Outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari has apologised to Nigerians as he leaves office today for some of the decisions he made that caused the populace sorrow and suffering.
Buhari, who will cede power to Bola Ahmed Tinubu today, awarded himself a pass mark by claiming that he is leaving Nigeria in a better state than when he arrived in 2015.
Even as he expressed regret that his administration had not been able to free certain captive youngsters, he also remarked that he grieved with the parents, friends, and family members of everyone who had lost a loved one as a result of senseless brigandage and devastation.
These were the last words Buhari spoke to Nigerians before leaving office after eight years in control of the country’s affairs.
The Yoruba Council of Elders, or YCE, outlined reasons why Tinubu must immediately reform the country as the incoming president spoke amid high expectations and demands.
As Chief Edwin Clark, an elder statesman, described Buhari as Nigeria’s worst president, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) gave Buhari a very low rating for handling insecurity but praised him for infrastructure, the completion of the Second Niger Bridge, and the approval of Lux Mundi University.
Additionally, due to the socio-economic ramifications of removing the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit, or PMS, also known as petrol, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, or NUPENG, advised Tinubu not to act hastily. The Nigeria Labour Congress, or NLC, also urged Tinubu to prepare for conflicts with labour because most industrial disputes were not resolved by Buhari.
Buhari’s Apology
While expressing his regret for the policies that caused suffering for Nigerians, Buhari said: “While reviving the economy, we had to make certain difficult decisions, the majority of which produced the desired outcomes. I sincerely apologise to my fellow citizens for some of the actions that caused momentary pain and suffering, but they were implemented for the benefit of the entire nation.
“Up-till now, I still grieve for our children still in captivity, mourn with parents, friends, and relatives of all those that lost loved ones in the days of the senseless brigandage and carnage. For all those under unlawful captivity, our security agencies are working around the clock to secure their release unharmed.
“Our battle to ensure that all Nigerians live in a safe and secure environment has achieved considerable results. As I complete my term in office, we have been able to reduce the incidences of banditry, terrorism, armed robbery, and other criminal activities considerably.
“As I retire home to Daura, Katsina State, I feel fulfilled that we have started the Nigeria Re-Birth by taking the initial critical steps, and I am convinced the in-coming administration will quicken the pace of this walk to see a Nigeria that fulfils its destiny to be a great nation. I am confident that I will leave office with Nigeria better in 2023 than in 2015.”
Buhari urged Nigerians to capitalise on the power of unity by working together in one spirit and purpose.
Buhari said, “As your President, I call on all of us to bring to bear the strength of our individualism, the power of our unity, the convictions of our beliefs to make Nigeria work better and together with one spirit and one purpose.
” To my brother, friend, and fellow worker in the political terrain for the past 10 years, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I congratulate you on the realisation of your dream, which was propelled by a burning passion to put Nigeria amongst the leading nations of the world.