President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Abuja after spending eight days in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State, where he, among others, joined his kinsmen to celebrate the Eid- El Kabir.
The Presidential aircraft took off at the Umaru Musa Yar’dua international at exactly 4pm.
President Buhari, who visited the Emir of Daura, Dr Umar Faruk Umar, at his Palace, before leaving his hometown sent a message to contractors and businessmen to stop trying to send kickbacks to him and other public office holders.
He advised them to give such kick back to the needy in their communities.
“I don’t want tour cheques. Go and assist our communities
“We don’t want cheques from anyone or organisation as returns or influence of any kind. Let them remember their Corporate Social Responsibilities,” Buhari said.
President Buhari noted that much as he would have loved to visit Daura more frequently, but due to the high cost of presidential movements and exposing security personnel to the weather, he would rather act otherwise.
“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 of the movement is high. I would rather that it be used to better our schools, clinics and hospitals,” said the President.
According to the President, it has been the grace of God that has kept Nigeria together as a country in spite of differences that led to a 30 months civil war
“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.
Before his departure from the state, Friday evening, the president received the guard of honour from troops of the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force operating under the 17 brigade and 213 Forward Operating Base respectively.
The Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari, his deputy, Mannir Yakubu, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Tasiu Maigari, among other top government functionaries and citizens in the state were on ground to bid the President farewell at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport.