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Buhari swears in new appointees, silent on criticism

By Mohammed Abubakar, Abuja
01 September 2015   |   3:23 am
PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in the State House presided over the swearing in of some of the newly appointed political office holders.

Buhari 16PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in the State House presided over the swearing in of some of the newly appointed political office holders.

They included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Davis Lawal; National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen. Mohammed Babagana Monguno (rtd); and Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Femi Adesina.

The event which took place inside the Council Chambers was witnessed by the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, the new Chief of Staff (CoS), Alhaji Abba Kyari, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Tunde and the service chiefs, among others. It was a marked departure from the convention as Buhari conveniently avoided making comments. Under the previous dispensations, the President would used the opportunity of the swearing-in to respond to rave of criticism trailing such appointments since there were announced.

President Buhari merely presided over the event, asking the new SGF to offer the opening prayers, and the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Mala Buni to say the closing prayers. The SGF was appointed last week Thursday; the NSA was appointed on July 13, while Adesina was appointed on May 31.

Lawal, who responded on behalf of the appointees, thanked God for granting President Buhari the vision, wisdom, kindness and boldness to consider them worthy for positions of responsibilities.
According to him, “We did not pass the examination to get appointed into these positions because of our tribes. It is not based on our faiths, or our political groups that we were considered worthy for these positions. If it was for these reasons, I am sure none of us would have been considered worthy of these appointments. 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.”
The new SGF described Buhari and Osinbajo as leaders that lead by examples, leaders that are focused, whose goal is to build a Nigeria where there is liberty, security, economic prosperity and the rule of law.

“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, hardwork and integrity,” Lawal said.

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