Nigeria’s Elite Selfish, Says Buhari
Story/Photo by nationonline.net
Some members of the elite are selfish and do not care about the country’s progress, President Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday.
He said that is why he criticises them.
The President spoke at the Katsina State Government House during a lunch by the state government in his honour.
He is in the state on a two-day working visit to inaugurate some legacy projects of the Aminu Masari Administration.
The President lamented wasted resources by previous administrations that could have gone into infrastructure when a barrel of crude oil sold for $100.
Drawing a comparison between 1999/2015 and 2015/2023, he said: “Our elite did not put their heads together in the years past to move the country forward. They were very selfish.
“I insist that they should think of the country more than themselves. By doing so, they can join forces for the good of the country.”
President Buhari also said he believed history will be kind to his administration, going by the difference that has been made in security and the economy.
President Buhari, who inspected and inaugurated projects on health, education, and road infrastructure, praised Governor Aminu Bello Masari.
“I have done my best, and I hope history will be kind to me,” he said after inaugurating the Kofar Kaura Underpass, Kofar Kwaya Underpass, Kofar Kaura Water Works, Katsina State Internal Revenue House, Muhammadu Buhari Meteorological Institute by the Ministry of Aviation, Darma Rice Mill in Batagarwa and Katsina State General Hospital.
The President also inspected ongoing work on the first flyover in Katsina, which has reached 90 per cent completion.
President Buhari said the Kano-Katsina-Maradi (Niger Republic) rail line was designed to enhance economic activities between Nigeria and Niger.
“If you want to enjoy peace and harmony, you must be very friendly with your neighbour.
That is why when I came into office, I started by visiting all our neighbours,” he added.
The President said praised Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum for his role in restoring peace to the Northeast.
He said the governor dared terrorists in visiting various parts of the state to encourage indigenes.
“We were lucky to have a young, vibrant and intellectual governor like Prof. Zulum.
“He was all over the place, working. Who said Boko (Book) is Haram (forbidden)?” the President asked.
He urged Nigerians to be more focused on getting an education that equips them for a dynamic and digital world.
President Buhari said he was pleased that Masari’s administration placed more emphasis on education.
“Tomorrow (today), I look forward to commissioning the Dayi Dangulle Road, Musawa General Hospital, Sandamu-Baure- Babban Mutum Road, and Gurjiya-Karkarku Road.
“Indeed, infrastructure is the substructure upon which societal growth and development are predicated.
“It is the realisation of this that the Federal Government makes infrastructural presence an irrevocable reality, thus enticing foreign investors and motivating the local elements,” the President added.
Masari thanked the President for honouring his invitation.
The governor, who presented a full report on his achievements in office over seven years, noted that school enrolment moved from over one million to more than two million annually.
Masari appreciated the President for his support to the states through bailouts, budget support and refunds.
