President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed gratitude to Nigerians for placing their trust in him and allowing him to serve as their leader.
The President expressed his gratitude in Abuja on Sunday, while receiving FCT citizens for a Christmas homage.
He informed the team, led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello, that while campaigning for President in 2003, he took the time to tour the country’s 774 Local Government Areas and received tremendous public support.
He said when he leaves office in May; he will retire to his hometown in Daura, Katsina State to rest from the rigours of the exalted office.
Buhari used the occasion to again assure Nigerians that he will not stay in office a day longer than the stipulated time for his tenure of office.
Earlier, leader of the delegation and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mohammed 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 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 have 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 for successful and peaceful general elections next year across the country.
The FCT Minister presented the President with a massive Christmas card on behalf of the inhabitants of the Federal Capital Territory.
The ceremony was attended by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, as well as Ministers and Heads of Agencies, including Mr Osita Okechukwu, Director General of Voice of Nigeria.
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