Age is telling on me, Buhari admits

President Muhammadu Buhari has once again that age is telling on him.

He said he works between six and eight hours every day and that he is looking forward to May 29, 2023, to leave office.

The President was 79 years old on December 17, 2021.

Buhari spoke on Thursday during an interview session televised by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

On whether age had affected his capacity as President, he said indeed the pressure of office had been tremendous,

He, however, said that he could not complain because he asked to be elected into the office.

According to him, many of his colleagues are now enjoying their retirement, saying that he hopes to emulate them in the next 17 months when his tenure ends.

“Yes, I think COVID-19 has come to my rescue in the sense that the amount of people that you need to see, can’t see you so that is losing no time and about my age, yes, I see my colleagues, they are now resting.

“I assure you that I’m looking forward to the next 17 months when I too would have to be less busy.

“Age is telling on me, working now for 6,7,8 hours a day in the office is no joke. Questions of executive council memos from as many states as possible to be considered virtually every week.

“So, really it is a lot of hard work, but I asked for it and I cannot complain,” he said.

The President expressed eagerness to hand over power, affirming that he had done his best for Nigeria and he would continue to do so for the general progress of the nation.

He said: “Yes, because, look, as you know I have been a governor. I have been a minister and I’m in my second term as President. So, I have gone through the system, and really, what else can I do with this country?

“I have given my best and I hope after I leave Nigerians will reflect and at least not show appreciation. I’m not expecting any appreciation.

“But what I’m expecting is for Nigerians to say yes, this man has done his best. This is the most I’m expecting from Nigerians. But it’s no joke. I’m telling you.

“Look at the problem we’re having in the South-East now. How many police stations were taken over, weapons missing?

“We closed the border with Benin, we closed the border with Niger. But we had to accept the reality that the weapons are coming from our own armouries, police stations have been attacked, and so on.

“So, the main problem is, I hope, I will leave a more secure Nigeria than what it is now,” he said.

TheStar

Seun Akinwunmi