Buhari Appreciates Nigerians For Supporting Him
President Muhammadu Buhari has appreciated Nigerians for trusting and giving him the opportunity to serve as their leader.
The President gave the appreciation in Abuja on Sunday, while hosting the FCT residents on Christmas homage.
He told the delegation, led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello that while campaigning for President in 2003, he took his time to visit the 774 Local Government Areas of the country and he got overwhelming support from the people.
He said when he leaves office in May; he will retire to his hometown in Daura, Katsina State to rest from the rigours of the exalted office.
“Thank you very much for taking the time to come and visit me and I congratulate you on this great day (Christmas). I have promised a lot of my colleagues that I will try to be as far away as possible from Abuja when I leave office so that nobody can create any problem for me anymore,” he said.
“I will be in Daura, which is on the border with Niger Republic and I think in spite of technology, I will be safe enough there.
The President used the occasion to again assure Nigerians that he will NOT stay in office a day longer than the stipulated time for his tenure of office.
“I thank God that before the 2019 elections I went round the whole of the States and in 2003-2011, I went to all the Local Governments in this country and I thank Nigerians, the people who turned up in every Local Government were more than what anyone can buy. So, I pleased Nigerians to highly treat me and accepted me. In five months’ time, I will happily retire according to the provisions of the constitution of the country and go back home,” he added.
Earlier, leader of the delegation and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mohammed Bello, said it has become mandatory for a delegation of residents of the territory to pay homage to the President during festivities like Christmas and Sallah because he is the Governor General of the FCT.
“It is not surprising to pay such visits because constitutionally, as the Governor General of the FCT, you are also the head of the administration of the FCT but you have graciously delegated that to me. Today marks a milestone for us because in 2020 and 2021 we could not pay such visits due to the emergence of coronavirus,” he added.
The Minister took time to wish President Buhari long life and a successful retirement as his tenure gradually comes to an end.
He said: “This also presents the last Christmas that we are going to have an opportunity as residents of the FCT to come and pay you homage because in five months’ time, your tenure would have ended and the next Christmas will be under a new President.
“So, we use this opportunity to thank God almighty for having made it possible for us to witness several Christmas celebrations under your leadership. I also on behalf of the entire residents of the FCT, wish you well and pray for God almighty to grant you long life, and a useful and healthy retirement in the next few months. We want to also extend our appreciation for what you have so far done for the country.”
President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Archbishop Danie Okoh, who was represented by the Vice President of the Association, Rev Stephen Panya-Baba, thanked God for sustaining Nigeria’s unity, as he praised President Buhari for working hard for the progress of Nigeria.
“We want to reassure you that in the twilight of your administration, the Christian community is fully in support of you and praying that God will bless your effort and that this desire you have to see that the sufferings of the citizens of this nation is alleviated, will begin to yield fruits.
“We are not unaware of the challenges that you continue to face especially security challenges which have become a very persistent problem in our nation today we are praying and we have not given up hope and we want to encourage you to continue doing your best and we believe God will one day intervene and do what man cannot do,” the Cleric stated.
He also prayed for successful and peaceful general elections across the country next year.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of a giant Christmas card by the FCT Minister to the President on behalf of residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
Present at the event were the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Ministers, and Heads of agencies, including the Director General, of Voice of Nigeria, Mr. Osita Okechukwu.
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