TheCable

The presidency has refuted the report that President Muhammadu Buhari would not be able to function effectively in office because age is not on his side.

While interacting with the Nigerian community in South Africa on Monday, Buhari had said he wished he was given the opportunity to lead the country at a younger age.

“How I wish I became head of state when I was a governor, just a few years as a young man. Now at 72, there is a limit to what I can do,” he had said.

The statement had generated lots of reaction, with a group calling on him to resign.

But in his response on Wednesday Femi Adesina, special adviser to the president on media and publicity, said Buhari was quoted out of context.

Adesina said the president is capable of leading the country in such a way that Nigerians would not regret electing him.

“As the saying goes, ‘old wines are tasty’ and the President Buhari we have today is a man, like old wine, that has got tastier. At 72, yes, he can’t be called a youth, but he has in quantum the wisdom, the patience, temperance and forbearance that age brings. And all these virtues he has brought to the Presidency, to make a difference in our national life,” the statement read.

“The president assured the Nigerian community in South Africa that his administration will make  a positive impact on the country. And that he would do.

“Insecurity, as symbolised by insurgency, will be brought to an end, corruption will be fought to a standstill, employment will be created for the teeming army of unemployed, the economy will be revived, and the quality of life of Nigerians will take an upward swing again. These will not come by a sudden flight, but they will happen in the life of this administration.

“At 72, the Buhari persona has not changed. He remains the simple, honest, incorruptible patriot he has always been. And because Nigerians earnestly desired change, that was why they voted for him overwhelmingly at the general election in March, this year. All the virtues and values of the Buhari persona will be deployed into governance in the weeks and months ahead.

“The Nigerian community in South Africa was enthralled as President Buhari spoke with them on Monday. In fact, leaving the venue was an effort, as they swarmed round the president, who shook hands with as many of them as he could.

“They took his message well. That is the essence of good wine. It gets better with age. And it is a message for all Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora.”