Buhari: I didn”t know my ministers, other appointees

President Muhammadu Buhari has said he did not know some of the top officials in his government, including ministers, before appointing them. President Buhari explained that he just came across their names from the records which, he said, he worked with, to appoint them. Buhari, according to a statement by his spokesman Mr Femi Adesina, […]

President Muhammadu Buhari has said he did not know some of the top officials in his government, including ministers, before appointing them.

President Buhari explained that he just came across their names from the records which, he said, he worked with, to appoint them.

Buhari, according to a statement by his spokesman Mr Femi Adesina, said this in Abakaliki on Tuesday at a dinner organised in his honour by the Ebonyi State Government during his visit.

President Buhari, however, said that he thanked God that he had a very good team.

"Some of the people holding high positions in the government, like my ministers, will tell you that I didn’t know them from Adam.

‘‘I just came across their names from the records and I worked with the records. I thank God that I have a very good team,’’ Buhari said.

President Buhari also stated that many of his appointees were purely appointed on merit and their proven track records.

The president emphasised that he always considered what was best for Nigeria in his decisions. 

He commended Governor David Umahi for his development strides in the state, saying ‘‘the absolute commitment of the governor to his position is very remarkable and I am very impressed.’’

Buhari expressed gratitude to God and the people of Ebonyi for recognising his modest contribution to the country.

The president described Nigeria as a great country with incredible resources and highly talented people.

Buhari, however, said Nigerians should continue to pray to God that the elite that will be in charge of the country in the future fear God.