After eight years as Nigeria’s civilian president, President Muhammadu Buhari has reflected on his journey, noting that it was not always easy.
In 2003, 2007, and 2011, President Buhari said that he ran for office three times, but was unsuccessful in each attempt. He added: “I dared the politicians and ended up at the Supreme Court three times.
“They made fun of me, and I retaliated, ‘God dey,’ (and) God sent technology to my aid, in the form of a Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC)’. The fraudulent individuals lost their jobs.
President thanked Nigerians for the honor of allowing him to serve for two terms, from 2015 to 2023, while also apologizing to anyone he may have offended in the course of his duties. President received residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Sallah homage.
President Buhari stated that he took all of the criticisms and grievances in good faith, understanding that they were a necessary component of the leadership God had granted him in his prayers.
“God gave me a wonderful chance to serve my country. We are all just people, so if I have ever hurt anyone while serving my country, I humbly ask for their forgiveness.
“I ask forgiveness from all those I have hurt.”
President Buhari expressed his gratitude to Nigerians for electing him in 2015 and 2019 without receiving any financial compensation, with some only attending campaigns and receptions in their respective states to catch a glimpse.
“I think it’s a good coincidence that I’m saying goodbye to you, and I want to thank you for putting up with me for almost eight years,” the speaker said.
The President is still reflecting on his more than forty years of national leadership with less than 37 days left in office. He claimed to have held various positions in the military, including those of military governor, minister, and head of state, before winning reelection as president in 2015. He also claimed to have spent three years in prison following the coup that removed him from office in August 1984.
He recalled that during his eight-year administration, efforts were made by unidentified individuals to make life difficult for Nigerians, particularly in Abuja.
“It is beneficial to think back on what used to occur in FCT, particularly with regard to security. “Those who wanted to make our lives uncomfortable reached the FCT, and they have been marginalized.” “Security is not just about the North East; it spread to the FCT and all over the country.”
President Buhari emphasized the benefits of democracy as a form of government, especially the ability to participate and the promotion of a sense of community among citizens.
“I’ve been keeping track of the years. Because of democracy, a person from one end of the country can rule for eight years. About eight kilometers separate my hometown of Daura from the Niger Republic.
“There was a fuel station close to my house when the Minister of Interior wanted to close down petrol stations ten kilometers from the border, and I begged him if he could allow it to continue operating.”
After years of work, the President claimed he chose to retire to Daura, which was far from Abuja, in order to get some rest.
“I am eager to return to Daura. I will depart for the Niger Republic if they make any noise in Daura that would disturb me. I made sure to position myself as far away as possible. I got what I wanted, so I’m retiring quietly back in my hometown.
“Despite technology, getting to Daura won’t be simple.”
The President was thanked by the Minister of FCT for welcoming residents for the 9th Eid-el-Fitr and allowing more people to enter 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 by the minister, who praised the historic conception and execution of the FCT.
The minister thanked the President for the opportunity to hold the same position for nearly eight years while being joined by Umaru Shagalinku, the founder of one of the oldest restaurants in Abuja, and some contractors.
Yemi Osinbajo, the vice president, Ahmad Lawan, the Senate president, Boss Mustapha, professor Ibrahim Gambari, the chief of staff, Senator Philip Aduda, and Rev. Timothy Amakum, the chairman of CAN in the Federal Capital Territory, were also present at the Sallah homage.
