Nigerians Waited In The Sun To See Me Because They Accept Me – President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has appreciated Nigerians for the love shown to him as the leader of the country and vowed to reciprocate with good service.

The President noted that despite the challenges facing the country, Nigerians are still lucky not to have been torn apart.

Buhari made the submission on Tuesday at State House, Abuja, while receiving the report of the National Security Summit held on May 26, 2021, by the House of Representatives.

According to a statement by presidential spokesperson, Femi Adesina, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila led the delegation that came to submit the report to the President.

Speaking at the event, President Buhari urged leaders to respect the people, from the lowest to the highest, “so that it becomes a duty to them (the people) to pay back to the leadership.”

Respect for the people, according to the President, should come in allowing them “to choose who they like as their leaders, irrespective of political party or religion.”

“The number of people that turned out to see me, some waiting for 10 hours in the sun, was more than anyone could buy, or force. They just wanted to see who this Buhari was. People wonder why Nigerians accept me, despite not being rich. I wonder, too. I felt I just have to serve Nigeria and Nigerians to the best of my ability.” 

Buhari restated his determination to serve the country to the best of his ability, recalling his visits to the 36 States during the campaign for the 2019 elections.

He also commended the 9th National Assembly for its cooperation with the Executive, noting that he tried very hard to get the 8th Assembly to do same for the sake of the country, “and I didn’t succeed much. But time has proved me right.”

In his remarks, Mr Gbajabiamila thanked the President for endorsing the security summit conducted by the House, adding: “You were part of it from the very beginning, and you were to have declared it open, if not for the exigencies of duty.”

The Speaker said the summit became imperative after lawmakers were bombarded daily by their constituents on the security challenges facing the country, “and motions after motions were moved by the lawmakers.”

Mr Gbajabiamila said the report was a product of inputs by traditional rulers, scholars, independent thinkers, and security chiefs, noting that it contains seven recommendations that require legislative action, and about 19 that will be implemented by the Executive.

The Speaker submitted: “Thank you Mr President for what you have done so far to douse tension and for Nigeria to remain one. It’s about all of us, not just the Executive, the legislature or the judiciary. And Nigeria will work, by the grace of God.”

Meanwhile, former Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha has been suspended by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The ruling party made this known in a letter dated July 12, 2021, and signed by the National Chairman of the APC caretaker committee, Mai Mala Buni, and its Secretary, John Akpanudoedehe.

According to the statement, Okorocha was suspended as a result of his involvement in “anti-party activities” and ‘flagrant public abuse’ of the person and office of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The statement noted that Okorcoha was also suspended in line with the decision of the state chapter of the party.