President Muhammadu Buhari has pleaded with Nigerians to forgive him, particularly for any hurt he may have caused while performing his duty.
He made the appeal on Friday before handing over, during an event to mark his final appearance as President on a Sallah Day. He thanked Nigerians for the privilege of serving for two terms, from 2015 to 2023.
With less than 37 days left in office, the President reflected on his more than 40 years of service as the nation’s head of state, minister, military governor, and officer. In 2015, he was re-elected in a democratic election.
He told residents of the Federal Capital Territory led by the Minister, Muhammad Musa Bello, on Eid-el-Fitr Sallah homage, that his journey was not all smooth as he was incarcerated for three years, after the coup that ousted him from power in August 1984, and contested elections three times, 2003, 2007 and 2011, without success.
“I dared the politicians and ended up at the Supreme Court three times. They laughed at me, and I responded, ‘God dey’. God sent technology to my rescue, with Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC). The fraudulent people became unemployed,” the President noted.
Buhari said the flaunting of ethnic and religious cards in elections was “rubbish” as the presiding justices at the Supreme Court that squashed his cases were Muslims, from the North, Zaria in Kaduna State, Niger and Jigawa.
“It is good to reflect on what used to happen here, in FCT, especially on security. Security is not only about the North East, it also spread to the FCT and all over the country.
“Those who wanted to make our lives uncomfortable reached the FCT, and they have been marginalized,’’ he added.
Buhari also highlighted the strengths of democracy as a system of government, particularly in providing opportunities for participation and fostering a sense of belonging among citizens.
“I have been counting the years. Democracy is good, otherwise, how can someone come from one end of the country to rule for eight years? My home town, Daura, is about eight kilometres from the Niger Republic.
“When the Minister of Interior wanted to shut down petrol stations ten kilometres from the border, there was a fuel station close to my house, and I pleaded if he could allow it to keep operating,” he added.
The President stated that he decided to retire to Daura, which was far away from Abuja to get some respite, after years of work.
“I can’t wait to go home to Daura. If they make any noise to disturb me in Daura, I will leave for the Niger Republic. I deliberately arranged to be as far away as possible. I got what I wanted and will quietly retire to my home town.
“In spite of technology, it will not be easy to get to Daura,” he said.
President Buhari said he accepted all the complaints and criticisms in good stead, knowing it was part of the leadership he prayed and asked from God.
“God gave me an incredible opportunity to serve the country. We are all humans, if I have hurt some people along the line of my service to the country, I ask that they pardon me.
“All those that I have hurt, I ask that they pardon me.”
President Buhari said he remains grateful to Nigerians, who voted for him in 2015 and 2019, without any monetary incentive, with some trooping to the campaigns, and receptions in states just to catch a glimpse.
“I think it is a good coincidence for me to say goodbye to you, and thank you for tolerating me for almost eight years,” the President said.