The acting Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has reiterated his commitment to live up to the expectations of Nigerians.
He said: “I will do my best not to fail the nation.’’
Abubakar gave the promise on Sunday in Abuja when the First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan, paid him a condolence visit to commiserate with him on the death of his wife, Maryam.
“Your visit today is a great pillar of encouragement to me and my family because as you said, this is the time I need my wife the most because she cared about me and the kids.
“I served this country in various locations and I could do that because someone was in the home encouraging me. This is someone I have lived with for over twenty years.
“I thank you for this support and I pledge to do my best to serve this country. I will not fail this nation because this nation is greater than all of us.’’
Earlier, Mrs Jonathan, while expressing her condolence, said she would have loved to use the opportunity of her first visit to congratulate the police boss on his appointment.
“I would have loved to use the opportunity of my first visit here to congratulate you, but here we are on condolence visit.
“Although I never met the late Maryam, I heard of how good she was.
“What came to my mind immediately I heard of her death was that I will not see or get to know her. I would have loved to encourage and support her.
“This is when you need a woman to support and advise you, but God will advise you and support you because He knows best. May God give you the strength to be the children’s father and mother.
“We know sorry is not enough, but we cannot question God because He knows the best. I pray God will grant the family fortitude to bear the loss.
“I, on behalf of Nigerian women, pledge our support to you.’’
The wife of the Vice President, Amina Sambo and the wives of some ministers accompanied the First Lady on the visit.