Amidst tight security, President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurated projects executed by Governor Nasir el-Rufai during his two-day official visit to Kaduna State on Thursday.
The President who flew in from Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area of the state, landed at the rebuilt multi-purpose Murtala Mohammed Square at exactly 11.45am where he inaugurated the complex.
Also, while inaugurating the Kawo bridge, the President recalled how he was almost bombed near the bridge while travelling to Katsina in July 2014.
The President, at the time an aspirant, was caught in an explosion at the busy Kawu market area.
Although he escaped unhurt, his vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser, and another one behind it were badly damaged, reports at the time said.
During the commissioning of the Kawu Bridge on Thursday, Governor Nasir El-Rufai recalled the incident.
The Governor at the event said;
It is my great honour and privilege, Mr President, to bring you to the Kawu Flyover. Mr President will recall this bridge very well because it was just under this bridge that Boko Haram tried to kill you.
By the grace of God, you are still alive, you are with us and God preserved you so that you will lead us and inspire us to do some of what we are doing.
While responding, Buhari, who is on a two-day visit to the northwest state to commission some projects, thanked God for sparing his life.
He recalled how the terrorists “wanted to blow me but my escort somehow stopped them”.
Buhari expressed;
They wanted to blow me (up). But my escort somehow stopped them. Before we came to this bridge, they became so desperate and there was a small market or something like that here.
They exploded the device (bomb). God protected us and here I am again. Thank you very much, Your Excellency, and remarkably, you became my governor. I don’t think I have any input (in your becoming the governor).
Zainab Ahmed also became my minister of finance. I didn’t know she is a daughter of a gentleman I respect and go to his house. This is a fabulous coincidence and I thank God for it. Therefore, I have taken your loyalty for granted.
See some photos from the ceremony below;
