I Can’t Wait To Hand Over Power, Ruling Nigeria Has Been Tough – President Buhari Laments

The Nigeria President, Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, described his seven years in office as tough saying I am eager to go. I can’t wait to hand over power, ruling Nigeria has been tough. This was as he called on the striking Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to consider the plight of the future generations of the country as the strike stretches into the sixth month.

He also said the halt on academic activities would have generational consequences on families, the educational system and future development of the country. According to a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President said this when he received some governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC), legislators and political leaders at his residence in Daura, Katsina State.

Lamenting the stress and anxiety his official duties had taken on him in the last seven years, Buhari told the visiting governors and political leaders that he had not been to his house in Daura for close to a year due to the demands of office. According to his words; “The observation that I abandoned my base was made by the Emir of Daura, Dr Faruk Umar Faruk, at the eid prayer ground. He held the microphone and told everyone that the last time I was in Daura was during the Eid-el-Kabir of 2021. In 10 to 11 months’ time, I told them I will come here. I have a better house in Kaduna, but it is too close to Abuja,” President Buhari stated.

The President explained that the schedule of work was too much on him, saying he recently had to sympathize with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyema, who had to be away most of the time from his family.

He claimed that relative to the resources available, and compared to the last administration, his government had done well in many areas, particularly in infrastructure. According to his words; “I am eager to go. I can tell you it has been tough. I am grateful to God that people appreciate the personal sacrifices we have been making. I wish the person who is coming after me the very best,” he said.

Talking on ASUU strike that had crippled academic activities in public universities nationwide, the President appealed to lecturers to consider the effect of the strike on the future generations.

According to him, the strike had already taken a toll on the psychology of parents, students and other stakeholders, throwing up many moral issues that were already begging for attention. He said enough is enough.

While claiming that the government understood ASUU’s position, the President stated; “We hope that ASUU will sympathise with the people on the prolonged strike. Truly, enough is enough for keeping students at home. Don’t hurt the next generation for goodness sake,” President Buhari stated.

President Buhari wished success upon whoever would succeed him, saying, I wish them the utmost best. I am ready to get going right now. Trust me when I say it hasn’t been easy. I thank God that people recognize the personal sacrifices we have made.”

While stumping for reelection in 2015, Buhari outlined his goals under three main categories. He pledged to reform the economy, put a stop to the insurgency in the North-East, and clean up the country’s corruption.

In January 2015, Buhari had declared in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, that the basic challenge facing this country is corruption, insecurity and the problem of the economy. I promise you that we will put together a team of qualified Nigerians capable of running the country effectively.

The harm to this country is substantial, and I am pleading with you to help. Joblessness and insecurity have reached unacceptable proportions. A new adventure has begun. To be successful, we need your patience and backing, and that will take time.

If elected, Buhari promised to turn Nigeria into one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, capitalizing on the country’s dismal economic prospects under Goodluck Jonathan.

The Buhari administration has been in power for seven years, during which inflation has skyrocketed and unemployment has worsened to crisis proportions. Bandits, kidnappers, Fulani herders, and Boko Haram have had a free hand to terrorize Nigerians under Buhari’s administration.

Austine Ikeru
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