President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday gave his reasons why he was able to defeat former President Goodluck Jonathan during the 2015 general elections.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President attributed his victory to those he described as “good-hearted Nigerians.” while receiving three of his young admirers at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The girls were said to have shown high interest in Buhari’s administration and prayed for his recovery during ill-health.
Three-year-old Maya Jammal became an internet sensation when her videoed prayer for the President’s recovery went viral, while 10-year-old Aisha Aliyu Gebbi wrote a personal letter to Buhari describing herself as his “biggest fan”.
Nicole Benson, 12 years old, had contributed N5,785 to the President’s campaign in 2015, which was all saved up from her lunch and pocket allowance.
“I am very impressed with what the children have been able to do. I can see Maya is shy. I watched her video where she was praying for my recovery when I was ill,” Buhari was quoted as saying.
He attributed his victory at the polls to the contributions of good-hearted Nigerians, like young Nicole, who is from Lagos State, and showed her support by sending her personal savings.
“Nicole, I congratulate you, and myself for being here today. Your contribution made a great impact. As you can see, I am here in the Presidential Villa. Thank you,’’ he said.
Buhari told Aisha that her letter was heart-warming, noting that he felt re-assured knowing he had fans amongst the children.
“Thank you very much for the letter,’’ he said.
The President said he looked forward to more visits from the children.
“I am hoping that it will not be the first and last time we will be meeting while I am here. We will continue to meet even after I have left here,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the parents, Mr. Aliyu Ibrahim Gebbi, said the President’s gesture of inviting the children to the Presidential Villa was a dream come true.
Gebbi said the invitation also added to the President’s long-standing record of good-heartedness and fairness.
“In a nation with few legends and accuracy of truth, we look up to you, Mr. President, and our children are looking up to you,’’ he added.
Maya lives in the FCT, while Aisha came in from Bauchi State.