The Special Adviser on Media and
Publicity to the President, Femi Adesina, has outlined how President Muhammadu
Buhari has made Nigerians proud of their country.
Adesina also said he was proud to
be a Nigerian.
In an article he entitled, “PMB
AT ICC: PROUD TO BE NIGERIAN”, Adesina reeled out how the world adulates Buhari
for his integrity, honesty and leadership qualities.
He equally noted that Nigerians
do not value Buhari much as other countries do, adding that a prophet is not
regarded in his own country.
“Truly, a prophet often has more
honour outside, than in his own country. But then, this prophet undoubtedly has
honour everywhere,” he wrote.
The Presidential aide in the
article he made available to newsmen in Abuja, added, “I’ve seen him address the
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Seen him speak at AU
(African Union) summits.
“[I’ve] Seen him address the
European Parliament at Salzburg, France. Watched him speak to the world a
number of times at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
“And on Tuesday, July 17, 2018,
he stood ramrod straight to address the International Criminal Court (ICC) at
The Hague, Netherlands. It was a time one felt tremendously proud to be
Nigerian.
“I have been on the entourage of
President Muhammadu Buhari to scores of countries round the world; I have seen
how he is well respected by global leaders, and how that reverence rubs off on
Nigeria.
“I tell you, despite all the
challenges our country currently faces, we have a leader the world adulates.
His honesty, integrity, transparency, love for his country, personal
discipline, and many others, are stuff that fairy tales are made of.
“At 9.35 a.m Tuesday, President
Buhari was ushered into the main hall of the ICC at The Hague. He stood ramrod
straight, in a way that belies his age of 75. Before taking his seat, he bowed
reverently to the 17 judges, resplendent in their blue robes and white
mufflers.
“The judges were picked from all
regions of the world, and four of them were Blacks. Out of those four, the
President, Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji, is Nigerian.
“All hail our own dear native
land! Judge Eboe-Osuji gave the opening remarks, which dwelt on the history of
ICC, its successes, and how it could do a lot better in the immediate future.
“Turning 20 was a landmark, he
stressed, and that was why the Nigerian leader had been invited to present a
Keynote Address. President Buhari was invited to the podium.
“Another bow and those brisk
strides again! A man they said had died, and been secretly buried this time
last year. God is awesome.
“That familiar voice came, and
one never felt prouder to be Nigerian. The Fulani man, whom some people have
tried (and still keep trying) to demonize, demean, and de-market, was
addressing the world again.
“He was addressing a global
audience, and people who mattered on this terra firma, were all ears, catching
his every word. Again, I’m really proud to be Nigerian. What did the keynote
speaker say? He first commended Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji, saying Nigeria was
proud of him.
“He then delved into the history
of the ICC, saying it was inspired by the Nuremberg trials after World War 2,
which held people accountable for crimes against humanity, war crimes, crimes
of genocide, and aggression.
“Such court, President Buhari
noted, signposts hope for justice to many, and the world surely needs it. A
strong ICC, the keynote speaker added, is a catalyst for other justice efforts,
expanding the reach of accountability.
“And then his prescriptions,
going forward: Let the court make room for hearing serious cases of corruption
by state actors that severely compromise the development efforts of countries
and throw citizens into greater poverty.
“Also, the court could include
cases of illicit financial flows where countries are complicit and obstruct
repatriation of stolen assets.
“As AU Champion of
Anti-corruption, these are issues dear to my heart,” President Buhari stressed.
“Before concluding his address,
the Nigerian President urged the ICC to avoid bias or political motivations in
its dealings, and also challenged more states to accede to the Rome Statute,
the 20th Anniversary of which was being marked.
“He ended on a bright and cheery
note. As Nigeria prepares for general elections next year, the process would be
free and fair. There would be no repeat of the 2011 post-election riots and
loss of lives, which led the ICC to commence preliminary investigations against
Nigeria.
“The applause was thunderous, as
a man of integrity, Mai Gaskiya (the honest man) concluded his address. It was
a day of glory for Nigeria, and all Nigerians of goodwill.”
This same president that doesn't obey court orders and has ruined our economy.
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