From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated for the umpteenth time that he will retire to his hometown in Daura, Katsina State to rest from the rigours of the exalted office and to avoid problems, when he leaves office on May 29, 2023.
The President said this in Abuja on Sunday, while hosting the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) residents on Christmas homage.
“Thank you very much for taking your time to come and visit me and I congratulate you for this great day (Christmas). I have promised a lot of my colleagues that I will try and be as far away as possible form Abuja when I leave office, so that nobody can create any problem for me anymore,” he said.
Buhari added, “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.”
He expressed his appreciation to Nigerians for trusting, supporting and giving him the opportunity to serve as their leader.
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.
The President used the occasion to again assure Nigerians that he will not stay in office a day longer that the stipulated time of his tenure i 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 was pleased with the way Nigerians highly treated 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), 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 wish to also on behalf of the entire residents of the FCT, wish you well and pray for God almighty to grant you long life, 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, that 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 hav become a very persistent problem in our nation today and 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 or successful and peaceful general elections across the country next year.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of a giant Christmas card by FCT Minister to the President on behalf of residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
