I’ve no plan to install successor in 2023, says Buhari

Tunde Opalana, Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari says he has no plan whatsoever to groom a successor for the 2023 presidential election.

The President stated this while reacting to one of the requests made by the members of progressives in academics, who visited him at the State House, Abuja on Tuesday.

Spokesperson of the group, Dr. Bolariwa Bolajim had earlier enjoined the President to commence the process of grooming his successor, who would take over the mantle of leadership from him in 2023.

Bolaji said that “we are delighted having you and in another four-year time, you would want to go and rest; then who takes over from you? We are suggesting that you bring a vibrant youth among people who have shown interest, bring them in so that you start saddling them with responsibilities and you will be watching them over these next four years so that when you want to leave the circle, you would have vibrant youth to hand over to.

“This is one of the ways the gains of this government can be made to be continue, so that there will be continuity in what you are doing.’’

However, President Buhari said he would rather stay away from identifying anybody as his successor so as not to create problem for such a person, adding that “to me, this is very funny. I think if I identify anybody I’d create more problems for him or for her.

“So, I’d rather keep my mouth shut. Let those who would want to be president try as much as I did. And I believe that those who are interested know that I tried three times.

“And the first time, I thank God and technology (permanent voters’ card). Before, they just go to the television and they read the results. They say anybody who disagreed should go to court.

“And most of my supporters are looking for next day’s meal. They don’t have money to give to lawyers. So I said God dey! So, the first time God and technology came along (permanent voters’ card), they couldn’t rig the election so I won.”

The President therefore, challenged the youth to continue to work harder, saying that they should not take things for granted.

“I tried to work hard, but I think you have a lot more to do; you as intellectuals so that you correctly document Nigeria’s political development. It’s very important for the next generation.

“A lot of our young chaps are taking things for granted. Imagine contesting elections three times ending up in Supreme Court three times. It needs a lot of conviction you know and hard work.

“But people take success for granted. They say, ah, he’s the President. They think it’s just that l closed my eyes and I got it?” the President asked rhetorically.

Members of the Progressives in Academics, who were drawn from different tertiary institutions across the country, presented three proposals on revitalisation of education, power and agriculture sectors to the President for consideration and possible approval.