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2023: We respect Nigerians, will allow them vote who they want, says President Buhari

EditorAugust 30, 2022

3 minutes read

President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, receiving in audience Progressive Governors' Forum (PGF) in Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday 30th August 2022.

*We ‘re ready to accept any negotiations with ASUU, Govs tell President

By BASHIR ADEFAKA

President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday in Abuja assured Nigerians that the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) will continue to bequeath strong political institutions that reflect their choices, through non-interference in elections, citing outcome of polls in Ekiti, Anambra and Osun States as indicators.

President Buhari, who was speaking while receiving members of Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) led by their Chairman and Governor of Kebbi State, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, noted that non-interference in elections gives credence to the political process, ensures participation and inclusiveness, and shows that the governing party respects the electorate.

The President, in a statement issued after the meeting by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said APC, under his leadership, will continue to respect Nigerians by ensuring that their votes count and the people’s voice matter in choosing political leaders at different levels.

He also assured citizens that he will not allow anyone to use personal resources or influence to intimidate other Nigerians, particularly, during the electioneering exercise, vowinig that his administration will not create room for the money bags to use any form of intimidation, be it materially, morally or physically in the general elections.

He spoke just as the Nigerian governors said that they were ready to accept any negotiations with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which would lead to resolution of contentious issues.

The President was quoted in the statement titled, “WHY I BELIEVE IN NON-INTERFERENCE IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS”, signed by Adesina as saying that the successes of Anambra, Ekiti and Osun states governorship elections, recently, were signs that his government has done well.

“I want Nigerians to know that we respect them, and for us to show that we will allow them to vote who they want.

“We all witnessed what happened in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun States. What happened in those states gives me a lot of hope that we are succeeding.’’

For the 2023 elections, President Buhari said the government will also ensure that Nigerians don’t get intimidated, or humiliated by those in positions, or the more privileged.

“We will not allow anyone to use personal resources or their influence to intimidate other Nigerians. We will not allow intimidations materially, morally or physically. This is the kind of leadership that can emerge and consolidate our nation.

“In six months, Nigerians will appreciate the government of APC that we are sincere and we respect them,’’ he added.

President Buhari urged the party’s political leaders to intensity efforts in “thinking, meeting and strategizing for the 2023 elections.’’

In his remarks, the Chairman of the PGF thanked the President for his leadership, guided by wisdom and foresight, affirming that the Nigerian economy had been growing, in spite of challenges.

“We want to congratulate you on the positive trajectory of the economy, with the 3.5 per cent growth in the second quarter, up from 3.1 per cent of the first quarter of this year. Infrastructure projects are ongoing in parts of the country, and the social intervention programme is expanding,’’ Bagudu stated.

The governor said the growth trajectory had defied initial predictions of some multilateral institutions, affirming that the World Bank and others had acknowledged the resilience of the economy, and reviewed their positions.

“Your Excellency, as we speak, there is drought in Europe and China. The Ukraine-Russia war is taking a toll on economies. In the UK, there is rationing of electricity, and energy shortages in China.

“While other countries are banning food export, we are preparing for more production, in spite of floods in places like Jigawa State. We note your instruction for the release of 40,000 tonnes of grains.

“We also note efforts on improving security and measures to cut oil theft,’’ he said.

The PGF Chairman told the President that some APC governors were contesting elections for second term in 2023 with impressive records in their first term.

“We note the pronouncement of ASUU. We recall the appeal of the President to ASUU while we were visiting Daura that they should consider the future of students.

We will not dwell on that now. We are ready to accept any negotiations for resolution,’’ Bagudu added.

The Kebbi State Governor commended Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, and Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, for their steadfastness and stewardship.

Other photographs from the meeting below:

EditorAugust 30, 2022

3 minutes read

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2023: We respect Nigerians, will allow them vote who they want, says President Buhari

*We ‘re ready to accept any negotiations with ASUU, Govs tell President

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