Don’t woo me with kickback, Buhari warns contractors

President Muhammed Buhari has warned businessmen, contractors and other privilege beneficiaries of government patronage to stop idea of offering him kickback as a way to impress him.

Penpushing reports that, Buhari gave the caution note on Friday when he visited the Emir of Daura, Umar Faruk Umar, at his palace, stressing that the beneficiaries should rather always engage in Corporate Social Responsibility,

, “I don’t want your cheque. Go and assist our communities” instead of trying to return kickbacks to public officers including my office , We don’t want cheques from anyone or organisation as returns or influence of any kind. Let them remember their Corporate Social Responsibilities,” he said.

Penpushing further reports that, the president pointed out that  the grace of God had kept Nigeria together as a country in spite of differences that led to a 30 months civil war, and thanked God for keeping the country together

“We want to thank God always for keeping us together as a country. From January 15, 1966, the country was thrown into political crisis. We had a 30 months civil war that resulted in the loss of about a million lives. We still thank God for keeping us together. We remain grateful to all those who showed interest in our unity and progress. May God continue to bless them,” he added.

The President said he would have love visiting Daura regularly but noted that the high cost of presidential movements and exposing security personnel to the weather couldn’t provide such opportunities, but gave assurance that his heart remains with the people.

“We are known for farming and I have my farm here. I could come every two weeks and no one can stop me. But the cost to the movement is high. I would rather that it be used to better our schools, clinics and hospitals;, he said.

Penpushing also reports that, Buhari  recalled fond memories of visiting the palace as a Military Head of State, expressing  happiness that the warmth and hospitality of the traditional institution had been sustained over the years.

The Emir of Daura in his remarks thanked the President for always creating time to visit his hometown and the palace despite the tight schedule,adding that his visits reflects his good character.

“Your visit to Daura reflects your good character which we are very proud of. I can assure you that men, women, children, marketers and artisans are always pleased to receive you and they will be praying for you;,he stated.

“Today is not for speeches but for appreciation. We have been blessed so much as a community because you are the leader of the country. You have brought honour to our domain. As a community, we have benefited a lot with increased traffic of people and organisations coming to help us here. We know it’s because of you.May the good Lord always go before you and behind you, and remove all obstacles from your path,” he added.

Penpushing  reports that, the Emir emphasised that  the president must remain focused in getting results particularly in securing the country, adding that the country was lucky to have him(Buhari) at the helm of affairs.

“Nigeria is lucky to have you at this time. I am not saying it to please you, but if you had not been in power it would have been very difficult. I doubt if we will be here today,” the Emir added.

Penpushing further reports that the traditional ruler used the occasion to announce conferment of the title of Talban Daura on Yusuf Buhari, son of President Buhari, adding that  a date would be announced for the turbaning ceremony which  he said might likely be before his marriage.

The Emir in similar vein, announced creation of a District in the community of the president, with headquarters in Dimurkol,adding that the turbaning of his son and creation of the district was to further extend and deepen the long relationship between the palace and the family.

Penpushing reports that, the monarch explained that  the decision was in agreement with the kingmakers in Daura Emirate Council, and the palace also used the opportunity to. clarify the difference between two titles, Talban Hausa, given to Alpha Conde, the President of Guinea and Talban Daura designated for Yusuf, the President’s son.

Meanwhile, in a related development, the palace explained that Daura, as the linchpin of the Hausa society, had conferred titles that have bearing on the Hausa Kingdom and those that are specific to the emirate.

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