Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has sworn-in the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Engr. Babachir David Lawal, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.

The President conducted the oath ceremony on Monday at a brief ceremony held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The President did not speak after the ceremony.

But the new SGF, Lawal in a response to the criticisms that have trailed their appointments, said that they were not appointed due to their tribes, religion or political affiliation. He also promised that he and his colleagues will not fail the country.

“We did not have to pass any examination to get appointed into these positions, not because of our tribes, or our faiths, or our political groups that we were considered worthy for these positions.

“If it is such, I am sure none of us would have been considered worthy of these appointments. We appreciate the President and we appreciate God that he has blessed us with these privileged appointments,” Lawal added.

He expressed appreciation to the President for what he described as his vision, wisdom, kindness and boldness to consider him and his colleagues for “worthy for positions of responsibilities,” said.

“It is a privilege to serve Nigerians in these capacities at this point in time. Nigeria is at the threshold of achieving greatness and it is our honour and privilege to be senior members of the team that will propel the country to this greatness.

“We have in you and the vice president leaders that lead by examples, leaders that are focused, whose goal is to build a Nigeria where there is liberty, security, economic prosperity and the rule of law.

“We are grateful that we are part of the team to deliver this goal. Accept our assurances that by the grace of God, we will not fail you, we will not fail our country.

” Also, we will not fail ourselves, our families and our friends. By the grace of God, we will not fail you either. We will strive at all times to serve our country and to serve you with excellence and hardwork,” he added.

While Adesina was appointed by the President as his special adviser on media and publicity on May 31, Monguno was appointed the NSA with the Service Chiefs on July 13. Lawal was named the SGF last Thursday.