I Dedicate Myself To The Service of Nigeria

*President’s Supporters Take Over Street In Kaduna
BY AMOS TAUNA (KADUNA)
President Muhammadu Buhari Friday thanked Nigerians for prayers and goodwill displayed while on a medical vacation in the United Kingdom, saying he has dedicated himself to the service of the nation.
Speaking to his countrymen and women after he was choppered from the Kaduna Air Force where his plane landed at 7:41, Buhari noted that he was committed to the protection of e rights of every Nigerian.
According to him, “I am deeply grateful to all Nigerians, Muslims and Christians alike who have prayed and have continued to pray for my good health.
“This is a testimony that in spite of the hardship being experienced, Nigerians support the government in its effort to tackle our country’s challenges,’’ the president said.
He informed Nigerians that his health has improved, and called on Nigerians to unite and move the country forward.
“The best way for me to repay you is to rededicate myself to serving you, protecting your interest and keeping your trust. I thank you very much.
“I am feeling much better now. There may, however, be need for further follow up within some weeks,” Buhari stated.
Also speaking, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo expressed the happiness of Nigerians and the Federal Executive Council over the return of the President.
“It is a day of joy not only for us but for the whole country, Africa and the world. Your arrival has vindicated our position that you will return safely,’’ he said.
The Chairman of Nigeria’s Governors Forum, Abdulaziz Yari, the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Abayomi Gabriel Olonishakin, also made remarks to welcome the president.
President Buhari returned to Nigeria after 51 days of medical vacation in London, United Kingdom.
PREMIUM TIMES correspondent in Kaduna said a presidential jet, 5N-FGN, conveying the president landed at exactly 7:40 a.m. at the Nigerian Air Force Base in the city.
Mr. Buhari was dressed in a black caftan with a black cap to march, and was received by Kaduna officials, amidst tight security.
He was immediately taken into a waiting helicopter to Abuja.
Meanwhile, the major street of Ahmadu Bello Way, Kaduna, was on Friday taken over by thousands of President Buhari’s supporters who came out to welcome him to the country, following his return from a medical vacation from the United Kingdom.
Majority of the supporters were on vehicles, others were on Keke motorcycles, while others trekked chanting ‘Sai Baba.’
Most of those who spoke with Forefront expressed gratitude to God for restoring the good health of President Buhari and prayed that he would continue with the task of taking the country to greater heights in all spheres of life.
They urged Nigerians to continue to pray to God to grant the President good health and wisdom to be able to accomplish the great task that is before him
Earlier a former member of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Isa Ashiru, had urged Nigerians to offer prayer of gratitude to God for President Buhari’s return and not engage in self-accusations.
Ashiru, who made the statement soon after Buhari’s aircraft touched down at the Kaduna Air Force base, said Nigerians in their millions prayed fervently for the safe return of the President and should, therefore, show their gratitude first and foremost to God before unnecessarily politicizing his return.
“While joining millions of Nigerians in welcoming our dear President home, I urge fellow Nigerians to show gratitude to God for answering their prayers before unnecessarily politicizing the issue of his return.
“Let us wholeheartedly acknowledge that only God Almighty gives health and takes it. That is when we will begin to appreciate the immense favours done to us by God,” Ashiru said.
He called on religious leaders to organize special prayer sessions for Nigerians to express gratitude to God for answering their prayers and for God to guide the President towards leading the country to prosperity, saying, “The health of our president is the health of our nation.”
Buhari was received on arrival Friday morning at the Kaduna Air Force base by State Acting Governor, Barnabas Bala Bantex and other government officials.
The president was later choppered to Abuja from where he expressed gratitude to Nigerians over their prayers for his health and safe return.