President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday in Daura, his hometown, said he fled home to join the Nigerian Army amidst growing pressure for him to get married.
Highlighting the years of battle during the Nigerian Civil War and some personal challenges, Buhari said he secured his first job early after school to manage a co-operative in Daura, but had to escape to join the army when his family pressured him into marriage.
According to a statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari revealed this when he visited the Emir of Daura, Faruk Faruk, after unveiling two roads.
The statement is titled ‘God has been kind to me; I survived many battles – President Buhari.’
It read in part, “President Buhari said that he secured his first job early after school to manage a co-operative in Daura, but had to escape and join the army when there was pressure that he should get married.”
The President was quoted as saying, “I told Governor Aminu Masari the story of how I left Daura to join the army. That was how God planned it. We make choices in life, but eventually destiny is before God.
“I was at the war front during the civil war, and saw how many died. Some fell right beside me. God kept me.
“Many bridges were blown just before we arrived at some places, and after we crossed. I arrived at some places to see bodies of my own colleagues that we were fighting together. I am alive today only by God’s grace.”
He also said being the chief executive of a diverse country such as Nigeria must have been by the grace of God.
“This opportunity to serve the nation comes from God. All over the world, Nigeria is known for its diversity, with different religions and cultures.
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“We are also known because we have a huge population of millions of people. For the President of Nigeria, at this time, to come from Daura is the grace and mercy of God,” Buhari said.
Again, he assured the emirate that he would return and settle in Daura after handing over on May 29, 2023.
The President thanked the monarch for his various recognitions and titles given to his close aides and family members.
“I am grateful for all the support,” he stated.
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