SAN FRANCISCO, June 22, (THEWILL) – President Muhammadu Buhari has disclosed that the task of leading the people of Nigeria was a huge one, calling for prayers for the country from his ministers and indeed all Nigerians as prayers can assist the country overcome its economic and security challenges.
The President spoke on Tuesday night while breaking fast with members of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, who were mainly his Ministers at the presidential banquet hall of the Aso Villa, Abuja. He noted that the Ramadan period provides opportunity for leaders to be more conscious of their actions.
His words; “let me assure that the time of Ramadan is making us more conscious of what leaders at every level ought to do, and leading the people is not a joke. It means accepting responsibilities for good or wrong.
“We need a lot of prayers. This month of prayers and service to God, let’s keep on these prayers all the times, believing that God in His infinite mercy will listen to our prayers, give us peace, security and better the economy once more so that we can quickly rebuild and even do more for the country.
“With the nation’s economy going down… We haven’t developed the agriculture, we’re still trying to talk on those who’ll come and develop the solid mineral for us.”
Buhari expressed delight that Nigeria still retains its position of being a power house on the continent, but advised the citizens to shun unpatriotic acts.
According to him, “It’s no news that we are the biggest country in Africa, we’re the economy engine of Africa, which are true by the way. But, we must always be patriotic in our dealings with others.
“It strengthens our resolve to build our country to make it stronger and to make sure that the incoming generations are sufficiently motivated to be patriotic.”
The President advised those agitating for the sovereign state of Biafra, and the Niger Delta militants to reflect on the civil war that claimed over 2 million lives.
He praised former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon for striving to preserve the unity of the country, saying: “Look at what General Gowon said; `To keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done’ and every soldier whether he has been to school or not knew what the General meant. But, we were quarreling with our brothers, we were not fighting an enemy and then somebody is saying that once again he wants Biafra. I think this is because he was not born when there was Biafra.”
Buhari continued; “We have to reflect on the historical antecedent to appreciate what is before us now and what we intend to leave for our children and our grand children.
“The militants in their various homes need to reflect very seriously on what happened between 1967 and 1970. About two millions Nigerians lost their lives,” he said.
“And at that time, as young military officers, you hardly heard of anything about petroleum or whatever money you got from it.”
The President ended by thanking the ministers and other members of the cabinet who have identified with his government despite all odds.
Speaking on behalf of members of the FEC, the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo expressed gratitude to the President for inviting them to break the fast with him.
