President Muhammadu Buhari says he believes history will be kind to his administration, following the situation inherited on security and economy and the difference that has been made.
Buhari said this while commissioning the developmental projects in health, education, and road infrastructure in Katsina State on Thursday.
“I have done my best, and I hope history will be kind to me,” he said.
According to a statement issued by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, some of the projects commissioned by President Buhari were 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, who is on a two-day official visit to the state, also inspected ongoing work on the first flyover in Katsina, which has reached 90 per cent completion in the Government Reserved Area.
President Buhari further stated that the former Head of State, General Sani Abacha, had been criticized for his leadership style, while many ignored the contributions of the Petroleum Trust Fund, which he chaired under the former Head of State.
The President noted that the PTF implemented many developmental projects, particularly in health, education and infrastructure, with some of the projects still evident in many parts of the country.
Buhari explained that the Kano-Katsina-Maradi (Niger Republic) rail line was designed to enhance neighborliness and ease economic activity between Nigeria and Niger, and not only for cultural affiliation.
“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.
President Buhari said the governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum, deserved commendation for the youthful energy, intellectual capacity, and visionary leadership he deployed in improving the security situation in the North-East.
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Buhari extolled Zulum for being daring by neglecting threats to his life, and 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 stated.
He urged Nigerians to be more focused on getting education that equips them for a dynamic and digital world, instead of studying to get a job only.
At the lunch, after the inspection and commissioning, President Buhari appreciated the sacrifices and dedication of the state government in constructions, upgrading facilities, and supply of medication and working tools.
President Buhari added that he was pleased that Governor Aminu Masari’s administration placed more emphasis on the educational sector.
“While all the achievements recorded in Katsina State under the leadership of the Executive Governor are important, the education sector has really emboldened my belief that our society is in a stead to enjoy transformation in near future because when education permeates the life of members of society then the propensity to experience growth and development is very high.
“As I listened to Governor Masari’s address a few minutes ago, he upped the level of our confidence in the modest Federal Government projects and interventions in Katsina State,” he said.
He, therefore, assured citizens that the government would continue working for the peace and harmony of the country.
In his remarks, Masari thanked President Buhari for honouring the invitation to commission projects in the state.
Governor Masari noted that many hospitals had been renovated and upgraded, adding that schools had been built and repositioned for quality education in the state.
The governor, who presented a full report on his achievements in office over seven years, noted that enrolment in schools moved from over one million to more than two million annually, following interventions by the state government.
Masari appreciated the President for support to the states like the bailout, budget support, and refunds which he said enabled many states to pay salaries and record some achievements at the downturn of the economy, with drop in price of crude oil.
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