John Shiklam
President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, said he was convinced that with the cooperation of Nigerians, the challenges the country faced would be surmounted soon. Buhari stated this at the wedding of the son of Taraba State Governor, Mr. Darius Ishaku, which held at the Anglican Church, Katsina Road, Kaduna.
Represented by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, the president acknowledged that the security situation in the country was a challenge, but assured it would come to an end. He said the large gathering at the wedding, which cut across political and religious divides, was an indication that together Nigerians could confront the challenges and the enemies of the country.
Buhari stated, “I am so convinced today that the challenges we face as a nation will certainly come to an end. I am so convinced by virtue of not just the exaltation that we have (at the wedding) but also a cross-section of those who came to honour Dikan and Zulai today – all coming from across party and religious lines.
“So, what it tells me is that together, we stand united to be able to confront the challenges and, of course, the enemies of the state.”
In his own comments, Irabor said, “The security of this nation certainly is a challenge currently, but it shall come to pass.” He said everything was being done to ensure the security of Nigerians, as directed by the President.
According to him, “We are doing everything possible, as the Commander-in-Chief has mandated me as the Chief of Defence Staff to do everything possible to ensure security of lives and property of everything Nigerian and everyone that is inhabiting the geographical space of Nigeria is protected.
“And this, of course, I thought I should put in context to thank everyone for all the support that you have given to the armed forces, the police and other security agencies as they forge ahead in bringing peace to our land.”
Speaking at the event also, former President Goodluck Jonathan congratulated the new couple and their parents and wished them a successful married life.
In his remarks, Ishaku said he was overwhelmed by the large turnout of Nigerians at the event.
The governor stated, “This is the fourth child I am giving in marriage and anytime this kind of occasion comes up, you give me your overwhelming support. I thank all our people, who have come in their numbers. The traditional rulers from Taraba, Gombe states, and other states, who are all here. Senators. Members of House of Representatives, members of Taraba State House of Assembly.
“I want to specially thank the governor of Kaduna State, who had to leave to attend a function in Lagos. I want to thank him for the security arrangements he made. This is like a marriage of interrelationship. I grew up seven years in the kindergarten in Wusasa, Zaria. I know the grandparents of the girl very very well; they were our fathers and mothers in those days.
“The father of the bride is my elder brother and so, he is giving his daughter to his younger brother. I want to appreciate him, I want to thank him. They all have our blessings. We pray for them, we know that their marriage will be one of its kind and a marriage that will be copied by others.”
