I appointed trusted party members, says Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has come out in defence of the political appointments he has made so far, saying he chose those he trusted.

The President has, in the past weeks, come under serious criticism for what many considered as the lopsided appointments he has made so far.

But Buhari, in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service on Tuesday, said the Constitution allowed him full control over the choice of his closest officials.

Noting that he was not ignoring any section of the country in his appointments, he said he preferred his most trusted associates to be his closet officials.

On the controversy generated by the appointments, Buhari said it was the nature of Nigerian politics, adding: “If they will do justice to me, as an elected Nigerian president, let them look at the Constitution a Nigerian president works with; there are people who will closely work with me that don’t need to be taken to the Senate.

If I select people I know quite well in my political party, all the way right from the APP, CPC and APC, and have remained together in good or bad situation, the people I have confidence in and can trust them with any post, will that amount to anything wrong?

He said he has been through trying times with his appointees, asking: “What then is the reward of such dedication and suffering?

“They did not defect because of positions, they did not involve themselves in the pursuit of personal gains, and they accepted their fate throughout our trying moments. What is wrong if I make you the secretary (of the Federal Government) because I have confidence that things will go normal?” he said.

Commenting on the missing Chibok girls, Buhari said Boko Haram have scattered the girls, and are guarding them at dispersed locations.

He said, “Most of the girls are Christians and were forced to embrace Islam. And the sect’s cruel leaders have married some of the girls, obviously against their wish. Others have been left to practice their religion but their condition could hardly be ascertained.

“Both ground and air security personnel in the Sambisa forest could spot where the girls are, but since the insurgents have also kidnapped housewives and other women, no one could say whether they mixed them or how they dispersed.”