TheCable

President Muhammadu Buhari has explained the reason why “he is not in a hurry” to take decisions.

Buhari made the explanation when he hosted some top members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to a dinner at the presidential villa in Abuja.

Buhari said his experience as a military dictator is one of the major reasons for his gradual pace.

He said he was “quite reckless” as a soldier, recalling how he considered ministers and governors guilty until they proved otherwise.

The president also told the APC leaders that he is fully aware of the issues confronting the country and that he is guided by historical antecedents.

Buhari with APC leaders

“I keep telling people that while I was in uniform, quite reckless and young, I got all the ministers and governors, and put them in Kirikiri. I said they were guilty until they could prove their innocence. I was also detained too,” he said.

“I decided to drop the uniform and come back. Eventually, I am here. So really, I have gone through it over and over again.

“This is why I am not in a hurry virtually to do anything. I will sit and reflect and continue with my clear conscience.”

“I felt I had to invite you to let us eat together and I tell you that I am sitting here very much aware of the problem in this country. I will always reflect on historical antecedents.”

Critics of the current administration have accused the president of moving at a slow pace but he has carried on.

Back in 2015 when Buhari met with some Nigerians based in the US, he said he preferred going “slow and steady”.

“In some quarters, they are now calling me ‘Baba Go Slow’. I’m going to go slow and steady,” he had said.

It took Buhari six months to unveil his cabinet.