By NewsBits
Even as Nigeria groans under deepening ethnic and religious lines, excruciating economic and social hardships; huge debt, terrorism attacks and kidnappings, senseless killings across the nation, acute fuel scarcity, rising cost of living, unprecedented inflation just to mention a few, Nigeria’s president Muhammadu Buhari on Monday in Bauchi State stated that “he has served Nigeria and Nigerians to the best of his ability.”
Mr Buhari also claimed that he had not disappointed anyone. But under his administration, the fight against corruption, which was a mantra he pledged Fulani terrorists dealt with Nigeria, and are still dealing with Nigerians even as the president was speaking in Bauchi. Aside from that, more ethnic groups are clamouring for separation from Nigeria as a result of marginalisation
Buhari was in Bauchi in continuation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential and gubernatorial Campaign rallies. He however made these claims during his courtesy call on the Emir of Bauchi, Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu. The president acknowledged the warm reception accorded him and the continued show of love by Nigerians, noting that the huge crowd that welcomed him wherever he went, was a demonstration of genuine love and loyalty.
He said, “I normally call on Emirs and Chiefs, whether on political or personal tours to states to show my gratitude. I like to mention that between 2003 and 2011, I visited all the local governments, and in 2019, when I was seeking my re-election for a second term, I visited all the states of the federation and the people that turned out to see me were more than what anyone could buy or force. I made a promise and pledge that I will serve Nigeria and Nigerians to the best of my ability and so far, I have not disappointed anybody,” he stated.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Emir of Bauchi, remarked that it was delightful when political leaders in modern state system honour the traditional institutions with a courtesy call. He noted that such gesture was a practical demonstration of love and respect to the traditional institutions. He thanked Buhari for the landmark developments, which his administration had brought to Bauchi State, declaring that the Kolmani Integrated Project remained a legacy for which Bauchi State and indeed the Northeast remained grateful.
He said, “We cannot thank you enough and we follow the example of our Governor to express our greatest gratitude. We are also pleased that you have kept your promise of reforming the electoral processes through continuous and progressive reforms and by ensuring the independence of the electoral body, of which our son, Professor Mahmood Yakubu is the current head.”
“Your determination in this and other areas of governance has been an inspiration to all right – thinking people across the country,” he added
The President thereafter proceeded to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, in continuation of the APC Presidential and Gubernatorial campaigns where a mammoth crowd awaited him and his entourage.
He then presented the party’s presidential flagbearer, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Vice, Senator Kashim Shettima to the electorate in the presence of the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, Governors of Kebbi, Plateau, Borno, Yobe, and Jigawa States, the APC Gubernatorial Candidate in Bauchi State, Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar (Rtd) as well as other party stalwarts.
