I’m Not Bothered About 2019 Election — Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari pulled another string in the United Kingdom on Monday when he said he was not particularly bothered about politics and the intrigues associated with it for now.
Rather, he said his priorities are fixed on the economy and increasing security threats in the country, especially since he assumed office as president.
His comments came barely one week, after he declared intentions to run for a second term in office as president in the forthcoming general elections.
The conversation ensued just as Buhari was having a bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister, Theresa May at No.10, Downing Street, London.
“We campaigned on three major issues, to secure the country, revive the economy and fight corruption.
“We have elections next year, politicians are already pre-occupied with the polls, but I am bothered more about security and the economy”, President Buhari said.
The president’s recent declaration to re-contest had precipitated diverse reactions from Nigerians, with politicians from the opposition apparently reviewing their strategies ahead of the polls set for February next year.
A statement by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, also quoted Buhari as delving into the long standing relationship between Nigeria and Britain and the need to re-introduce history as a subject in the educational system.
According to Buhari, Nigeria’s relationship with Britain dates back to the days of trade and investments.
He regretted the now moribund history as a subject in the educational system and noted that there was a need for its re-introduction to keep Nigerians abreast of these developments.
He said, “People ought to know how they arrived where they are, if they would move forward. It was a mistake for us to have stopped the teaching of history as a subject in schools, but we are returning it to the curriculum now”.
He also lauded British companies like Unilever, Cadbury, and many others, “who have stood with Nigeria through thick and thin. Even when we fought a Civil War, they never left.
“But like Oliver Twist, we ask for more investments. We are encouraging more British companies to come to Nigeria. We appreciate the support you have given in training and equipping our military, particularly in the war against insurgency, but we want to also continue to work with you on trade and investment”.
