In his usual way of demobilising effort of destabilisation, The DEFENDER respondents observe, President Muhammadu Buhari reportedly responded on a light mood dismissing the threat by former Minister of Defence, Lt. General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (Rtd) in which he said Nigeria would collapse if he spoke on secrets of the country.
He said he was more concerned about the confidence reposed in him by the multi-million Nigerians who voted for him than to bother himself about just one man.
President Buhari also finally reacted to what many of his supporters described as disparage of the person and office of the President by Punch Newspaper when he made it clear that there was nothing new in the media outfit’s breaching his official address “President”, thinking that it was spiting him with “Major General (Rtd)” in a protest.
When asked to comment on the Punch’s decision to call him “Major General (Rtd)” instead of “President” Buhari said: “Am I not a retired Major General of the Nigerian Army? I didn’t just pick the rank in the streets, I earned it.”
He also broke his long silence on relationship with his Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and spoke on comments by TY Danjuma, about the general election in Nigeria and the speculation that a “cabal” exists in his government.
Buhari, in a chat with The Interview Magazine, also gave an insight to his formation of the Economic Advisory Council (EAC), the rule of law, among others.
On the EAC and how the body has been silent, Buhari said: “They don’t have to play to the gallery in doing their work. They don’t have to do it on the pages of newspapers, but rest assured that they are working quietly and efficiently. Results are what matter, and you will see their influence on our economic policies in due course.”
Speaking on Nigeria election, Buhari agreed that talks about 2023 polls has been gaining momentum.
“It is often said that while statesmen think of governance, and how they can make things better for their country, politicians think of the next election.
“Elections, as necessary as they are in a democracy, must not consume our entire lives, times and resources. We must give space for the development of our country.
“I am hundred percent concentrating on how we can move the country forward economically; how we can bring about peace and security to our country”, he said.
On the rule of law, government’s human rights record, the extended detention of Sambo Dasuki and Omoyele Sowore, Buhari replied: “The two examples you cited are still before the courts, so the less said on this matter, the better, lest we be in contempt of court.”
Buhari further insisted that there was no cabal in his government.
The president said: “I addressed this matter before. I was the one who went round the country on campaigns, and I was the one voted into office as President twice. No one else did, and no one else took the oath of office, and can exercise the powers of a President.”
On Danjuma’s declaration that if he revealed some secrets, Nigerians won’t be able to sleep, Buhari responded: “And what is the vote of confidence of Nigerians in me, as expressed in the polls last year? That is what matters more, not the opinion of one man.”
The nation’s leader, who was asked to describe his relationship with Osinbajo and rate it on a scale of ten, replied: “Perfect. Or has he complained to you? Thank you very much.”
