On Friday, in Abuja, with only 38 days left in office, President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) asked for a pardon from Nigerians who were hurt by his policies.
He described himself as a fulfilled politician, having served in various capacities including as military governor of Borno State, Minister of Petroleum Resources, and one-time Head of State. Buhari thanked citizens for their tolerance during his eight-year regime as President, which began in 2015. He acknowledged that he had hurt some people and asked for their forgiveness.
The president also spoke about his retirement plans, expressing a desire to stay away from party politics and the Federal Capital Territory. He said that he was counting the days and looking forward to retiring to his hometown of Daura in Katsina.
The President also faulted the narrative that nepotism and ethnic sentiments make it difficult to find justice in courts. He argued that all Supreme Court justices in the election cases he took to the court in 2003, 2007, and 2011 were Northern Muslims, yet he lost.
During the Sallah homage, which was attended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Minister of the FCT Mohammed Bello, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha, the president’s Chief of Staff Professor Ibrahim Gambari, service chiefs, cabinet members, presidential aides, traditional rulers, the business community, and others.