Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday admitted that despite the heavy presence of security operatives around him, he is not completely safe from harm without divine protection.
He made the submission when the Muslim community in the Federal Capital Territory paid him the traditional Sallah homage at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
President Buhari recounted his experience earlier in the day when the security cordon around him was almost breached by some youths, who were desperate to catch a glimpse of him at the prayer ground located on the Airport Road during the Eid-el-Fitri prayers.
Amid laughter from his guests, Buhari told them he had to hold tight to his agbada and quickly dashed into his car.
The President said, “I thank you most sincerely for fulfilling the tradition of greetings whoever occupies this place. I thank you very much for your loyalty to the country, as represented by our institutions and to the system.
“Today, during and immediately after the prayers, I think I was bombarded by the youths, who almost overwhelmed the security, and I had to hold tight to my gown to get to my car.
“I was advised to enter the car from the ADC side and I refused. I went across trying to wave my hand to the wild youths, who wanted to see me.
“On an occasion like this, it shows that after what happened to (former) President Ronald Reagan of the USA, it is only God Almighty that protects leaders because in a mob like this, anybody with a sharp knife can get access and do a lot of damage.
“So, all the policemen that were deployed and soldiers since 6 o’clock in the morning, before I came out two hours later in the rains, cannot protect you; only God protects. I hope God will continue to protect us”.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who also joined the delegation, commended the President for providing an enabling environment for people of different faiths to co-exist in the country.
This, he said, was in fulfillment of Buhari’s electoral promise that no religion would be given undue eminence over others under him.
Osinbajo assured Nigerians that they would soon be enjoying the good of the nation that would be made possible by the present administration.
“Our country is one with a great potential. We should contribute our quota to its development and in no time, we will see a great change. All of us will enjoy this nation. Even our children and grandchildren will enjoy the good of the land”, he said.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the FCT, Mr. Obinna Chukwu, urged all Nigerians to be their neighbours’ keepers and continue to work for the peace of the country.
Mr. Chukwu said he led the delegation to pledge loyalty and commitment to the President and his administration.
He later presented a giant greeting card, a photo frame and praying mat designed in the national colours to the President.
Top government officials, members of the National Assembly and Presidential aides, among others, were part of the delegation.
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