17th July, 2015
Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja
President Muhmmadu Buhari on Friday stated that the army or police cannot protect anyone from danger but only God can.
Buhari stated this when he was recalling how he was nearly mobbed by a crowd of excited Nigerians when he joined Muslims to observe the Eid prayers, marking the end of the Ramadan fast at a prayer ground located along International Airport road, Abuja.
The President who said the ability of the enthusiastic Nigerians to evade the very tight security deployed around him indicated that true protection only lies with God.
The President spoke when the Abuja Muslim community paid the traditional Sallah homage to him after the Eid prayers.
Vice President Yomi Osinbajo, Obinna Chukwu, the Permanent Secretary, of Federal Capital Territory, FCT and other top officials were part of the delegation that paid Buhari a visit.
“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 agbada to get to my car.
“I was advised to enter the car from the ADC’s 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 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 six 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,” the President said while thanking the his visitors.
Buhari thanked top government officials who were in the delegation for the visit.
In his response, Vice President Osinbajo noted that Nigeria has a great potential and all citizens should contribute their quota to its development to see a great change.
“All of us will enjoy this nation. Even our children and grandchildren will enjoy the good of the land,” said the Vice President.
The FCT delegation later presented gifts to the President.