Buhari recalls narrow escape from mob at prayer ground

President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday admitted that the heavy security cordon around him is not capable of protecting him.

He said only God can protect him from being harmed.

Buhari made the submission while granting audience to the Muslim community in the Federal Capital Territory that paid him the traditional Sallah homage at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The President recalled his experience earlier in the day when some youths, who were desperate to catch a glimpse of him at the prayer ground located on the Airport Road during the Eid-el-Fitri prayers, almost overwhelmed security operatives.

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Amidst laughter from his guests, Buhari told the story of how he had to hold tight to his agbada and quickly rushed into his car.

He added that with what happened with Ronald Reagan during his time as United States President, it was clear that only God could protect leaders.

He said anybody armed with a sharp knife could have caused havoc in that kind of riotous situation.

The President said, “I thank you most sincerely for fulfilling the tradition of greetings whoever occupies this place. I thank you very much for your loyalty to the country, as represented by our institutions and to the system.

“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 wave my hand to the wild youths, who wanted to see me.

“On an occasion like this, it shows that after what happened to (former) President Ronald Reagan of the 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.

“So, all the policemen that were deployed and soldiers since 6 o’clock in the morning, before I came out two hours later in the rains, cannot protect you; only God protects. I hope God will continue to protect us.”

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who also joined the delegation, commended the President for giving an enabling environment for people of different faiths to co-exist in the country.

This, he said, was in fulfillment of Buhari’s electoral promise that no religion would be given undue advantage over others under him.

Osinbajo assured Nigerians that they would soon be enjoying the good of the nation that would be made possible by the present administration.

“Our country is one with a great potential. We should contribute our quota to its development and in no time, we will see a great change. All of us will enjoy this nation. Even our children and grandchildren will enjoy the good of the land,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary of the FCT, Mr. Obinna Chukwu, urged all Nigerians to be their neighbours’ keepers and continue to work for the peace of the country.

He said he led the delegation to pledge loyalty and commitment to the President and his administration.

He later presented Sallah gifts, consisting a giant greeting car, a photo frame and a mat designed in the national colours to the President.

Top government officials, members of the National Assembly and Presidential aides, among others, were part of the delegation.