Buhari says eager to leave Aso Rock after 8 years in charge
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
President Muhammadu Buhari says he is looking forward to becoming a “big landlord” in Daura working on his farm to tend more than 300 heads of cattle, after eight years in Nigeria’s toughest job he did not get until the fourth attempt.
“I am eager to go,” Buhari said at the State House in Abuja Tuesday while receiving outgoing United States Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard.
He said given non-interference as in the February 25 and March 18 elections, Nigerians have proved capable of deciding who leads them without anyone telling them what to do.
He expressed satisfaction with the passion for democracy by Nigerians through the choices they made in the election, according to a statement issued by his spokesman Garba Shehu.
“People are realising their power. Given the chance of a free and fair vote, nobody can tell them what to do. I am unhappy that some candidates lost in the election,” he said.
“But I am inspired by the fact that voters were able to make their own decision, to decide who won and who lost. With the currency change, there was no money to spread around but even then, I told voters to take the money and vote according to their consciences.”
Buhari expressed satisfaction with his own role in the election process, staying above it without any form of interference.
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Achievements in Nigeria-Us relations
Buhari commended Leonard for the achievements in Nigeria-US relations during her tenure, according to reporting by Daily Trust.
He expressed hope Nigeria would continue to make progress in building a nation out of different and competitive communities.
He said he enjoyed working with Leonard and wished she had more time to serve in Nigeria.
Leonard listed fuel subsidy removal among critical decisions Buhari could take before leaving office on May 29.
She expressed happiness with the progress made in Nigeria-US relations in the three-and-half years of her tenure, citing, among them,
- The recent reintroduction of a five-year visa regime between the two countries.
- Active collaboration in security and the supply of military hardware, including warplanes and the soon-to-come fighter helicopters.
- Cooperation in the health sector to fight HIV and COVID.
Leonard gave an assurance Washington will continue to assist in strengthening Nigeria’s health sector.
She expressed her gratitude and that of the US government in the continuing role of Buhari in ensuring regional security and strengthening of democracy as a system of government, citing his strong response against the recent surge of coups-d’état in West Africa as worthy of commendation.