President Muhammadu Buhari, while speaking at a dinner organized by the Armed Forces of Nigeria in Abuja, expressed his difficulty in coping with the pressure of his office as he nears the end of his term. The event was part of the activities leading up to the May 29 inauguration ceremony, marking the end of his tenure. Buhari apologized for his delayed arrival and confessed that he was eagerly anticipating the upcoming six days, when he would step down from office.
The President, acknowledging the efforts of the military in combating terrorism and ensuring successful elections, urged them to remain resolute in the face of the country’s ongoing security challenges. He emphasized that until the issue of insecurity is effectively addressed, more needs to be done by the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies.
Furthermore, President Buhari assured the military that they would continue to receive the necessary support during the remaining days of his administration. He expressed his commitment to ensuring that the sacrifices made by fallen heroes would not be in vain, and he prayed for eternal rest for those who had made the ultimate sacrifice.
Reflecting on the occasion, President Buhari recognized the significance of the regimental dinner, which provided him with an opportunity to ponder the past, present, and future of the armed forces. He commended the military for their loyalty, hard work, dedication, and selfless service to the nation. However, he emphasized that there was still much to be achieved in overcoming the prevailing security challenges.
As President Buhari’s term approaches its end, his candid admission of struggling with the pressure of the office offers a glimpse into the personal toll that leadership responsibilities can take. It serves as a reminder of the immense burden faced by leaders in the public sphere, particularly in times of national crisis and insecurity.