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President Muhammadu Buhari says he has no plan whatsoever to groom a successor for the 2023 presidential election.

The president stated this while reacting to one of the requests made by the members of progressives in academics, who visited him at the State House, Abuja on Tuesday.

The spokesperson of the group, Dr Bolariwa Bolajim had earlier enjoined the president to commence the proceed of grooming his successor, who would take over the mantle of leadership from him in 2023

Bolaji said: “We are delighted having you and in another four-year time you would want to go and rest – then who takes over from you?

“We are suggesting that you bring a vibrant youths among people who have shown interest, bring them in so that you start saddling them with responsibilities and you will be watching them over these next four years so that when you want to leave the circle, you would have vibrant youths to hand over to.

“This is one of the ways the gains of this government can be made to be continues – so that there will be continuity in what you are doing.’’

However, President Buhari said he would rather stay away from identifying anybody as his successor so as not to create problem for such a person.

The president said: “To me this is very funny.  I think if I identify anybody I’d create more problem for him or for her.

“So, I’d rather keep my mouth shut. Let those who would want to be president try as much as I did. And I believe that those who are interested know that I tried three times.

“And the first time, I thank God and technology, PVC. Before, they just go to the television and they read the results. They say anybody who disagreed should go to court.

“And most of my supporters are looking for next day’s meal. They don’t have money to give to lawyers. So I said God dey. So, the first time God and technology came along , PVC they couldn’t rig the election so I won.

The president, therefore, challenged the youths to continue to work harder, saying that they should not take things for granted.

“I tried to work hard but I think you have a lot more to do you as intellectuals so that you correctly document Nigeria’s political development. It’s very important for the next generation.

“A lot of our young chaps are taking things for granted. Imagine to contest election three times ending up in Supreme Court three times. It needs a lot of conviction you know, and hard work.

“But people take success for granted. They say, ah, he’s the president. They think it’s just closed my eyes and I got it? The president asked rhetorically,;; he added.

The Members of the progressives in Academics, who were drawn from different tertiary institutions across the country, presented three proposals on revitalization of education, power and agriculture  to the president possible approval.

The Presidency has lauded the diligence of the senate for confirming the ministerial nominees, whilst also ensuring a swift and efficient process.

Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, made the commendation in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said: ”The people of Nigeria want results, and with this list of ministers, we are confident they shall be delivered. Specific portfolios shall be assigned with the inauguration of the cabinet.

”This is a fine, capable and committed group of individuals. Working together, they shall help achieve what we all want and labour toward: a secure, prosperous, corruption-free nation in which nobody is left behind, and talents can flourish.

“The executive approaches this 9th National Assembly with a renewed spirit of openness and enthusiasm.

”Where once we sometimes found impasse, we welcome collaboration; where once suspicion took hold, together, we shall demonstrate mutual trust.”

According to the presidential aide, scrutiny should never mean deadlock but proper governance.

He, therefore, expressed optimism that the 9th National Assembly and the executive arm of government would deliver the dividends of democracy to Nigerians in the shortest possible time.

”And with a new swathe of national legislators and ministers, we are confident the executive and the legislature can – in partnership – unleash the change Nigerians deserve,” he added.

The Senate had on Tuesday confirmed 43 nominees as ministers of the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

President Muhammadu Buhari had on July 23 released the list of 43 nominees to senate for screening and confirmation as ministers.

Following the submission, the senate had on July 24 began the screening of the nominees to determine their suitability for the position.

The screening which lasted for five days came to an end on July 30.

Many of the nominees were asked to take a bow, while few of them were subjected to questions.

The “take a bow” syndrome that dominated the screening exercise was the tradition of the senate to excuse nominees who have had legislative background.

The senate also hinged the reason for asking female nominees to take a bow on the gender sensitive nature of the senate among other reasons.

Following a voice vote for the confirmation of the individual nominees, the senate at plenary confirmed the 43 nominees.(NAN)

Mr Henry Adewumi, Deputy Registrar of West African Examinations Council (WAEC) in charge of School Registration on Wednesday said that President Muhammadu Buhari, obtained a Cambridge University West African Examination certificate with five credits.

Adewumi, made this known while testifying before the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal in Abuja.

NAN reports that Buhari on Tuesday opened his defence against the petition filed by the PDP and its candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

NAN reports that the PDP and Abubakar, alleged in their petition challenging the victory of Buhari’, that results were transmitted to a central server managed by INEC.

The two witnesses, Abba Kyari, two former secondary school mates testified to having obtained Cambridge University West Africa Examination Certificate in 1961. (NAN)

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