BUHARI URGES NIGERIANS AS HE PREPARES TO LEAVE OFFICE IN 37 DAYS, "PARDON ME IF I HURT YOU"

President Muhammadu Buhari has begged Nigerians to forgive him, particularly those he may have offended while carrying out his duty.

He made the appeal on Friday, his final appearance as President on a Sallah Day before taking over, thanking Nigerians for the honor of serving for two terms, 2015-2023.

With less than 37 days remaining in office, the President reflected on his forty-year career as a military commander, military governor, minister, and Head of State, before returning as a democratically elected President in 2015.

On Eid-el-Fitr Sallah homage, he told residents of the Federal Capital Territory led by Minister Muhammad Musa Bello that his journey had not been easy because he was imprisoned for three years after the coup that ousted him from power in August 1984, and contested elections three times, in 2003, 2007, and 2011, without success.

"I dared the politicians and ended up at the Supreme Court three times. They laughed at me, and I responded, 'God dey'. God sent technology to my rescue, with Permanent Voters' Card (PVC). The fraudulent people became unemployed," the President noted.

Buhari called the use of ethnic and religious cards in elections "rubbish," noting that the Supreme Court justices who dismissed his arguments were Muslims from the North, Zaria in Kaduna State, Niger, and Jigawa.

"It is good to reflect on what used to happen here, in FCT, especially on security. Security is not only about the North East, it also spread to the FCT and all over the country.

"Those who wanted to make our lives uncomfortable reached the FCT, and they have been marginalized," he added.

Buhari also emphasized democracy's strengths as a political system, particularly in terms of boosting public involvement and fostering a sense of belonging.

"I have been counting the years. Democracy is good, otherwise, how can someone come from one end of the country to rule for eight years? My home town, Daura, is about eight kilometres from the Niger Republic.

"When the Minister of Interior wanted to shut down petrol stations ten kilometres from the border, there was a fuel station close to my house, and I pleaded if he could allow it to keep operating," he added.

After years of hard labor, the President chose to retire to Daura, which was far from Abuja, to take a break.

"I can't wait to go home to Daura. If they make any noise to disturb me in Daura, I will leave for the Niger Republic. I deliberately arranged to be as far away as possible. I got what I wanted and will quietly retire to my home town.

"In spite of technology, it will not be easy to get to Daura," he said.

President Buhari stated that he took all complaints and critiques in good faith, understanding that they were part of the leadership he prayed for and requested from God.

"God gave me an incredible opportunity to serve the country. We are all humans, if I have hurt some people along the line of my service to the country, I ask that they pardon me.

"All those that I have hurt, I ask that they pardon me."

President Buhari said he is grateful to Nigerians who voted for him in 2015 and 2019 without any monetary incentive, with some flocking to campaigns and receptions in states just to catch a peek.

"I think it is a good coincidence for me to say goodbye to you, and thank you for tolerating me for almost eight years," the President said.

The Minister of FCT praised the President for welcoming locals for the 9th Eid-el-Fitr and letting more people into the Villa for the final homage before his handover on May 29th.

Bello praised the FCT's idea and realization, reminding President Buhari of his participation as a member of the military Recce Team for the capital in the 1970s.

The minister, who was accompanied by Umaru Shagalinku, the founder of one of Abuja's oldest eateries, and some contractors, thanked the President for the honor of serving in the same post for nearly eight years.

The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, the SGF, Boss Mustapha, the Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Senator Philip Aduda, and the CAN Chairman in the FCT, Rev. Timothy Amakum were also present at the Sallah homage.