In order to concentrate on his farms and take care of his cattle in Daura, Katsina state, Northern Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his eagerness to relinquish power and return home.
Freelanews reports that Buhari disclosed this at a farewell meeting with the outgoing United States ambassador, Mary Beth Leonard at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday.
Leonard said, “I plan to be a big landlord back at home, working on my farms and tending to more than 300 animals. I am eager to go.”
Buhari, while speaking on the elections said the conduct of the February 25 and March 18 polls was a prove that Nigerians were capable of choosing who leads them without anyone deciding for them.
The President said he was quite impressed with the passion for democracy exhibited by Nigerians which was reflected in the choices they made during the elections.
Buhari, while noting that Nigeria’s democracy has truly matured said, “The people are realising their power. Given the chance of a free and fair vote, nobody can tell them what to do.
“But I am unhappy that some candidates lost in the election. I am inspired by the fact that voters were able to make their own decision, to decide who won and who lost. With the currency change, there was no money to spread around but even then, I told voters to take the money and vote according to their consciences.”
The President said he was happy with his own role in the election process by staying above board, without meddlesomeness or any form of interference.
Buhari further lauded the outgoing ambassador for the enormous achievements recorded in Nigeria-US relations in the three-and-half years she had been in the country.
On her part, Leonard said she was impressed with the progress made in Nigeria-US relations.
The American ambassador cited the recent institution of a five-year visa regime between the two countries; active collaboration in security and the supply of military hardware including warplanes and the soon-to-come fighter helicopters; and also cooperation in the health sector to fight HIV and COVID response.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
