.
The President has less than 37 days left in office, but he is still reflecting on his more than 40 years of national leadership. Adding that he was imprisoned for three years following the coup that forced him from power in August 1984, he claimed to have served in the military as an officer, military governor, minister, and Head of State before returning as a democratically elected President in 2015.
He recalled that during his eight years in power, attempts were made to make life difficult for Nigerians, particularly in Abuja.
It is beneficial to consider what previously occurred in FCT, particularly with regard to security. Security has spread beyond the North East to include the FCT and the rest of the nation. “Those who wanted to make our lives uncomfortable reached the FCT, and they have been marginalized.”
President Buhari emphasized the benefits of democracy as a form of government, particularly in terms of giving people the chance to participate and encouraging a sense of community among the populace.
“I’ve been tally-ing the years. Without democracy, it would be impossible for someone to come from one end of the country and rule for eight years. Niger Republic is about eight kilometers from Daura, where I was born and raised.
“There was a fuel station close to my house that I begged him to let continue operating when the Minister of Interior wanted to shut down petrol stations ten kilometers from the border.”
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The President claimed that after years of work, he chose to retire to Daura, which was far from Abuja, in order to get some rest.
I’m so eager to get back to Daura. I’ll leave for the Niger Republic if they make any noise to bother me in Daura. I made a conscious decision to stand as far away as possible. After getting what I wanted, I will quietly move back to my hometown.
It won’t be simple to get to Daura, despite technology.
This occurred as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) thanked the President for welcoming residents for the 9th Eid-el-Fitr and allowing more people into the Villa for the final homage before his departure on May 29.
President Buhari was reminded of his participation in the military Recce Team for the capital in the 1970s as the minister said that the conception and realization of the FCT were historic and merited praise.
Along with some contractors, the minister thanked the President for the opportunity to hold the same position for nearly eight years. The minister was joined by Umaru Shagalinku, the owner of one of Abuja’s oldest restaurants.
Additionally present at the Sallah homage were the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, SGF, Boss Mustapha, Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, Senator Philip Aduda, and CAN Chairman in FCT, Rev. Timothy Amakum.
