Buhari: It must have been Nigerians’ imagination my government was hijacked by cabal
Muhammadu Buhari, the immediate past Nigerian President, while speaking in an interview with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), said a cabal might have hijacked his eight-year administration.
A cabal is a powerful political clique that runs the country’s affairs for its advantage at the expense of the people.
The ex-president, while speaking on the possibility of losing the grip of power to a cabal, admitted insinuations were possible.
Recall that the former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, first raised the allegation in 2016, but her husband played it down.
But when the question was asked again during the NTA interview, Buhari said, “It must have been”, adding that he was not sure anyone who breached the law was allowed to “walk away.”
About ruling the country, he said, “God gave me the opportunity to serve my country, but I did my best. But whether my best was good enough, I leave for people to judge.”
The former president also said he was too preoccupied with local matters to be bothered with foreign issues as president. He said his biggest challenge was securing the country.
Buhari said he did not try to compete with Nigeria’s wealthy class by acquiring land, houses and cars during his time as Nigeria’s leader, explaining that it was the reason he was “living in peace” after exiting government while arguing that some Nigerians attempted to set a trap for him by trying to ambush him with specific opportunities, but that he avoided the trap because he knew that once they knew he had been compromised, they would take advantage of the situation to milk the country.
The Informant247 had earlier reported how President Bola Ahmed Ahmed Tinubu lamented serious liabilities inherited from his predecessors, saying Nigeria has severe deficits in port and power infrastructure, as well as agro-allied facilities.
The President, who said he would not make any excuses, however, noted his government also inherited assets.
The president made this known on Monday night in Mecca, Saudi Arabia while advancing negotiations concerning a multi-billion dollar infrastructure finance facility from the Islamic Development Bank to fund a multi-sectoral portfolio of infrastructure projects at the federal and sub-national levels in Nigeria.
Ajuri Ngelale, The President’s spokesman, while announcing the negotiation in a statement on Tuesday, said the development was the outcome of substantive investment discussions held between President Tinubu and the Vice-President (Country Programs) of the Islamic Development Bank, Dr Mansur Muhtar, after the President’s return from evening prayers.
“Nigeria is the candle of hope that will light the way for Africa. And once Africa is illuminated, the world will be a brighter place for all humanity. We are determined to create a future for our gifted youths. Investments in Nigeria will be among the world’s most high-yielding. Investor money will flow easily in and out of our country. Processes will be seamless. And your bank has always been a faithful partner in progress.
“We have serious deficits in port infrastructure, power infrastructure, and agro-allied facilities that will enable sustainable food security in our country. These deficits present unrivalled opportunity for savvy investors in a market that is by far the largest on the continent. Yes, we had the vision to enable Lekki Deep Seaport before others saw it. We must be bold again.
“We inherited serious liabilities, but also assets from our predecessors. We do not make any excuses. There are several sectors replete with investment opportunities for smart investors. Access to finance and guarantees can be a hindrance in some cases. You can come in there. We see you as a critical enabler. You have partnered with us before. We want to scale it up now and do much more with greater ambition and clearer vision,” the President stated.
Noting the historic essence of President Tinubu’s swift and decisive economic reforms, the Vice-President of the Islamic Development Bank said the financial world has been monitoring events in Nigeria and has concluded that Africa’s largest economy means business this time.
“Mr. President, we know you inherited a very tough set of circumstances. It is to your credit that you have taken very bold steps without delay. We are ready to work with you. We are ready to support big investments in Nigeria. We agree that if Nigeria succeeds, Africa will succeed. And the world needs Africa to succeed.
“The Islamic Development Bank President announced the provision of $50 billion U.S. Dollars of new investment for the African continent from the Arab Coordination Group (ACG). This was announced at the Saudi-Arab-African Economic Summit. As the largest market and the largest economy in Africa, Nigeria will certainly receive a significant share. We look forward to supporting Nigeria’s economic transformation,” the Islamic Development Bank Vice-President said.
The President concluded by thanking the Islamic Development Bank management while pledging the unwavering commitment of his administration to win investors’ trust and confidence, just as he did in Lagos State many years ago.
Members of the Nigerian delegation present at the meeting in Mecca were: Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State; Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State; Governor Umar Bago of Niger State; Minister of Budget & Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, and others.
