President Muhammadu Buhari retuned to Nigeria Friday morning, and expressed appreciation to all Nigerians who prayed and held forte for him while he was away.
He said the best way for him to repay the love is to re-dedicate himself to serving and protecting the interests of Nigerians and keeping their trust.
The president made the statement shortly after returning from his slightly more than six weeks medical vacation abroad.
Buhari who returned to the country early Friday morning via the upgraded Kaduna airport had empowered his deputy, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo to act on his behalf throughout his absence.
He said on his arrival: “I am deeply grateful to all Nigerians – Muslims and Christians alike who have prayed and are continuing to pray for my good health. This is a testimony that in spite of the hardship being experienced, Nigerians support the Government in its effort to tackle our country’s challenges.
“The best way for me to repay you all is to re-dedicate myself to serving you, protecting your interests and keeping your trust. I thank you very much.”
He assured Nigerians that he is feeling much better now, but that he may still need some more time to adjust. Which means that Vice President Osinbajo will continue to act as President.
Buhari also pointed out that he may have to return to London soon. “There may, however, be need to have further follow-ups within some weeks,” he said.
“Rather than sending delegation upon delegation to Abuja to welcome me, may I appeal to all Nigerians to continue to pray for our country’s unity, progress and prosperity.”
CISLAC Commends President Buhari’s Decision for Osinbajo to continue as Acting President
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC is impressed by reports circulated that the President, Muhammadu Buhari, has indicated that Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo continues to act as President.
We consider this decision very patriotic, confirming the President as a statesman and leader who places national interest above personal interests and does not possess the sit-tight mentality typical of many leaders on the continent.
We note that it is unprecedented for a sitting president to wilfully acknowledge that his state of health require additional attention before he can fully resume office and concede the role of presiding over the affairs of the nation, to his vice even though he is physically present in the country.
CISLAC commends the president for being so resolute and decisive in his desire for good governance that he did not succumb to the pressure to act in a manner that would compound his own health and jeopardise the momentum of governance that the country has experienced in recent times.
We applaud the steadfastness of the President in the fight against corruption which has defined the presidency and is jointly pursued with his vice-president and which is beginning to yielding fruits. CISLAC calls on the Acting President to continue to provide quality leadership to justify the confidence reposed in him by the President and meet the yearnings of citizens of our great country.
We call on all stakeholders to become more constructive and support the efforts of the current administration to solve the myriad of challenges confronting our country in these trying times.
We remind the government that Nigerians expect nothing short of effective, transparent and accountability governance in the exercise of their mandate. This must translate into people oriented development, equity, justice, respect for the rule of law, job creation, security of lives and property and improved welfare for ordinary citizens.
We call on civil society and the media to continue to hold the administration accountable for their campaign promises, provide voice for the voiceless and set agenda that would positively contribute to nation-building.
CISLAC joins well-meaning Nigerians to welcome the President back to the country and continue to pray for his quick and full recovery.
