President
Muhammadu Buhari, Friday, met with the executives of the All Progressives
Congress, APC, party and the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, at the Banquet
Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Among those who attended the
meeting were PDP members whose delegation was led by its national
caretaker committee chairman, Ahmed Makarfi.
The APC’s
delegation was led by its national chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun.
Makarfi, at the meeting told Buhari that PDP “will give you a
good run for your money and constantly keeping you on your toes as we all
strive to make this country better.”
Makarfi gave the statement when he assured the President that
PDP will play its role of opposition decently and responsively.
President Buhari, in the meeting, had told the APC and PDP
executives that the meeting was not a political gathering but signified unity
of Nigeria. He said opposition does not mean hostility or antagonism because
democracy which Nigeria practices recognises and, in fact needs opposition that
is vibrant but responsible.
According to Buhari, “I thank you sincerely, collectively and individually
for finding time from your busy schedules to come all the way to Abuja and
welcome me back home.
“This visit signifies the unity of Nigeria. It is not a party
occasion. It is not a political gathering. It is a symbol of our National
unity. It is also an expression of the maturity of our democracy.
“Multi-party democracy is a very tried and tested form of
government. Opposition does not mean hostility, enmity or antagonism. Democracy
needs opposition, one which is vibrant but responsible.
“I am very pleased to see you assembled here all shades of
opinion in Nigeria. Please convey to our countrymen and women in your
respective states my deep gratitude to all those who prayed for my recovery. I
am imploring all Nigerians to continue praying for peace and prosperity in
Nigeria.
“I thank you so much God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
However, in his remarks, the PDP national caretaker committee
chairman, Ahmed Makarfi assured the president of PDP’s cooperation in ensuring
good governance to the people.
He said, “this we shall do by giving you a good run for your
money and constantly keeping you on your toes as we all strive to make this
country better.”
“Mr President, you will agree with me that the PDP has more than
a fair knowledge and experience of the weight of that responsibility.”
“Mr President, I want to reiterate our offer and assurances of
PDP’s cooperation with the government on any programme sincerely designed to
take Nigeria to higher levels. We identify with, and will continue to support
the fight against terrorism as well as other crimes that have sneaked into our
consciousness like kidnapping and banditry, as well as farmers/herdsmen clashes
and other crimes camouflaged as such and all other anti-social vices that slow
down our nation’s wheels of progress.”
Makarfi said PDP is happy and joins “our compatriots in
welcoming you back home from your medical vacation. We thank Him for your
recovery even as we pray that He continues to guide and guard you as well as
give you greater strength to shoulder the onerous responsibilities of your
office, for the betterment of our country.
“It is on record Mr President that while you were away, being
the major position party in the country did not stop us from praying for your
quick recovery and return to Nigeria.
He said, “This is because we honestly believe that the
President of our country, whatever party flag he or she flies, is our
president; and his or her health, is substantially linked with the nation’s
health in so many ways.
“So a prayer for the health Mr. President, we believe is a
prayer for the good health of our country.
“That was why at several fora, we did, and enjoined others,
irrespective of party affiliation, to pray for your quick recovery. It is a
thing of joy, that Allah has answered our prayers.”
“There is no way we can have a respectable voice in the comity
of civilized nations until we rebuild our institutions and imbue them with the
necessary independence and confidence that will improve both their visage and
standing with the citizenry The government should lead the charge in this
regard by, especially, exhibiting greater respect to judicial pronouncements as
well as respecting the fundamental rights of all Nigerians.
“The PDP as a great believer in the unity of this country will
also partner with the government in any way(s) that will strengthen our
historic bond and rebuild bridges of our beautiful relationships that seem to
be cracking at the moment. Mr President, we once again express our sincere
happiness at your recovery and return home. We wish you more good health,
strength and God’s guidance”, Makarfi said.
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