Buhari: Only God protects leaders

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the deployment of heavy security men around him was not a total guarantee of his safety as only God protects leaders. The president was recounting his experience yesterday at the National Eid prayer ground along the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport road in Abuja where his security men were overwhelmed by jubilant youths who surged forward to have a glimpse of him. He said such incidence could be dangerous to any leader as anyone with evil intention among the crowd could exploit the situation to harm him. President Buhari disclosed this while granting audience to the Muslim community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who paid him the traditional Sallah homage at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.He said: “Today, during and immediately after the prayers, I think I was bombarded by the youths who almost overwhelmed the security, and I had to hold tight to my gown to get to my car.

I was advised to enter the car from the ADC side and I refused. I went across trying to hold my hand to the wild youths who wanted to see me. “On an occasion like this, it shows that after what happened to President Ronald Reagan of the United States of America (USA), it is only God Almighty that protects leaders because in a mob like this, anybody with a sharp knife can get access and do a lot of damage. The President said: “So, all the policemen that were deployed and soldiers since 6am before I came out two hours later in the rains cannot protect you only God protects.

I hope God will continue to protect us.” While speaking, he con-gratulated the visitors who were led by the Permanent Secretary in the FCT, Mr. Obina Chukwu, for having the privilege to shake hands with him, pointing out that several other folks out there were dying to have such opportunity.

The Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, told journalists that the future generation would commend the Buhari’s administration after its tenure. Meanwhile, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Mr. Femi Adesina, has said the President’s trip to the United States of America on July 21 is for the greater good of all Nigerians both home and abroad. He also noted that sensitive issues that dwell on security, anti-corruption and economic advancement as well as bilateral trade agreements would also be part of the major issues to be discussed during the meeting.

Adesina, who was speaking to BEN Television in an exclusive interview at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja emphasised that the trip which is an invitation from the American Government is a continuation of the talks between President Muhammadu Buhari and President Barack Obama during the G7 Summit in Germany.

“The president will be talking about insurgency and how they (the United States Government) can help in tackling the Boko Haram menace particularly in the areas of intelligence gathering and provision of some vital equipment,” said but he however ruled out the possibility of America deploying troops to Nigeria. While speaking further, Adesina said: “As you are aware, this government is committed to anti-corruption, the President has said it openly that money missing from Nigeria’s coffers is in billions of dollars and these monies are starched away in different parts of the world.