The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Retd. Colonel Hammed Ali, has said if he were to be in President Muhammadu Buhari’s position, he would not have contemplated seeking re-election in 2019.
Ali made this known on Tuesday when he led the team of Buhari Support Organisations to the Presidential Villa to see Buhari.
The Customs boss said at 70, he would not have sought re-election if he was in the President’s shoes.
He, however, said it was President Buhari’s love for the country and his integrity as well as his excellent achievements that have prompted him to seek a fresh four-year mandate.
He said: “All we want to say on behalf of Nigerians is that we are solidly behind you in this second term bid.
“People may ask why are you so passionate about change.
“Why were you so committed in 2014 and why are you so committed in 2018?
“This is because you are a man of integrity, honesty and above all Mr. President you love this great nation.
“I have said it and I will repeat it here: Mr. President, with all due respect, at 70 plus, with good retirement benefits and with your house in Daura, if I were you, I will see no reason to be in this arena.”
The customs boss said when Buhari was campaigning for election in 2014, not many believed he could lead the country despite his achievements as governor and minister.
“Those of us who have experienced those past years know exactly what it was.
“But today, 2018, those of us here know that your being president has changed this country.
“Three years into your tenure, the tremendous achievements that have been made, we have laid the foundation, we have started building roads, but Mr. President we must complete the building.”
Ali added that Buhari has been his mentor in service and out of service and he has been fortunate enough to have worked very closely with the President.
“Today we can breathe the air and most importantly, those of us who are Muslims can pray in the Mosque during Ramadan.
“That would never have happened.
“I remember as far as Kaduna is from North East, we could hardly sleep at night because of security.”
