2015 polls: Goodhearted Nigerians gave me victory
President Muhammadu Buhari has attributed his victory at the 2015 general elections to the contributions of those he described as ‘goodhearted Nigerians’.
The president was speaking at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja yesterday while receiving three young admirers, who had shown high interest in his administration and prayed for his recovery during ill-health. He said those good-hearted Nigerians included 12-year-old Nicole Benson, from Lagos, who contributed N5,785 to his campaign in 2015, which was all saved up from her lunch and pocket allowance.
Presidential spokesman Femi Adesina, in a statement said: “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 penned a personal letter to President Buhari describing herself as his ‘biggest fan’.
Adesina quoted Buhari as saying: “I am very impressed by 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.
“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.”
President 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,’’ the president said, adding that 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.’’
Speaking on behalf of the parents, 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.