President
Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice, Prof.
Yemi Osinbajo met with the leadership of the ruling APC and opposition
PDP at the State House on Friday.
It was the
first bipartisan meeting ever presided over by Buhari.
President
Buhari thanked the leaders for attending the meeting. He also thanked those who
prayed for his recovery while in the U.K. for medical treatment.
Here is the
President’s short speech:
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.
Earlier, the
National Chairman, Caretaker Committee, PDP, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, said that his
party believed that opposition was no madness and would therefore, never wish
ill of anybody, let alone the president.
He said that
the president was saddled with the responsibility of leading the country, and
deserved everyone’s prayer and support.
According to
him, PDP is poised to play the role of responsible opposition party
energetically, vibrantly, but very decently and with all sense of
responsibility.
“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.
“We assure
you of our cooperation as much as the opposition can possibly give to enable
you give your best in the process of navigating the ship of our state to a
better tomorrow.
“We are glad
to note that already the legislators of our party are cooperating with those of
the majority party in both arms of the National Assembly to ensure a smooth
legislative sail for the system.
“We are also
proud of the contributions of our governors to the deliberations and other
activities of both the National Council of State and the National Economic
Council,’’ he said.
Makarfi
reiterated the offer and assurances of PDP’s cooperation with the government on
any programme sincerely designed to take Nigeria to higher levels.
He stated
that the party would continue to identify with and support the fight against
terrorism as well as other crimes like kidnapping and banditry and
farmers/herdsmen clashes.
“We also
offer our support for the fight against corruption and appeal that the
institutions saddled with this onerous task be given the necessary
encouragement and independence to do the right thing.
“This will
help in further strengthening our institutions and insulating them from undue
political interferences. It will also help to give them a more credible outlook
in the eyes of the public.
“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.
“This will
improve both their visage and standing with the citizenry,’’ he added.
Makarfi,
however, challenged the government to lead the change in strengthening the
institutions, “especially in exhibiting greater respect to judicial
pronouncements as well as respecting the fundamental rights of all Nigerians’’.
He assured
that the PDP as “a great believer in the unity of the country’’ would also
partner the government in any way that would strengthen the nation’s historic
bond.
On his part,
National Chairman of APC, Mr John Odigie-Oyegun, described the meeting as a
welcomed development, and assured that the party would continue to promote
harmonious political environment in the country.
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