By Williams Anuku, Abuja
PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, admitted that the current democratic dispensation was too slow for his liking, even as he said he was still adjusting to the system.
He also warned political gladiators that would be interested in the 2023 general elections that it would not be a tea-party affairs, as he would rally the support of the security agents to make sure the mandates of the electorates are not stolen.
The President bared his mind at the Presidential Villa, while cutting his cake to commemorate his 77th year birthday anniversary.
He said at 77, he felt grateful as a lot of people at his age were currently on crutches.
Asked how he felt being 77 today, he said, “well I think I feel well at 77. A lot of those at 77 are on crutches and I am walking on my two feet”.
Also asked the secret behind his youthful looks, “I think I have come to accept the realities of leadership in Nigeria, you can only try, it is a terrific country, no matter what you do, there are people who on daily basis look out for your faults and go to the press, so you have to learn to live by that.
“Patience and patriotism, that is what we see as rule, nobody can have his own way, we better accept the truth that we are one Nigerian, we keep on building, God has blessed us with land and people and resources. We must have the patience to exploit them and leave something for our future generations.”
Speaking on his plans for 2023, he said, “what I want to promise Nigerians is that I will work very hard to enable free and fair election. All those that are going to succeed in the National Assembly and the Presidency, they better work very hard because I will make sure, using the law enforcement agencies that elections are free and fair, nobody uses his office or his resources to force himself on his constituency.”
Also commenting on the menace of economic saboteurs, he said, “like I said, I have learned in the hard way. When I came in uniform, I collected those who were leading, took them to Kirikiri and told them they were guilty until they could prove themselves innocent, I put based on almost all the geopolitical zones committees to investigate them.
“Those that were found to have lived beyond their means, the balance was taken and were given to the states. But I myself was arrested, detained and they were given back what they have stolen. So under this system which is supposed to be more accountable, but it is too slow for my liking, but I have to follow it.”