President Muhammadu Buhari remarked on Tuesday night that he has been under severe strain in the last few days of his administration and is looking forward to leaving office in the next six days.
Buhari spoke during the commissioning ceremony of the Armed Forces Officers Mess and the last presidential/regimental dinner conducted in his honor by the Military High Command at the new Mess, Asokoro in Abuja.
The President apologized to the invited guests for being nearly an hour late for the dinner, explaining that he had been “under tremendous pressure to keep up with the multitude of activities and festivities planned for the May 29 inauguration, while also meeting up with official obligations of his office.”
He said: “Please, I will like to digress a bit from the prepared speech. I apologise most sincerely for keeping you waiting for at least half an hour. ”Actually, I can hardly cope with the pressure and I’m desperately looking forward to the next six days, before saying good night at about 11pm.”
Earlier, Buhari instructed the military, police, paramilitary forces, and other security and intelligence services not to cease in their efforts to provide total security in all areas of the country, even as he expressed gratitude for the sacrifices they had already made.
“Please allow me to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Armed Forces for their unwavering loyalty, hard work, dedication, and selfless service to our beloved nation.”
“I am fully aware of all your sacrifices and commitment in addressing the various security challenges, as well as your contributions to our country’s successful elections.”
“However, until the issue of insecurity is resolved, the Armed Forces of Nigeria must do much more.”
“Consequently, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the other security agencies must always remain resolute in the face of the country’s security challenges.
“In this vein, our administration, though winding down soon, will never relent in providing the needed support to the military to enable them effectively carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
“Let me now thank the chief host, the Chief of Defense Staff, Minister of Defense, service chiefs and heads of other security agencies at this event, for your dedicated service to the nation. I commend you and thank our esteemed guests for coming to this historic occasion.
“Let me now pray for the repose of the souls of our fallen heroes. Their ultimate sacrifice will never be in vain. May the Almighty God continue to grant them eternal rest,” he said.
