Buhari: We’ve failed woefully, elites should pity this country

President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to Nigerian elites “to pity this country,” which he said has failed “woefully” in terms of the utilisation of its human and natural resources.

Buhari appealed to those who have influence on the economy to sit, reflect, and make sure that the people get what they deserve from their leaders.

He emphasised the importance of building a solid foundation for the coming generation, reiterating his call for prayers.

The president was speaking on Thursday, when he hosted members of the judiciary to a dinner at the presidential villa in Abuja.

“The elites should please pity this country and make more sacrifices. Please persuade our fellow elites to be more patriotic,” he said.

“We are in a very, very difficult position now. We came at a time when suddenly we realized, unfortunately that we have through our personal incompetence as Nigerian elites ended up as a mono-economy in spite of the potentiality of this country, which the rest of the world seemed to know more.

“The world believed Nigeria has been favoured by God Almighty in terms of material and human resources. But, we have failed woefully.”

Commenting on the high rate of insecurity in the north-east and the Niger Delta, Buhari expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its challenges.

“We have observed what happened in the last 15 years. We have enjoyed so much prosperity. But, eventually, the thing we looked for most, security, first in the north-east, threatened us, secondly, in Niger Delta,” he said.

“We have the strength to survive it, and survive it we must… Let us pray to God Almighty.”

Among those in attendance were Walter Onnoghen, and Bode–Rhodes Vivour, supreme court judges, Alfa Belgore, former chief justice of Nigeria, and Moses Bello, president of the customary court of appeal.