As I leave Aso Rock I will have time for my cattle—Buhari

With just four days to the end of his eight-year tenure in office, President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday dropped a hint about what he would be doing as one of his favourite pastimes in his country home, Daura, Katsina.

He said with enough time in hands he would return to animal husbandry, which involves day-to-day care, selective breeding, and the raising of his cattle.

“I will also be happy to do the many things that I have not been able to since May 29th, 2015, one of such is my favorite pastime of taking care of my cattle,” Buhari stated.

The president spoke during a valedictory session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and at a meeting with staff of Aso Villa, as part of a countdown on his eight-year administration.

At the valedictory session held in the council chamber of the presidential villa, Buhari thanked all the ministers for their steadfastness in pursuing the goals of the administration, urging support for the incoming president, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, even from outside government.

President Buhari thanked the ministers for working closely together, despite many odds and challenges, and sustaining the synergy that translated into many achievements.

“I am proud to say we gave our best,’’ a statement by presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, quoted the president as saying.

He also directed the ministers to tidy up their work and avoid last-minute rush that could compromise the good deeds they had done over the years.

He stated: “In the course of our years together, ranging from our newest addition to the oldest members of the team for the past seven and half years, we have differed on many issues. I urge that we understand that those positions were for the collective good, and no one should keep grievances, or carry these differences forward.

“For those of us that will not directly be in government, I know that I am one of such, I ask that we continue to provide our support, in whatever way we can, if called upon by our great party, All Progressives Congress (APC) that gave us the platform to stand and we must continue to support it in every way we can”.

The president attributed all the good work and goodwill enjoyed by his administration to God’s intervention, saying, “I also thank God for the strength and for keeping us together.

“I look forward to a great many of you, disproving that Daura has not become too distant because I am no longer Mr President.

“I wish all of us the best and hope to hear good news whenever any of our names are mentioned. Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,’’ he added.

President Buhari also met with members of Staff of the State House, lauding both the senior and junior workers for supporting his administration for eight years.

He noted that the administration had stretched to accommodate the views of workers and to meet some of their needs, within the available resources.