I apologise for my difficult choices that caused pains – Buhari

As President Muhammadu Buhari leaves office tomorrow, he has appealed to Nigerians over some of the difficult choices he made that brought pains and sufferings to Nigerians.

President Buhari has also given himself a pass mark, saying that he is leaving Nigerians in 2023 better than he met it in 2015.

This is as he has expressed grief that his administration was unable to rescue some children still in captivity even as he said that he mourned with parents, friends and relatives of all those that lost loved ones as a result of senseless brigandage and carnage.

These among others were contained in the President’s farewell speech to Nigerians as he bowed out of office after completing eight years in charge of the affairs of the country.

President Buhari in his speech described the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the February 25 elections and President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as the best candidate in the election.

Tendering his apology over policies that brought hardships to Nigerians, the outgoing President said, “In the course of revamping the economy, we made some difficult choices, most of which yielded the desired results. Some of the measures led to temporary pain and suffering for which I sincerely apologised to my fellow countrymen, but the measures were taken for the over-all good of the country.

“Up-till now, I still grieve for our children still in captivity, mourn with parents, friends and relatives of all those that lost loved ones in the days of the senseless brigandage and carnage. For all those under unlawful captivity our Security Agencies are working round the clock to secure their release unharmed

“Our battle to ensure that all Nigerians live in a safe and secure environment has achieved considerable results. As I complete my term in office, we have been able to reduce the incidences of banditry, terrorism, armed robbery and other criminal activities considerably.

“As I retire home to Daura, Katsina State, I feel fulfilled that we have started the Nigeria Re-Birth by taking the initial critical steps and I am convinced the in-coming administration will quicken the pace of this walk to see a Nigeria that fulfils its destiny to be a great nation.

” I am confident that I am leaving office with Nigeria better in 2023 than in 2015.”

He said the address was his last assignment as a democratically elected President of the great and well-endowed nation, with a deep sense of gratitude to God, a great deal of appreciation to the Nigerian people and a modest sense of fulfilment.

He said, “Today we mark and celebrate another peaceful transition of power from one elected government to another in our steady march to improve and sustain Nigeria’s democracy.

“This year we witnessed the most keenly contested Presidential Elections since the first Republic and this demonstrates that our democracy is getting better and more entrenched with each election. Vanguard