Buhari promises to carry out his duties as prescribed by the Constitution
By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday assured Nigerians that he will continue to do his best in advancing the interest of the country and the citizenry.
Buhari, while marking his 79th birthday, restated his commitment to giving his best to Nigerians until May 29, 2023.
This is even as Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, and his Lagos State counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have paid glowing tribute to the president.
Buhari spoke in Istanbul, the Turkish capital, on Friday while responding to tribute and special birthday celebration organised by members of his delegation.
The President spoke on the heels of a comment by former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who on Monday in Lagos, said Buhari had nothing more to offer the country.
In his brief comment at the surprise birthday celebration, according to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, President Buhari said he was looking forward to his exit in 2023, but that he will continue delivering to Nigerians in line with the Constitution.
In response to the tribute on the occasion, on behalf of the ministers and the rest of the delegation, rendered by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, President Buhari said he will put in his best for Nigeria until the last day when, in 2023 he hands over to a successor and returns to his farm to tender crops and livestock.
“I thought that being away from Abuja I will escape these things. The Guards Brigade had written to tell me what they wanted to do on this day. Now here you are doing this far away from home.
“I look forward to the year 2023 when I finish, to go home to take charge of my farm.
“Between now and that time, I will do the best that is possible to advance the interest of the nation and its people, and carry out my duties as prescribed by the Constitution,” he said.
Obaseki, on Friday, congratulated Buhari on his 79th birthday.
The governor, in a statement, commended the President on his unwavering commitment to the development of Nigeria and his unalloyed drive to place the country on the path of progress despite the current challenges that beset the nation.
According to him, “I heartily congratulate His Excellency, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, as he marks his 79th birthday.
“I pray that God grants him more years in good health and wisdom to continue to advance the development of our great nation.
“On behalf of the Government and good people of Edo State, I congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari as he adds another year today. Congratulations.”
Likewise, Sanwo-Olu, who called Buhari a courageous and honest leader, said his commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria is worthy of emulation.
In a congratulatory message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, Governor Sanwo-Olu said President Buhari has provided honest and transparent leadership in the country.
He said Buhari has demonstrated unparalleled leadership skills, patriotism, integrity and courage in steering the ship of Nigeria since he assumed office on May 29, 2015.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Lagos State, I congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari on the occasion of his 79th birthday. You have sacrificed the greater part of your life in service of our dear country.
“You have contributed immensely to the unity, growth and development of Nigeria right from your youthful days till date, having served in different capacities as Minister of Petroleum Resources, Head of State and currently President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander -in- Chief of the Armed Forces.
“I hereby join family, friends, associates, leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in celebrating President Buhari’s 79th birthday. I wish our President more prosperous years in good health and wisdom as he continues to serve our dear nation,” the governor said.