FROM JULIANA TAIWO-OBALONYE, ABUJA

PRESIDENT Muham­madu Buhari has expressed optimism that Nigeria will survive the current socio-economic challenges.

This is even as he has ap­pealed to the Nigerian elite to be more patriotic and partner with his adminis­tration to make life more meaningful to ordinary Ni­gerians.

He said this Thursday night during the breaking of fast dinner with retired and serving Justices of the Supreme Court at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

He described some elite who are bent on killing the nation’s economy through illegal and sharp practices as selfish.

According to Buhari, God has been good to Nigeria in terms of material and hu­man resources but the elite had failed woefully in trans­lating them to prosperity for the country.

He enjoined the Justices to assist in re-educating and convincing the elite on the need to be more patriotic in their actions and deeds to create a just, fair and stable society.

“So, at this age, at the position we are, more de­mands are made on us to persuade those we know, the elites to please pity this country and make more sacrifices.

“At whatever forum, please persuade our fellow elite to be more patriotic. Which kind of country are we leaving for our children and our grand children?

“Everybody in the world believed Nigeria has been favoured by God Almighty in terms of material and hu­man resources. But we have woefully failed so far to ex­plore it and thank God for these gifts.

“Let us pray to God Al­mighty that our colleagues outside there who are hav­ing the influence with the rest of the people and hold­ing the economy, sit and reflect and make sure that this country gets what it de­serves from its leadership at various stages. I hope this will help to digest what we have just eaten”, he said.

President Buhari noted that in the last 15 years, the nation enjoyed so much prosperity but today it is being threatened by secu­rity crisis in the North East, and in Niger Delta but we know we got the strength to survive it and survive it we must.

The president reminded his guests that Nigeria was in a difficult position occa­sioned by the dwindling oil revenue and called on them to continue to pray for the country.

He, however, expressed optimism that the country would survive the current socio-economic challenges.