Babachir Lawal, secretary to the government of the federation, has dismissed insinuations that President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent appointments are driven by ethnic or religious sentiments.
Buhari’s latest appointments have especially been received with criticism, with most key positions going to the president’s northern region.
Lawal, who was speaking after taking oath office administered by the president at the presidential villa, said he would not have been appointed if Buhari had taken some sentiments into consideration.
“We want to thank God for granting Mr President the vision, wisdom, kindness and boldness to consider us worthy for positions of responsibilities,” he said.
“We did not have to pass examination to get appointed into these positions – not because of our tribes, our faiths or our political groups that we were considered worthy for these positions. If it is such, I am sure none of us would have been considered worthy of these appointments.
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“We appreciate the president and we appreciate God that He has blessed us with these privileged appointments. It is a privilege to serve Nigerians in these capacities at this point in time.
“Nigeria is at the threshold of achieving greatness and it is our honour and privilege to be senior members of the team that will propel the country to this greatness.
“We have in you (Buhari ) and the vice president, leaders that lead by examples, leaders that are focused, leaders whose goal is to build a Nigeria where there is liberty, security, economic prosperity and the rule of law.
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“We are grateful that we are part of the team to deliver this goal. Accept our assurances that by the grace of God, we will not fail you, we will not fail our country, we will not fail ourselves, our families and our friends. By the grace of God, we will not fail you either. We will strive at all times to serve our country and to serve you with excellence, hard work and integrity.”
Femi Adesina, special adviser to the president on media and publicity, and Babagana Monguno, national security adviser (NSA), were also sworn on Monday.
1 comments
This is a sad day for the unholly marriage between the north and south called nigeria. Buhari will soon learn that The yoruba’s and the ibos[SW,SE,SS] are not very forgiving people. time will tell.