President Muhammadu Buhari has again expressed his eagerness to leave office once his eight-year tenure ends on May 29, 2023. He said he will retire to his hometown in Daura, Katsina State, to rest from the rigours of the exalted office.

”I have promised a lot of my colleagues that I will try to be as far away as possible from Abuja when I leave office, so that nobody can create any problem for me anymore,” Mr Buhari told a delegation of FCT residents who had come to pay him Christmas homage at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

He added: “I will be in Daura, which is on the border with Niger Republic and I think in spite of technology, I will be safe enough there.”

The president reiterated that he would not stay in office a day longer than the stipulated time for his tenure of office.

“So, In five months’ time, I will happily retire according to the provisions of the constitution of the country and go back home,” he added.

The visit, which has become an annual ritual, will be Mr Buhari’s last as an elected Nigerian leader.

Mohammed Bello, the FCT minister, who led the delegation, told the president that the Christmas homage had become mandatory in view of the fact that he is the Governor General of the FCT.

“It is not surprising to pay such visits because constitutionally, as the Governor General of the FCT, you are also the head of the administration of the FCT, but you have graciously delegated that to me.

“Today marks a milestone for us because in 2020 and 2021 we could not pay such visits due to the emergence of coronavirus,” he added.

The minister took time to wish President Buhari long life and a successful retirement as his tenure gradually comes to an end.

He said: “This also presents the last Christmas that we are going to have an opportunity as residents of the FCT to come and pay you homage because in five months’ time, your tenure would have ended and the next Christmas will be under a new president.

“So, we use this opportunity to thank God almighty for having made it possible for us to witness several Christmas celebrations under your leadership.

“I also on behalf of the entire residents of the FCT, wish you well and pray for God to grant you long life, useful and healthy retirement in the next few months.

“We want to also extend our appreciation for what you have so far done for the country.”