President Buhari departs for Abuja from Katsina

Buhari has returned to Abuja from Katsina State, where he spent eight days in his country home, Daura.

President Buhari, who paid a visit to Daura’s Emir, Dr Umar Faruk Umar, at his palace before departing,

sent a message to contractors and businessmen that they should refrain from attempting to pay kickbacks to him and other public officials.

He advised them to return the favor to the less fortunate in their communities.

“I’m not interested in tour checks. Proceed to lend assistance to our communities.

“We are not interested in receiving checks from any individual or organization as a form of payment or influence of any kind. Allow them to bear in mind their Corporate Social Responsibilities,” Buhari stated.

Read also: Buhari departs for Russia-Africa summit, to meet Putin

President Buhari stated that as much as he would have liked to visit Daura more frequently, he would rather act differently due to the high cost of presidential movements and the exposure of security personnel to the elements.

“We are known for agriculture, and I own a farm here. I could visit every two weeks and no one would be able to stop me. However, the movement comes at a high cost. I’d rather it be used to improve our schools, clinics, and hospitals,” the President stated.

According to the President, it is only by God’s grace that Nigeria has remained united as a country despite the divisions that resulted in a 30-month civil war.

“We want to express our gratitude to God for keeping us together as a country. The country was thrown into political crisis on January 15, 1966. We had a 30-month civil war that claimed approximately a million lives.

“We continue to give thanks to God for keeping us together. We remain indebted to everyone who expressed an interest in our unity and progress. May God bless them in the future,” he added.

On Friday evening, prior to his departure from the state, the president was accorded a guard of honour by troops of the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force assigned to the 17 brigade and 213 Forward Operating Base, respectively.

The Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari, his deputy, Mannir Yakubu, and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Tasiu Maigari, among other senior government officials and citizens, were on hand to bid the President farewell at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport.