By Emmanuel Nduka
Mrs Aisha Buhari, wife of Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari has apologised to Nigerians over the effects of escalating insecurity and economic hardship ravaging the country.
The First Lady made the plea on Friday at the 62nd Independence Day Special Jumaat Prayer and Public Lecture with the theme “Shura: The Islamic Foundation of True Democracy”, held at the National Mosque Conference Hall, Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Mrs Buhari confirmed that the combined monster of insecurity and economic hardship across the land in the past seven years had made life unbearable for Nigerians.
She thus apologized to Nigerians for the excruciating hardship they were facing.
While lauding the military for their gallantry in keeping the country together, the First Lady said the devaluation of the Naira and drop in foreign exchange had foisted additional burden on Nigerians seeking education, health and other activities.
“It is noticeable that our Naira is being evaluated and the foreign exchange rate has affected our economy causing a lot of hardship and difficulties in terms of education, health and other day-to-day activities of our citizens,” she said.
“I’m particularly happy that our security agents have stood up to the challenges of security more than ever before. And at the moment, their efforts have been pushing the effects of banditry, kidnapping and many other ills in society. I commend the efforts of our gallant security men and women and I want to pray for more successes in their operations,” Mrs Buhari added.
Her husband who was represented at the event by the President of Senate, Ahmed Lawan, expressed optimism that these challenges will end soon, adding that as leaders, they have a duty to provide good leadership which can be achieved through collaboration and partnership between leaders and those that are led.
He noted that from the type of democracy practiced in Nigeria, it is expedient for those that are led to also participate in governance, to be consulted and even where they are not consulted, they can advise to make their views known.
“Therefore, the theme is apt and is coming at a time when by the grace of God, in February 2023, Nigerians will go to the polls to elect new set of leaders.
”But the issue that I think is central is to how we reach there. The day is a long time.
“They say in politics, but I also think in governance between now and then, those of us who are at the moment at the saddle of leadership are supposed to continue to remain focused.
“They should also consult widely as to what we have been doing and make it better,” Buhari said.
