An overly jubilant crowd at the Eid-el-Fitri prayer ground in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city on Friday mobbed President Muhammadu Buhari, but there was no threat to his life as the President was adequately protected by a nearly overwhelmed security detail. It was a symbolism of Buhari’s popularity among some Nigerians.
Buhari attended the prayer that marked the end of the Ramadan season and the celebration of the Muslim festival, but immediately after the prayers, the entire prayer ground became charged, the crowd pushing to either see or touch the President.
Many also brought out phones to take photographs and record the scene with the president’s security attachés working frantically to protect the President.
Though Buhari was advised to get into his car through the ADC’s side, he declined and insisted that it is only God who protects even in the midst of security officials.
Buhari, himself, narrated what transpired when the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, led top government officials on the visit to the President to felicitate with him.
Buhari said: “Today, during and immediately after the prayers, I think I was bombarded by the youths who almost overwhelmed the security and I had to hold tight to my agbada to get to my car.
“I was advised to enter the car from the ADC’s side and I refused. I went across trying to wave my hand to the wild youths who wanted to see me.
“On an occasion like this, it shows that after what happened to President Ronald Reagan of the USA, it is only God Almighty that protects leaders because in a mob like this, anybody with a sharp knife can get access and do a lot of damage.
“So, all the policemen that were deployed and soldiers since six o’ clock in the morning, before I came out two hours later in the rains, cannot protect you. Only God protects. I hope God will continue to protect us.”
Buhari thanked the delegation and commended them for their support.
“I thank you most sincerely for fulfilling the tradition of greetings for whoever occupies this place,” he said.
“I thank you very much for your loyalty to the country, as represented by our institutions and to the system.”
While speaking during the visit, Vice President Osinbajo thanked Buhari for showing the mark of true leadership and providing the environment for peaceful coexistence in the country.
Noting that Nigeria is a country with great potentials, he said: “we should contribute our quota to its development and in no time, we will see a great change.
“All of us will enjoy this nation. Even our children and grandchildren will enjoy the good of the land.”
