In a clear pointer to his popularity in the most populous state in Northern Nigeria and with an eye on contesting the 2019 presidential election, President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Kano disclosed that the overwhelming reception accorded him by the people of the state was a clear message to the opposition in the country.
Speaking at an interactive session with community leaders held at Coronation House in Kano, Buhari expressed his satisfaction with the massive reception he was given, saying: “Definitely, since this is partisan politics, I think it has sent a clear message to the opposition.”
Buhari, who was in Kano on a two-day visit, said the reception accorded him was impressive, while conveying his appreciation to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II for the horse parade for him at the palace, which he reiterated was an affirmation that Kano State remains his stronghold.
He noted that during his drive around the city to inaugurate projects, he observed that many of those who thronged the streets to welcome him were young people who tried to get a glimpse of him.
The president pointed out that his administration has focused on major issues that will foster development in the country, stating that in the last two years, fighting corruption was a major challenge in the country.
He also said plans were afoot to ensure that the properties of corrupt persons are sold and the proceeds go into government coffers.
He assured his audience that his administration would not relent in its efforts to ensure that corrupt persons are prosecuted.
In the area of agriculture, Buhari said rice imports had dropped by 90 per cent through the land borders, pointing out that he would continue to do his best to ensure that the country attains greater heights.
On the trans-border relationship with ECOWAS countries, the president said his government was working to establish a cordial relationship with neighboring countries.
The president also spoke on the issue of drug abuse, stating that his government will check the proliferation of hard drugs in the country, adding: “Many people have talked to me about this. That is why I have assigned a retired military officer to handle this. You all know about the performance of Hameed Ali (Comptroller General, Nigerian Customs Service). He is doing a good job and by God’s grace we will do more.”
He said his administration would continue to accord priority to education, so as to empower youths and enable them to contribute their quota toward the development of the country.
“If you educate people, you empower them. So we have to make sacrifices to prepare the youths for the future,” Buhari said.
Earlier in his remarks, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State said his administration was able to execute a number of projects, in addition to initiating various empowerment programmes for women and youths.
He said as part of efforts to address unemployment challenges, the state government had awarded contracts worth over N2 billion for the construction of a skills acquisition training centre which would soon be completed and put to use.
ThisDay
