The world media has described the latest remarks by the Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, as the most frank comments on the socio-economic developments in the country. President Buhari has described 2017 as a very tough year for Nigeria, but expressed optimism that 2018 will be much better.
The Nigerian leader stated this when he received a delegation of residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) who paid him Christmas homage in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, last Tuesday.
He, however, noted with delight that God had answered the prayers of Nigerians as the rainy season was good and farmers recorded bumper harvest across the country. As he put it, “It has been a tough year for Nigeria and I hope next year will be a much more prosperous one. But God listened to the majority of us; the rainy season was very good and some states have got very good information from home”.
President Buhari expatiated further, “I never knew that the people from Kano who are more resourceful used to go to my area and hire farms, this year nobody hired farm, and nobody regretted it. And again the second one from the Governor of Sokoto State said all the people that really registered early to perform last pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia were farmers. But he didn’t tell me if they took additional wives. But I am very pleased that people have gone back to the land with very good harvests.’’
General Buhari used the opportunity to commend religious leaders for partnering with government in ensuring peaceful co-existence among the diverse ethno-religious groups in the country. He stated that reports reaching him from security organisations across the country indicated that the religious leaders had been assisting the security agents in the maintenance of peace and tranquility in the society.
Referring to his recent medical recovery, the Nigerian helmsman said his absolute adherence to doctors’ instructions was responsible for his improved health conditions.
His words, “It has been a tumultuous year. I thought I was 74 but I was told I was 75 I have never been so sick even the 30 months civil war (when) I was stumbling under farm of yams or cassava but this sickness I don’t know but I came out better. All those who saw me before and when I came back said I look much better, but I have explained it to the public that as a General I used to give orders now I take orders. The doctors told me to feed my stomach and sleep for longer hours – that is why I am looking much better.’’
The delegation and Minister of the FCT, Alhaji Musa Bello, had earlier thanked God for not only restoring the President’s health, but also making him stronger and better looking. He said: “This is our third homage and we have never seen you better than you look today.’’
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), FCT Chapter, Mr. Jonah Samson, lauded the Buhari administration for its performances in the fight against corruption and insurgency in the country. Mr. Samson, who also commended the administration’s efforts towards ensuring security of lives and property of the people, urged the government to provide additional employment opportunities to address youth restiveness in the country.
