Buhari asks for prayers at 76 as military parade marks birthday

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has requested Nigerians to pray for him and to understand his intentions for the country.

In a brief remark to State House correspondents after a military parade to mark his 76th birthday at the presidential villa, Abuja on Monday, he expressed appreciation for the event put together by the Brigade of Guards.

On his feelings about the ceremony, he said: “Well, I am impressed with it, they have put a lot of time behind it, I thank and appreciate them very much. Nigerians should continue to pray for me and understand my intentions and give me time.”

Asked what Nigerians should expect going forward, the President said: “We will keep reminding Nigerians about what we have done, how we met the country, what we have been able to do from the time we came in to now with the resources available to us.”

The birthday ceremony began with the inspection of the quarter guard at the ceremonial gate of the State House, followed by a special rendition that ushered him into the forecourt.

There was a special performance by the silent drill squad of the Guards Brigade, which included the formation of words PMB @ 76.

A display by the Guards Brigade Band was followed by the presentation of Birthday Cards to the celebrant.

ALSO READ: Sokoto: Police Parades 19 Kidnappers, Bandits Suspect, Two Corpses

The Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali presented a birthday cake on behalf of the country’s Armed Force, while the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha presented on behalf of members of the cabinet.

The Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari presented yet another cake on behalf of Presidential aides just as the Guards Brigade made a special presentation.

The president later cut his birthday cake flanked by Ministers and aides present.

Speaking to reporters later, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, said it was an exciting thing to share in the President’s joyous day.

He said: “In a typical simplistic manner, just a simple military parade and the cutting of the cake because he has got work to do. He has just returned to the office to continue with the day’s proceedings, he came out of an event 2018 National Migration Dialogue and then straight into this.

“But it is such a joyous and beautiful day to see him strong, healthy, hearty considering the health challenges he went through in the last two years, we cannot wish him any other thing but bountiful health and wisdom to take this country out of the present situation which we find ourselves, a trajectory of prosperity and progress.”

On what Nigerians should expect going forward, Mustapha said, “They should expect a lot. The president is renewed in his spirit, strength and in his resolved and determination to put this country back on the part of greatness, that is his ultimate desire, that every Nigerian, young, old, upcoming should be able to see whatever desire they want to achieve in the nation that is so endowed with a lot of wealth, a lot of goodness but have not been able to live up to expectations.

“There will be a lot that will be released in the next couple of days and Mr President is so strong and determined to hit the road and I can tell you by the time he starts, Nigerians will be able to have a lot to be thankful for.”