At a surprise 79th birthday celebration prepared for him by government officials in his delegation on Friday in Istanbul, Turkey, President Muhammadu Buhari spoke about his plans after leaving office.
Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s spokesman, verified this in an Abuja statement, saying the Nigerian leader was caught aback when he went to chair a planning meeting with Nigerian officials in his group.
President Buhari was greeted by a surprise lineup of the Nigerian delegation with a cake decked in Nigeria’s national colors as he stepped out of his hotel and moved to the meeting room, according to Garba Shehu.
As they began chanting “Happy Birthday, Mr. President,” the throng erupted into a chorus.
Following that, President Buhari proceeded to the Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul to meet with his Turkish counterpart, Tayyip Recep Erdogan.
In response to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama’s tribute on behalf of the ministers and the rest of the group, President Buhari stated he would do his best for Nigeria till the end of his term in 2023 when he will pass over to a successor.
While enjoying his retirement from the White House, the president stated that he planned to return to his farm to tend to tender crops and livestock.
He said: “I thought that being away from Abuja I will escape these things. The Guards Brigade had written to tell me what they wanted to do on this day. Now here you are doing this far away from home.
“I look forward to the year 2023 when I finish, to go home to take charge of my farm. Between now and that time, I will do the best that is possible to advance the interest of the nation and its people, and carry out my duties as prescribed by the Constitution.”
Ismail Yusuf Abba, the Minister of Foreign Affairs who addressed on behalf of the group and the Nigerian Ambassador to Turkey, commended President Muhammadu Buhari on the wonderful work he is doing for the country.
He wished him a happy birthday, a long and healthy life, and the strength to serve his country to the best of his ability.
Onyeama pointed out that the president’s health has been improving and becoming more active over time.