President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday swore in his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, a few weeks after his appointment was announced.
Others sworn in at the event held inside the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir Lawal; and the National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (retd.).
Speaking at the brief event, the newly sworn-in Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir Lawal, said contrary to the belief of many, his appointment and those of some other appointees of President Muhammadu Buhari were not based on their ethnicity or religion.
“We want to thank God for granting Mr. President the vision, wisdom, kindness and boldness to consider us worthy of positions of responsibilities.
“We did not have to pass examination to get appointed into these positions; not because of our tribes, our faiths or our political groups that we were considered worthy for these positions.
“If it is such, 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.
“We have in you (the President) and the Vice President, leaders that lead by examples; leaders that are focused; leaders 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, hard work and integrity,” he stated.
Buhari did not make any statement at the brief ceremony that was attended by top government officials, including the nation’s service chiefs and permanent secretaries as well as some leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress, led by their National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.
Adesina’s appointment was one of the first set of appointments announced by Buhari on May 31.
Monguno’s appointment was announced on July 13 while Lawal was appointed last Thursday
