President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday appealed to Nigerian elites to be more patriotic and partner with his administration in making life more meaningful to ordinary Nigerians.
The president made the appeal at the breaking of fast dinner with retired and serving Justices of the Supreme Court at the Aso Rock, Villa, Abuja.
Buhari criticised the selfish attitudes of some individuals whom, he said were bent on strangulating the nation’s economy through illegal and sharp practices.
According to him, God has been good to Nigeria in terms of material and human resources, “but the elites have failed woefully in translating this to prosperity for the country.”
He, therefore, enjoined the Justices to assist in re-educating and convincing the elites on the need to be more patriotic in their actions and deeds, to create a just, fair and stable society.
“So, at this age, at the position we are, more demand is made on us to persuade those we know, the elites, to please pity this country and make more sacrifices.
“At whatever forum, please persuade our fellow elites to be more patriotic because which kind of country are we leaving for our children and our grand children.
“Everybody in the world believes Nigeria has been favoured by God Almighty in terms of material and human resources.
“But we have failed, woefully failed so far to explore it and thank God for these gifts.”
The president reminded his guests that Nigeria was in a difficult position occasioned by the dwindling oil revenue, and urged them to continue to pray for the betterment of the country.
He, however, expressed optimism that the country would survive the current socio-economic challenges.
“We are in a very, very difficult position now. We came at a time when suddenly we realized, unfortunately, that we have, through our personal incompetence as Nigerian elites, ended up as a mono-economy in spite of the potentiality of this country, which the rest of the world seemed to know more.
“We have observed what happened in the last 15 years. We have enjoyed so much prosperity.
“ But, eventually, the thing we looked for most, security, first in the North East, threatened us, secondly, in Niger Delta.
“But we know we have the strength to survive it and survive it we must.
Retired Justice Salihu Belgore, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, thanked the president for inviting them for the dinner and assured him they would continue to partner with the government to ensure speedy transformation of the country.(NAN)