As the Muhammadu Buhari regime nears its end, Nigeria’s first lady, Aisha Buhari has sought the forgiveness of citizens over her husband’s failure in progressing the nation’s economy having spent almost eight years in office.

Mrs Buhari made the prayer of forgiveness at a special Juma’at service and public lecture to celebrate the nation’s 62nd independence anniversary, held at the National Mosque Conference Hall in Abuja on Friday. The event was themed: ‘Shura: The Islamic Foundation of True Democracy’.

“Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, as you may be aware that this government is making its exit and perhaps witnessing the last anniversary of the regime, I ask Nigerians to pray for a successful election and transition programme,” urged Mrs Buhari.

“The regime might not have been a perfect one, but I want to seize this opportunity to seek forgiveness from the Ulamas and Nigerians in general. We all need to work together to achieve a better Nigeria,” she added.

The first lady acknowledged that the naira’s helpless fall in her husband’s tenure had subjected many citizens to untold hardship. The policies of Godwin Emefiele appointed by Mr Buhari to man the nation’s apex bank, Central Bank of Nigeria, had yet to positively impact the economy.

“Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, it is also noticeable that our naira is being evaluated and the foreign exchange rate has affected our economy causing a lot of hardship and difficulties in terms of education, health and other day-to-day activities of our citizens.”

Mrs Buhari further commended the efforts of security operatives in fighting terrorists and bandits, she prayed “for more successes in their operations,”

“I’m particularly happy that our security agents have stood up to the challenges of security more than ever before. And at the moment, their efforts have been pushing the effects of banditry, kidnapping and many other ills in the society,”Mrs Buhari said. “I commend the efforts of our gallant security men and women.”