…writes National Assembly, resumes work
President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday promised that his administration would jail more looters who caused the nation’s economic woes.
Buhari made the promise in an interview he granted shortly after he returned to the country from London, United Kingdom where he spent his 10-day working vacation.
When asked what Nigerians should expect from him on resumption, the President said, “Most Nigerians are expecting that we are going to jail more of the thieves that brought economic problem to the country. I think that is being expected of me and I will do it.”
Buhari who also fielded questions on the recent defection of politicians, especially that of Godswill Akpabio from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress, said it was part of the beauty of democracy.
He said under democracy, individuals have the choice of identifying with political parties of their choice.
Buhari however advised politicians to provide the necessary dividends of democracy to the people.
Ahead of the 2019 general elections, the President also urged politicians to sensitise their constituents to get their Permanent Voter Cards.
This, he said, would enable them to freely vote for the candidates of their choice during the elections.
He said, “Defection should be appreciated as the beauty of democracy. People can choose the party they want to belong to.
“Let them make sure that they empower their constituents by educating them on voters registration and making sure that they get their Permanent Voter Cards and they use their rights as Nigerians to vote whoever they like across ethnicity and religion.
“This is a beauty of democracy in Nigeria, this is what I am hoping to see.”
Those who received the President included the governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari; and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Muhammad Bello.
Others were the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai; Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Abubakar Sadique; Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris and Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, Ibrahim Magu.
Meanwhile, Buhari on Saturday sent a letter to the Senate and the House of Representatives, informing the federal lawmakers of his resumption for duties as President upon the completion of his 10-day working leave.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists.
Buhari wrote the letter titled “Resumption of Office” shortly after he returned to Nigeria from London, United Kingdom where he remained throughout the vacation period.
The President’s letter to the National Assembly read, “In compliance with Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), I write to intimate the Senate (House of Representatives) that I have resumed my functions as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with effect from today, Saturday, August 18, 2018,after my vacation.
“Please accept, Distinguished Senate President, (Hon. Speaker, House of Representatives) the assurances of my highest consideration.”
